COURSE CURRICULUM

The Theatre and Performance BA (Hons) at Northumbria University is a practice-led program that combines creative exploration, critical study, and professional development to prepare students for careers in theatre and the performing arts. In the first year, students engage with core modules that introduce big ideas in theatre and performance, practical performance encounters, performance explorations, and urgent contemporary issues, while international and EU students receive academic language support. This year focuses on building foundational knowledge and practical skills in performance and critical analysis. The second year develops applied and interdisciplinary learning through core modules in arguments for theatre, contemporary theatre-making, applied theatre practice, investigating theatre, and performance in urban contexts. Students can also choose optional modules in digital performance and performer training to further enhance their skills, with continued academic language support for international and EU students. In the final year, students consolidate their learning through a performance dissertation and a major performance project, alongside a core module exploring performance and creative economies. Optional modules allow students to specialize in areas such as future practices in performer training, popular performance, and the politics of fear in performance. Across all years, the program integrates hands-on practice, research, and critical reflection, equipping students with the creativity, versatility, and professional skills needed to succeed as theatre practitioners and leaders in the performing arts industry.