Explore film theory and film-making from all over the world, as well as different modes of performance with our BA (Hons) Drama and Film degree in Cambridge.
With our BA (Hons) Drama and Film degree, you’ll explore the latest theory and practice in both fields as we help you to grow into a confident, versatile and exciting drama and film practitioner with transferable skills to suit whichever field you hope to work in.
As part of the drama provision of your studies, you’ll work on public-productions and smaller-scale projects, exploring practices and texts from the 20th century onwards as well as working on original pieces.
The film provision of your studies will see you exploring the language and convention of drama and film, taking in some of the key movements in history from Hollywood cinema through to more experimental modes of performance.
You’ll also have the chance to weight your studies to prepare for a career in the arts or fields such as teaching - get ready to change the way others see the world.
Performance is at the core of our Drama and Film degree here at ARU, whether you’re in front of or behind the camera. You’ll follow an experiential, 'learning-through-doing' programme. Your degree will see you choosing from a range of career-focused optional modules, completing a 100% practical Major Project in either Drama or Film, and graduating with a professionally produced showreel and portfolio.
There are opportunities to gain valuable work experience throughout the course. Connect with Cambridge’s performance scene through our links to local networks such as Cambridge Arts Network and Cambridge Live. You’ll get the chance to perform in public venues around Cambridge as well as in our own Mumford Theatre and Covent Garden Studio.
As part of your studies, you’ll see your films screened at Cambridge Arts Picturehouse and other public venues, and get involved behind-the-scenes at local events - thanks to our connections with organisations such as Take One magazine and Cambridge Film Festival.
Experience being part of a professional troupe with our very own Community Theatre Company, and perform and collaborate with other creative industries students.
Develop your technical and production skills in our specialist facilities, with full training and support from our technical staff. As part of your Drama and Film course at ARU, you’ll have access to all of our creative industries facilities including our on-campus Mumford Theatre for workshops, rehearsals and putting on shows, as well as seeing professional touring companies and musicians; two dedicated drama studios, including a highly flexible black-box performance space; a dance rehearsal room including audio playback facilities, portable dance mirrors, gymnastic mats and a sprung floor; and an additional rehearsal space.
You’ll also have the opportunity to broaden your experience on one of our fields trips with past trips including Venice, Italy. You might even choose to study abroad for a semester, with funding available to help cover the cost.
We work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need. They help us review what we teach and how we teach it – and they offer hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.
One of our recent students, Oliver Scott, formed Momentum Theatre after graduating, and now leads acting workshops as well as being a radio presenter, director and professional actor.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our renowned MA Dramatherapy or MA Film and Television Production. With our Alumni Scholarship, you’ll even get 20% off your fees as an ARU graduate.
Course Details - Modules
Year one, core modules
Staging and Reception
Staging and Production
Performance Contexts 1A
Performance Contexts 1B
Introduction to Film and Cinema
Introduction to Video 1
Year one, optional modules
Introduction to Global Cinema
Introduction to Video 2
Year two, core modules
Theorising Spectatorship
Making Performance
The Body in Performance
Classical Hollywood Cinema
Year two, optional modules
Documentary Film Theory
Cinema and Sound
Independent Cinema: US and Beyond
Animation
New Media Performance
Non-Fiction Filmmaking
Design for Performance
Performance Practitioners
Year three, core modules
Devising Performance
Major Project
Year three, optional modules
Narrative in Global Cinema
Special Topics in Film Studies
Independent Film Practice 1
Working in English and Media
Special Subject
Contemporary Texts
Performance and Identity
Principles of Music Therapy and Dramatherapy
Avant-garde Film and Experimental Video
Multiplexed: Contemporary Popular Cinema
Optional modules available all years
Anglia Language Programme
Course Details – Assessment Method
For a full breakdown of module options and credits, please view the module structure.
You’ll demonstrate your learning through essays, reports, critical reflections, presentations, studio and public performances and a major project, which may include practical work.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
WP4H
Institution code:
A60
Campus Name:
Cambridge Campus
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
96 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent), preferably to include Drama, Theatre Studies or a related subject.
UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent), preferably to include Drama, Theatre Studies or a related subject.
2020 Entry requirements are under review for the next cycle and have been published using the current cycle information. Please check back when apply opens for the exact requirements.
If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
