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 do graduates do and earn?

5. What qualifications do you need?

6. What degrees can you study?

7. How will you be assessed?

8. 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 be a good choice for you.

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.

Read our five reasons to study Drama, Dance & Cinematics for more information on why you might choose to study this subject area.

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.

What do graduates do and earn?

In the infographic below, the first table shows what graduates of Drama, Dance & Cinematics have gone on to do in the months after their graduation.

The second table shows the average salaries of undergraduate Drama, Dance & Cinematics students entering employment. The three skill levels – high, medium and low – reflect the UK's Standard Occupational Classification's major groups 1–3, 4–6 and 7–9 respectively. 

Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18

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 MAs in Ballet Studies, Choreography, Advanced Performance, Vocal Studies, Applied Theatre and Dramatic Therapy.