Drama

From page to stage: experience every aspect of acting and theatre at UEA

Drama at UEA is for those who love acting and theatre in all its forms. You won’t be limited to a single role. Instead, you’ll gain experience across the full spectrum of theatre-making.

You’ll work in a professional-standard drama studio, collaborate with industry partners and be part of a close-knit creative community.

Practical work and critical thinking go hand in hand, allowing you to develop your craft while deepening your understanding of theatre. You’ll graduate as a fully rounded theatre professional, ready for a career in the creative industries and armed with an array of transferable skills for employment in other professions, too.

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Why choose Drama at UEA?

Top15

for Drama

Complete University Guide 2026

2^nd

for Graduate Prospects in Drama

Complete University Guide 2026

90%

go on to work or further study within 15 months of graduating

Discover Uni

Perform, direct and create

From day one, you’ll be immersed in theatre-making. Whether you’re acting, directing, writing, stage managing, or designing, you’ll have numerous opportunities to get involved in performances and productions. We actively encourage you to take creative risks, experiment with new styles, and develop your own artistic voice.

Our campus drama studio is the heart of our drama degrees. This professional-standard space, with a 150+ seat theatre, is where you’ll learn, rehearse, experiment and stage your work.

Bring your productions to life

In your final year, you'll get the chance to take part in staging a full-scale production, taking on every aspect of the creative process - from lighting and costume to acting, directing, and marketing. This experience mirrors the demands of professional theatre, ensuring you graduate with the confidence to step into the industry.

We also have long-term relationships with regional and national companies, such as INK Festival, Norwich Theatre, HighTide and Norwich Puppet Theatre where UEA students can direct, perform, and share work, giving you recurring opportunities to work with industry professionals.

Build your career in the creative industries

Our drama degrees provide you with the skills to succeed in a range of creative and professional roles. Our second-year Creative Industries module is designed to focus on employability, helping you build connections, develop career pathways and gain a deeper understanding of the sector. You’ll also be able to take placements and internships to gain real-world work experience in a relevant profession.

Our graduates go on to work in:

Acting, directing and playwriting
Stage and production management
Theatre and festival production
Film, television and digital media
Arts education and outreach
Commercial marketing and arts administration

Grow your connections in the industry

Our graduate network is strong, and these connections will support you in launching your career in the theatre or creative industries. Our graduates love to offer support and networking opportunities, often returning to run workshops and Q&A panels. The UEA Ensemble LAB also offers continued training for alumni and supports them in finding job opportunities. Whether you’re looking for professional advice or creative collaborations, you’ll be part of a community that helps you take your next steps with confidence.

Train with theatre professionals

You’ll be taught by experienced practitioners who are also active in the industry. They are actors, directors, playwrights, and producers, bringing their expertise into the classroom and rehearsal space.

We also have strong partnerships with professional theatre companies, including:

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)
Theatre Royal Norwich
The Garage and other local theatre companies

Throughout your degree, you’ll take part in workshops led by visiting professionals and be encouraged to engage with theatre beyond the university.

Find the right course for you

Your study options

Year in Industry options

Explore courses with a year in industry

Year Abroad options

Explore courses with a year abroad

Foundation Year option

Explore Foundation Year course

Literature and Drama students in a seminar

Join a community

Drama at UEA is a close-knit community where your creative development will be supported by staff and fellow students. You’ll collaborate across year groups, constantly learn from others, share ideas and build creative relationships that shape your work and experience.

Literature and Drama students talking in the Sainsbury Centre cafe

Be part of our student-led theatre company

Minotaur, UEA’s student-led theatre company, is the heart of the drama community. It’s a space to experiment, collaborate and grow alongside like-minded people. Each year, students stage multiple productions, taking on every role - from directing and performing to producing original work. These shows are regularly taken to Edinburgh Fringe, giving you the chance to be part of one of the world’s greatest celebrations of arts and culture.

Hear about our student Daisi's favourite things about studying Drama at UEA

My drama degree gave me specific skills which are directly transferable to my current post. I am a good communicator, confident with public speaking, making presentations and ‘selling’ myself and my organisation. I enjoy working in a team and can judge when to take the lead and when to take a step back. I am never happier than when having to think on my feet and improvise to find solutions to problems, and I think creatively about how a desired outcome can be achieved.

Ellie, BA Drama graduate and Charity CEO

Your next steps

Ready to explore the courses we offer in Drama?

Or join us for a subject taster session to get a feel for what it's like to study Drama at UEA.

We also hold regular webinars on a broad range of topics about university, like personal statements, student finance, and life as a student.

All Drama courses Subject tasters and webinars