COURSE CURRICULUM

The History and Theatre Studies degree at Essex offers a comprehensive program that integrates historical inquiry with practical and theoretical theatre studies. In the first year, students begin by exploring challenging historical perspectives in modules such as Rebellious Pasts: Challenging and Creating Histories, alongside an introduction to theatre studies and foundational modules in performance and theory. Optional modules in history and theatre allow students to tailor their learning, while the Beyond the BA module equips them with essential skills for future academic and professional development. In the second year, students build on these foundations through practical theatre modules such as Tragedy and Theatre Writing and Acting and Directing Classical Texts, while continuing historical research and exploration through workshops and optional history modules. Opportunities to select from additional theatre or history modules give students flexibility to pursue their interests, and employability readiness is further supported through structured skill development. The final year emphasizes independent learning and creative production, with compulsory capstone options in history or theatre and a range of optional modules allowing in-depth specialization. Beyond the BA continues to guide students in preparing for graduate life, ensuring they leave with both strong academic knowledge and practical skills. This interdisciplinary approach cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and professional preparedness across both fields.