COURSE CURRICULUM

The Drama and Literature degree at Essex provides students with a broad and flexible curriculum that combines the study of theatre and literary texts, enabling them to explore the interplay between dramatic performance and written works. In the first year, students build a foundation in theatre and literature through core modules including introductory theatre studies, foundational literature courses, and practical workshops, while also having options to select additional literature or theatre modules according to their interests. The second year expands this foundation with compulsory theatre modules such as performance and production, alongside substantial literature modules, and gives students the flexibility to choose optional modules in literature, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific areas of interest. In the final year, students have a range of optional modules across theatre, literature, and film studies, while also completing a compulsory capstone project in either literature or theatre. This structure allows students to develop analytical, creative, and practical skills, including performance, writing, and critical interpretation, preparing them for careers in theatre, media, writing, or related creative industries. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical workshops, students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, enabling them to engage critically with texts and performances, develop their own creative voice, and understand the cultural and historical contexts of their work.