- UG Admissions
Admissions
If you are thinking of studying Theatre and Performance at Warwick, there are a number of questions you might be asking yourself. These might be:
- what sort of results will I need to get?
- What are the admissions tutors looking for when selecting people for interview?
- What will the course offer me?
- What teaching methods are used?
We've tried to provide some answers to these and other questions below. But if you can't find the answer to something you need to know, you can always contact: ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk
Q. What will the course offer me?
Q. How is the course taught?
Q. How is the course assessed?
Q. What kind of grades will I need?
Q. What ‘A’ Level Subjects Do I Need?
Q. What about General Studies and Key Skills?
Q. Can I take a Gap Year?
Q. How many students do you accept?
Q. What are the selection criteria?
Q. When should I apply?
Q. Will I be interviewed?
Q. When can I visit the department?
Q. How do I get to the department?
Q. What will the course offer me?
The Theatre and Performance Studies BA provides opportunities to study theatre and performance from the origins of theatre to contemporary performance practice in a stimulating and research-driven academic environment. In the first year, we aim to give you a broad understanding of different methodological and theoretical approaches to the study of theatre and performance. We explore the importance of theatre history to enable you to make critical, interpretative and creative judgements in the context of historical developments and change. We aim to introduce you to key theatrical innovators, theorists and practitioners that have revolutionised theatre practice in the twentieth century and to introduce ways of analysing performance texts, performance techniques, spaces and audiences. We will also consider the inter-disciplinary field of performance studies to begin to explore what it is about ‘performance’ that makes it such a vital artistic phenomenon. This area of study involves consideration of such issues as the body, liveness, the spaces/sites of performance, ritual and the politics of performance. You will also encounter a range of practical working methods and approaches in studio-based sessions that address such areas as adaptation, physical theatres, site-specific theatre, new writing and multi-media performance.
In the second and third years of the degree programme there are increasing opportunities to specialise in modern and contemporary areas of study through a range of practice-based and seminar-based modules including: political theatres, performance and the contemporary city, interpreting the theatrical past, exilic theatre, theatre and national identities, performance and text, women’s theatre, theatre in the community, writing for performance, european street arts and improvisation for performance.
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Q. How is the course taught?
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, small group seminars, practical workshops and theatre visits. Lectures combine traditional 'lecturing' or presentation of material with a high level of student interaction. Seminars give you an opportunity to clarify your understanding of lecture material and to discuss and test out your ideas in a supportive and informal atmosphere. Practical workshops are designed to develop your creative skills of devising and realising original material for a range of media. A vital component of the learning process will be your willingness to prepare for taught sessions by fully engaging in preparatory reading and developing ideas to contribute to discussions and practical work. Throughout your time at Warwick you will be encouraged to challenge traditional approaches, to voice your own critical responses and to develop your practical and analytical skills.
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Q. How is the course assessed?
The course is assessed through a combination of essays, portfolios, seminar presentations, practical projects, web-based projects, critical reviews and exams. Students pursue an extended research project in their final year that can be written, practical or a combination of both.
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Q. What kind of grades will I need?
Since the introduction of Curriculum 2000 (Advanced (A) and Advanced Subsidiary (AS) levels combined), it has been University policy to take account of AS levels in the offers it makes. We know that candidates work hard to achieve this new qualification, and wish to acknowledge this in our entrance offers.
The normal entry requirement is currently AAB at ‘A’ Level plus a B in an additional AS subject. Exceptions are made to this, however, depending on the particular skills, age and experience of individual applicants. For details of requirements in other qualifications, e.g. Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate, please contact UG admissions.
Q. What ‘A’ Level Subjects Do I Need?
We are particularly keen that students have taken Theatre Studies/Drama at ‘A’ Level, but we are happy to consider all subject combinations that may include: English Literature, Art and Design, Media, History, Sociology or science-based subjects. We appreciate that some schools/colleges do not make Theatre Studies/Drama available at ‘A’ Level and this should be made clear in your application.
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Q. What about General Studies and Key Skills?
Offers normally exclude General Studies at A or AS level. The University welcomes Key Skills qualifications, but they will not be included in the offer made.
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Q. Can I take a Gap Year?
Because of the number of candidates who apply, the School prefers to consider candidates for the current year of entry. Deferred entry candidates who will be in the UK in the following session are therefore encouraged not to apply a year in advance, so that applicants for the current year can be given the fairest possible consideration. However, any deferred entry candidates who are planning to be abroad during their year out should submit their application a year in advance.
Enquiries about admission to the single-honours course in Theatre and Performance Studies should be addressed to:
Admissions Officer
School of Theatre Studies
University of Warwick
Coventry, CV4 7AL
E-mail: s.jestrovic@warwick.ac.uk
For more general enquiries about admissions please visit:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/academicoffice/recruitment/undergraduates/
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Q. How many students do you accept?
We aim to take 40 students per year on the single honours Theatre and Performance Studies course.
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Q. What are the selection criteria?
When we assess applications we do not just look for predicted or actual ‘A’ Level grades but we have a range of selection criteria. Please see the mapping document below to give you an indication of the sorts of things we are looking for:
| Criteria for Admissions | Potential Evidence | Rationale for Criteria |
| Predicted/Actual ‘A’ Level Grade | UCAS form Reference |
Suitability of candidate for course |
| Subject Mix at AS/A Level | UCAS form |
Suitability of candidate for course
Interest in relevant subjects |
| Good Studentship | Reference
Personal Statement |
Contribution the candidate could make to the life of the dept/university |
| Critical and Analytical Abilities | Predicted/Actual Grades Reference Interview |
Ability to perform well on the course Contribution the candidate could make to the life of the dept. in seminars/practical work |
| Sustained/Diverse experience of Theatre beyond the curriculum | Reference
Personal Statement Interview |
Commitment to/interest in the subject area |
| Broad Cultural Experience/Interests | Personal Statement
Interview |
Breadth of cultural knowledge/ engagement Contribution the candidate could make to the life of the dept/university |
| Communication Skills | Reference
Personal Statement Interview |
Contribution the candidate could make to the life of the dept/university |
Q. When should I apply?
Applications are considered between October and January each year, but the task of the selectors is greatly assisted if candidates apply as early as possible.
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Q. Will I be interviewed?
All candidates being considered for an offer will be expected to attend a Departmental Open Day/Interview, though overseas candidates and students on gap years abroad can have email/telephone interviews if this is deemed appropriate. Departmental Open Days/Interviews are normally held on Wednesdays between late November and March.
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Q. When can I visit the department?
Warwick Open days are a really good opportunity to find out more about the University in general. There are sessions run by staff from the Theatre Studies Department that will give you an opportunity to learn about what studying Theatre and Performance at Warwick entails and you can ask questions to inform your decision making process.
For more information on Warwick Open days please visit:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/visits/opendays/
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Q. How do I get to the department?
We are located on the ground floor of Millburn House on the University of Warwick Science park adjacent to the Central Campus, Warwick University. Our secretary's office is Room G29
If you need help finding us you can download directions of how to get to the university by clicking on the link: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/about/visiting/directions/ and a campus map on: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/about/visiting/maps/campusmap/
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