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.
Silver
The student experience and student outcomes are typically very high quality.
This rating was awarded in 2023, for four years.
(Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)
Find out more about our approach to teaching and supporting you to thrive
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
Dr Augusto Corrieri
Associate Professor in Drama, Theatre & Performance
Dr Arabella Stanger
Associate Professor in Drama: Theatre and Performance
Careers
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.
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
Top 50
Best Universities for Work Experience in the UK
2025 RateMyPlacement Awards