Guide to studying Drama, Dance & Cinematics

CONTENTS

1. What's Drama, Dance & Cinematics?

2. Why study Drama, Dance & Cinematics?

3. What jobs can you get as a Drama, Dance & Cinematics graduate?

4. What qualifications do you need?

5. What degrees can you study?

6. How will you be assessed?

7. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

What's Drama, Dance & Cinematics?

Drama is, typically, the performance of fiction, and dance is the performance of a specially selected and ordered series of bodily movements. Cinematics, meanwhile, is the performance of dance and drama designed for film and tv.

Similar courses for Drama, Dance & Cinematics include: 

• Dance 
• Drama 
• Cinematics & Photography

Why study Drama, Dance & Cinematics?

If you want to be physically, mentally and creatively tested to the very peak of your capabilities, this subject area would a good choice for you. The range of possible courses which come under Drama, Dance & Cinematics is far reaching. The area of study does not simply come down to acting, dancing and directing.

You can study photography, visual and audio effects, animation, ballet, history of dance, choreography, theatre studies, world theatre and even circus arts. 

Most courses actively encourage work experience, and give you a real boost into the world of work. Tutors are usually ex-stars of stage and screen. They'll know the business inside out and pass that knowledge on to you.

Drama, Dance & Cinematics is relevant all over the world. By gaining a degree in photography, for example, and your travel opportunity is limitless. If you get a degree in film production you can film all over the world. If you're an actor, travel is part of the job. Drama, Dance & Cinematics degrees therefore offer you an international job market, post-graduation.

This area of study is perfect for mixing with another degree course, especially a humanities subject like History or English, as topics like film, photography, drama and theatre have a strong historical and literary context. 

What jobs can you get as a Drama, Dance & Cinematics graduate?

If you have the skills and talent, you could make it in this very profitable industry. As well as being an actor, particular job roles include community worker, dancer, drama therapist, director, presenter, teacher and lecturer, and stage manager.

Several professional organisations offer specialised positions for graduates, such as the National Opera.

Professional job: Usually needs a degree
Non-professional job: Doesn't usually need a degree

What qualifications do you need? 

Usually, no specific A Level subjects (or equivalent) are needed. However, some courses will require an audition, portfolio, workshop or interview.

Grades and other requirements vary between institutions. Always confirm the entry standards for the particular university and course you're interested in.

What degrees can you study?

• BA Drama and Visual Culture
• BA Drama and English
• BA Drama and a Modern Foreign language
• BA Dance and Drama

How will you be assessed?

Many performance subjects are assessed entirely through coursework. The methods used will depend on the module you study.

You'll be tested in essays and written analyses, seminars, mid-term tests, logs and work diaries, group work, peer assessments and physical performances. There's usually a dissertation in the third year of the course.

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of taught MAs and research degrees at postgraduate level include an MA in Ballet Studies, Choreography, Advanced Performance, Vocal Studies, Applied Theatre and Dramatic Therapy.