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Key information

Duration:: 3 years full time
Typical A-level offer:: BBB
View full entry requirements
UCAS code:: W400
Start date:: September 2026

“My Drama degree at Sussex was the best springboard for my work as a young artist and performer.”

Holly Nomafo Drama graduate

Drama, theatre and performance can transform how we think, act and understand the world. They help us remember the past, change the present and imagine alternative futures.

This course is for you if you’d like to:

expand your mind about drama, theatre and performance
collaborate with others passionate about making performance
develop the confidence to present and reflect on your work in public contexts.

Site-specific theatre, live art, durational performance, contemporary playwriting, choreography and composition, visual arts, creative writing, acting and directing – you’ll learn from tutors who bring their passion to their teaching. Our campus facilities include the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, which hosts professional theatre, music and dance by UK and international companies. We’re committed to antiracist pedagogy, and inclusive teaching and learning. Throughout your degree, you’ll:

explore performance-making from multiple perspectives
develop skills in collaboration, critical and creative writing, and independent research
complete practical presentations and performance projects with focused tutor support
experience guest artist workshops, talks and performances from internationally recognised industry professionals
take electives from other subjects – from business to law and modern languages – to open your mind to other disciplines and tailor your degree to your interests.

When you graduate, you’ll be curious, critically informed and self-reflective. You’ll be able to make sophisticated performance, and shape cogent arguments in written work and discussion. Your skills as a critical thinker, creative practitioner and knowledgeable researcher will set you up for your future career.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Corinne’s story from her Drama, Theatre and Performance BA (Hons)

Video transcript

[Music starts – ambient textures with minimal piano building into an electro-pop groove]

Corinne Furman speaking: I started off as a dancer, from when I was really, really little. And, acting was the thing that I really fell in love with.

[Sequence of black and white still photos of Corinne alone on stage in striking poses, cutting to video shots of her walking into the beam of a spotlight on a stage from off-screen]

You really get to use your life experiences and those emotions that you felt, to tell important stories. Anytime you felt anger or upset, you get to get that out of you

[Close up video shot of Corinne conveying emotional turmoil on her face, cutting to shot from behind her capturing her and the camera operator filming]

And, I think that's why acting is so special.

Coming back here today, walking back into the ACCA, I've just felt so calm, and it makes me feel safe, and it makes me feel happy. And, I had so many great memories here.

[Shot of fish pond outside ACCA with the building visible in the reflection, cutting to shot of Corinne walking through the main foyer at ACCA]

What better opportunity to… really get to know yourself, where you can be learning, and you can do your degree in a theatre, in a full-size auditorium. You can do your workshops on the stage, and you're getting to really practise how to use your voice, and how to project, and how to perform, and how to reach the back of the room.

[Shots of Corinne entering the ACCA auditorium, cutting to shots of students rehearsing a course performance and ending with shots from multiple perspectives showing Corinne walk from behind the curtains off stage to the fully lit centre of the stage where she comes to a halt]

[Music: minimal electronic building gradually to a drop to finish as an energetic dance track]

[Slowly moving drone shot capturing an a busy library square during the daytime]

But also the tutors. They really did care about us as individuals, and they wanted the best for us, and they really pushed us... to be the best versions of ourselves.

[Montage of various shots and stills of Corine having a photoshoot in various downstairs areas of ACCA]

During my time here at Sussex, I was part of Sussex Dance Society. I have such fond memories of being here, and getting ready before shows or competitions, and being in the rehearsal space and being backstage in the wings and having that excitement, and that nervousness to get out on stage.

[Various shots of Corinne performing an energetic street dance routine on the stage at ACCA in vibrant and colourful stage lighting]

And, you do your performance and...you have this adrenaline, and this feeling! It's just such a nice release.

[Shots of Corinne finishing her routine and easing to a relaxed walk off stage]

[Music: emotive minimal piano with brooding string motives]

I had the opportunity to go into a place called 'First Base Day Centre’, which is a homeless shelter for people in Brighton. Just seeing other people who had maybe never acted in their lives, experience the same thing that I do…I feel like without that experience, and learning about other people's life experience, I wouldn't be as a matured actor as I am now.

[A further montage of shots and stills of the photoshoot seen earlier in ACCA]

The most recent job that I did, I had a main part in a drama on TV, which is to be released soon. And, this was the job where I could really show off what I can do, and have a really raw, deep storyline.

[Smooth drone shot starting a close top-down perspective of the roof of the Meeting House and orbiting away whilst a seagull flies into land]

I don't think that I would be where I am today, without those experiences that Sussex gave me.

[Shots of Corinne performing a slow sequence of ballet moves, ending on a graceful bow as the auditorium fades into complete darkness]

[END CARD: Still of the University of Sussex logo against a blue-purple solid colour background]

[Music ends]

How to apply

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A-level

Typical offer	BBB
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
GCSEs	You should have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
Extended Project Qualification	We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us

Other UK qualifications

Access to HE Diploma

Typical offer	Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 21 credits at Distinction

Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)

Typical offer

M2,M2,M2 in the Pre-U

If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects, we would expect you to have a grade B in the A-level and M2 and M2 in the two Pre-Us.

If you have two A-levels and Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects, we would normally expect you to have grades BB in the two A-levels and M2 in the Pre-U.

GCSEs

You should also have a range of GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer	30 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level

Typical offer

Grade B in A-level and Distinction, Distinction in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.

Contextual offer

View contextual offer

Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan

GCSEs

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels

Typical offer	Grades BB in A-levels plus Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate.
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
GCSEs	You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Typical offer	DDM
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	Normally in Performing Arts
GCSEs	You should have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Scottish Highers

Typical offer	ABBBB

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Typical offer	BBB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels
GCSEs	You should have a broad range of GCSEs A*-C (9-4), including good grades in relevant subjects.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer	30 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer	Overall result of at least 75%

Other international qualifications

Australia

Typical offer	Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and 88% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 4 or better.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Austria

Typical offer	Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of 2.0 or better for first-year entry.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Belgium

Typical offer	Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average of 65% or more.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bulgaria

Typical offer	Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with excellent final-year scores (normally 5.5 overall with 6 in key subjects).
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Canada

Typical offer

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 75% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses.

British Columbia Certificate of Graduation AABBB from 5 grade 12 courses.

We also recognise the High School Diploma from other provinces -including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick- where we look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

China

Typical offer

If you have the Goakao, we will consider applications for direct entry to first year. You would normally need an overall average of 75%, including required subjects.

We are also pleased to consider applications if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year or you have one or more years of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution.

The Senior High School Graduation alone would not be sufficient for entry to our undergraduate degrees, but you may be eligible to apply for our International Foundation Year. If you successfully complete an International Foundation Year, you can progress on to a relevant undergraduate course at Sussex.

Check which qualifications the International Study Centre accepts for the International Foundation Year.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Croatia

Typical offer	Maturatna Svjedodžba with an overall score of 4.2
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Cyprus

Typical offer

Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average of 18.5/20 will be considered for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Czech Republic

Typical offer	Maturita with a good overall average.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Denmark

Typical offer	Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or Studentereksamen with an overall average of at least 7 on the new grading scale.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Finland

Typical offer	Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result of EMMM
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

France

Typical offer	French Baccalauréat with overall final result of at least 13/20.

Germany

Typical offer	German Abitur with an overall result of 2.0 or better.

Greece

Typical offer	Apolytirion with an overall average of 18.5 will be considered for first-year entry.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hong Kong

Typical offer	Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades of 5, 4, 4 from three subjects including two electives.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hungary

Typical offer	Erettsegi/Matura with a good average of at least 55544.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

India

Typical offer

Standard XII results for entry into 1st year (depending on board and course choice):

70%-80% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE)
70%-80% from SSC All India Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE)
70%-80% Maharashtra HSC Higher Secondary Certificate
70%-80% Tamil Nadu Board of Higher Secondary Education
70%-80% Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board
70%-80% Telangana State Board of Secondary Education
70%-80% Kerala Board of Higher Secondary Education
80% Andhra Pradesh Board of Secondary Education
80% Bihar School Examination Board
80% Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board
70% West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education

We will also consider students for entry into our integrated foundation years with 60+%

Iran

Typical offer	Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ireland

Typical offer	Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H1,H2,H2,H3,H3

Israel

Typical offer	For first year entry at least 80% (or 8/10) in at least 6 subjects, including one 5 unit subject, in one sitting of the Bagrut.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Italy

Typical offer	Italian Diploma Di Maturità or Diploma Pass Di Esame Di Stato with a final Diploma mark of 81/100.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Japan

Typical offer	Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kazakhstan

Typical offer	Applicants with Nazarbayev Intellectuals Schools (NIS) Grade 12 Certificate may be considered. The grades in the offer will match the published A level requirements for each course.
Additional requirements	Where courses have specific subject requirements, these will be expected to be studied at Advanced level.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Latvia

Typical offer	Atestats par Visparejo videjo Izglitibu with very good grades in state exams.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Lithuania

Typical offer	Brandos Atestatas including scores of 80% in at least three state examinations (other than English).
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Luxembourg

Typical offer	Pass the Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires with 46 points overall.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malaysia

Typical offer	at least Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of BBB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.0 or UEC with an overall average grade B4 (70%) from 6 subjects.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Netherlands

Typical offer

Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO), normally with an average of at least 7.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nigeria

Typical offer

You are expected to have one of the following:

Higher National Diploma
One year at a recognised Nigerian University
Professional Diploma (Part IV) from the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria
Advanced Diploma

You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English.

Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Typical offer	Norwegian Vitnemal Fra Den Videregaende Opplaering - Pass with an overall average of 4.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Pakistan

Typical offer

You can apply for direct entry to Year 1 if you are completing at least two years of Bachelor degree studies.

You'll normally need to complete a Foundation year after taking Intermediate Certificate or the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC). You might choose one of our International Foundation Years at the International Study Centre on campus.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Poland

Typical offer

Pass Matura with least 3 Extended level subjects in the 75th percentile.

Portugal

Typical offer	Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark 17/20.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Romania

Typical offer	Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average of 8.5
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Russia

Typical offer	Applicants who have good grades in the Attestat o Srednem Obrazovami (Certificate of Secondary Education) and who have successfully completed the first year of a Russian University degree, with a minimum GPA of 4.0, will be considered for admission to the first year of our bachelor’s degree courses.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Singapore

Typical offer	A-levels, as well as certain certificates and diplomas.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Slovakia

Typical offer

Pass Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (Maturita) with an average grade above 1.8 from 4 subjects

Additional requirements

Please note: Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Slovenia

Typical offer	Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura with at least 23 points overall.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Africa

Typical offer	National Senior Certificate with very good grades.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Spain

Typical offer	Spanish Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE) with an overall average result of 8.0.

Sri Lanka

Typical offer	Sri Lankan A-levels.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sweden

Typical offer	Fullstandigt Slutbetyg/Högskoleförberedande Examen with a total of 2,500 credits to include B grades in the majority of subjects.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Typical offer	Federal Maturity Certificate.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Turkey

Typical offer

We'll consider students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi or Lise Bitirme, with a score of at least 4/5 or 80/100 in their final year, on a case by case basis for direct entry to year 1.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

USA

Typical offer

We look at your full profile considering everything you are studying, including the High School Graduation Diploma, Grade 12 GPA, SAT tests and subject tests and/or ACT grades and AP tests. We expect to see a combination of these qualifications.

Alongside your High School Graduation Diploma, we would ideally like to see 3 good AP scores with either, a combined SAT test score (evidence-based reading and writing and mathematics) of 1300, or a combined ACT score of 26

AP and SAT Subject tests

Please check the individual course pages for our typical A-level offer and see below for the corresponding scores we would require from AP test scores:

A Level requirements	AP test grades
AAA	555
AAB	554
ABB	544
BBB	444

We will also accept a combination of any 3 AP tests and SAT subject test where a score of 600 in an SAT subject test can be substituted for an AP test in the above table

If you are applying for a degree with an A level subject requirement in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology will normally need to hold an AP test in that subject.

College level credits

We also accept college level 3-credit courses in academic subjects as the equivalent of a UK A Level on a case by case basis. These can be combined with AP tests and or SAT subject tests

Associate degrees

An Associate degree with a GPA of 3.0 will meet our entry requirements for year 1.

Foundation Year entry

Students who have a High School Diploma and SAT or ACT tests only would be eligible to apply for our Foundation Year

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

My country is not listed

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component

Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about IELTS

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency.

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

Pearson (PTE Academic)

59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills.

Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic).

Please refer to our English language requirements above, and as listed for each of our undergraduate courses, to find the appropriate English level for the course you are applying for.

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing.

Check your TOEFL qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about TOEFL (iBT).

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language (grade 6 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% or Grade 3

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A – C in English

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-5 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades 1-6 in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirements. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries

Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada**
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
USA

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

Admissions information for applicants

Transfers into Year 2	Yes. Find out more about transferring into Year 2 of this course. We don’t accept transfers into the third or final year.
Workshop	After an offer has been made we would invite you to attend one of our practical Drama workshops, which happen on Applicant Visit Days. The workshops are facilitated by Drama course lecturers and current students, so you will get to experience first-hand what it’s like to study at Sussex.

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

Don’t meet our entry requirements?

If you don't meet our entry requirements, we recommend our in-house Foundation Year course to prepare you for Year 1 of your chosen degree:

Media, Arts and Humanities (with a foundation year) BA (Hons)

My favourite thing about my course is the facilities we get to work in. Working in the Attenborough Centre, for example, is amazing.”Ronni Arrowsmith
Drama, Theatre and Performance BA

Video transcript

Ronni: My favourite thing about my course is the facilities we get to work in. So working in the Attenborough Centre, for example, is amazing. And I really enjoy the topics we get to learn about... as they’re really wide [umm], and cover a lot of different aspects of theatre. And then linking into that, I really enjoy our lecturers as they all sort of bring something to the course [umm] from what they were doing before, or what they’re currently studying. So... yeah, I find it really interesting learning from them.

How to apply

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Modules

Type of course

This is a single-honours course, allowing you to focus in depth on your core subject.

Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits

Year 1 at Sussex
Year 2 at Sussex
Experience Year
Year 3 at Sussex

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Explore modules from other subjects as part of your course

At Sussex, you can choose to customise your course to build the sort of degree that will give you the knowledge, skills and experience that could take you in any direction you choose.

As part of this degree, you explore subjects that are different to your course through electives that complement your main subject. Exploring different disciplines in four electives across Years 1 and 2 helps enrich your learning experience.

Discover our electives

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Theatre for Changing Times

Options

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.

While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.

Spring teaching

Explore modules from other subjects as part of your course

At Sussex, you can choose to customise your course to build the sort of degree that will give you the knowledge, skills and experience that could take you in any direction you choose.

Discover our electives

Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.

Study abroad (optional)

Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career. Find out where your course could take you

If your application to study abroad is successful, you’ll have to meet the academic requirements at Sussex and also at the partner university. Find out more about studying abroad as a Sussex student

Placement (optional)

To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can provide you with information and advice. If you’re successful in obtaining a placement, this will form part of your course.

Find out more about placements and internships

Please note that if you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of your course with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

Options

Spring teaching

Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.

How to apply

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Our staff

At Sussex, you’ll explore what theatre means in the 21st century. You’ll examine both classic plays and experimental performances that challenge conventions and redefine what theatre can be.”Dr Augusto Corrieri
Senior Lecturer in Drama, Theatre and Performance

Prof Sara Jane Bailes

Professor of Critical & Creative Practice

View profile of Sara Jane Bailes

Dr Augusto Corrieri

Associate Professor in Drama, Theatre & Performance

View profile of Augusto Corrieri

Dr Benjamin Fowler

Associate Professor Performance

View profile of Benjamin Fowler

Dr William McEvoy

Associate Professor in English

View profile of William McEvoy

Dr Lisa Peck

Associate Professor in Theatre and Perfomance

View profile of Lisa Peck

Dr Jason Price

Reader in Theatre and Performance Studies

View profile of Jason Price

Dr Arabella Stanger

Associate Professor in Drama: Theatre and Performance

View profile of Arabella Stanger

Apply now

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Fees

Fees are not yet set for the academic year 2026/27 – please check back in September 2025. Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis.

Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Scholarships

Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2026/27.

How to apply

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Careers

86%

of Sussex undergraduates have completed work experience by the end of their course (University of Sussex Career Readiness data at point of graduation 2023/24)

Among our recent graduates are theatre directors, performers/actors, arts and cultural managers, festival producers, and consultants in theatre and other creative sectors. Some have set up their own theatre companies or engaged in specialised theatre training. And others have started careers in related fields such as publishing, librarianship, education, law, counselling and drama therapy.

Through regular workshops with artists and industry professionals, you hear from those working in theatre and performance in the UK and internationally. Recent workshops have been conducted by acclaimed artists including:

theatre group Forced Entertainment
site-specific company dreamthinkspeak
practitioner Sylvia Mercuriali
choreographer Seke Chimutengwende.

We also organise careers events, often inviting recent graduates to talk about their work.

When you graduate, you can also go on to further study, or pursue a career in:

media, film and journalism
publishing, libraries/archives and digital media
teaching, education support or university education
drama therapy, counselling, language therapy
community work and the charity sector.

What to do with a Drama and Theatre degree

Explore the careers you might be interested in after studying for a degree in Drama and Theatre

Working while you study

Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

Career ambitions – John Giannini, Drama, Theatre and Performance BA

Design your future at Sussex

Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.

As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:

our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.

Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you

Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024

Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024

Rate My Placement Awards - Celebrating the Best Student Employers and Universities for Work Experience

Top 50
Best Universities for Work Experience in the UK
2025 RateMyPlacement Awards

How to apply

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