Undergraduate degrees in theatre

Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/arts-creative-technologies/study/theatre-undergraduate/ Parent: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/subject-explorer/

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At York, our dynamic and practical theatre degree balances academic study with hands-on application. Our distinctive approach gives you the tools to become a theatre-maker.

Why study theatre at York?

Develop key skills in performance, directing, design, and playwriting. Discover the connections between theatre practice and its histories, theories, politics and ethics. Analyse scripts and develop performance, workshop, and rehearsal approaches.

You'll work closely with peers on a wide range of productions and academic projects. You’ll join a thriving community that is a microcosm of the creative industries - across music, theatre, screen and technology - with many opportunities for collaboration.

Our staff are experienced theatre practitioners. Many have worked as professional writers, actors, directors and designers. You'll gain valuable experience and insight through masterclasses and workshops with professional theatre-makers.

Our courses

Cross-faculty courses

Liberal Arts (BA)

Or search all undergraduate courses.

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Course options

There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course. You'll also have the chance to take a placement year.

If you're studying at a university outside the UK, you may be able to spend up to a year in York as a visiting student.

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Scholarships and funding

Find out about scholarships and studentships that are available to students in the School of Arts and Creative Technologies.

Undergraduate funding

3rd in the Russell Group

We are ranked 3rd for 'Academic support' and 4th for 'Learning resources' and 'Teaching on my course' for Theatre in the Russell Group, National Student Survey, 2025.

World top 100

We're in the world top 100 for Performing Arts, in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025.

Access to amazing facilities

We have two professional theatre stages, rehearsal spaces, production equipment, post-production suites and so much more.

Facilities

You'll be a part of a thriving interdisciplinary community and benefit from exceptional facilities in our £35m arts and media complex. We have:

Two dedicated theatre spaces:
Our Scenic Stage Theatre, inspired by the iconic Sheffield Crucible
A black box theatre perfect for experimental work, new writing and devised performance.
Two fully-equipped rehearsal studios.
Extensive design and workshop facilities for set, lighting, sound, and costume design.

All our facilities are built to industry standards. You can also explore our film and television production facilities. We have three fully-equipped TV studios, professional post-production suites, Mac labs for editing, and a 140-seat 4K digital cinema for high-quality screenings.

Explore our facilities

Careers

Studying Theatre at York prepares you for a wide range of exciting careers both inside and beyond the theatre industry. Our graduates have gone on to work as actors, directors, playwrights, designers, stage managers, and technicians, making their mark in professional theatre, film, television and related creative industries.
Our Visiting Practitioner Programme offers masterclasses and networking opportunities with industry professionals. We have longstanding relationships with the York Theatre Royal and Edinburgh Festival Fringe through our Drama Society.
While many choose careers in the performing arts, the course also equips you with transferable skills that are highly valued across media, arts, and many other sectors — or that can support further academic study.

Learn more about careers and employability

Find your career advantage: Turn ambition into achievement with our expert guidance and connections. From your first day here to life after graduation, we’ll help you succeed.

Student and graduate stories

Hear what our students and graduates have to say about studying with us.

The course is so tailored to you and your journey as a creative. It gives you the chance to try new things. You work closely with lecturers and other students, and the consistent industry level training means I'll graduate ready for what comes next.

Cerelia, BA Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance. Read Cerelia's blog post.

Theatre at York is an insightful, rewarding, and challenging experience that prepares you for life in the industry. Across three years, you will develop new skills, work in bespoke facilities, and let your creativity run free. Be prepared for your concept of theatre to be rewritten.

Dylan, BA Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance. Read Dylan's blog post.