Acting, Performance and English Literature BA

According to the National Student Survey 2025, this course offers students the opportunity to gain a richer and more integrated understanding of both subjects. Drama is ranked top in Yorkshire for assessment and feedback, while Creative Writing is ranked top in the UK for teaching quality on this course. Students consistently highlight the strength of teaching and support provided by academic staff such as Anna Helena McLean and Chloe Beale.

You will be taught by experienced industry professionals and benefit from guest lectures and appearances by well-known theatre practitioners and actors. Past students have had the opportunity to meet and work with figures such as Professor Sir Patrick Stewart, IOU Productions, and Northern Broadsides. If you are interested in pursuing a career in acting or performance, you will learn from respected professionals including John Britton, Natalie Gavin, Nicci Topping, and Nicolás Núñez as part of the BA (Hons) Performance and English Literature programme.

The university is ranked 37th in the world for Performing Arts in the QS World University Subject Rankings, allowing you to explore drama through practical performance while developing a deep appreciation of the richness, variety, and complexity of English literature. Your studies in English Literature will develop strong analytical and critical skills, supported by expert teaching staff such as David Crowley.

The course also offers opportunities to undertake work placements and stewarding roles, helping you gain valuable real-world experience and enhance your employability. As a production-based programme, there is a strong focus on building analytical and evaluative skills, alongside regular visits from practitioners and residencies from internationally recognised companies such as Slung Low, as well as smaller but equally inspiring theatre groups.

Throughout the course, you will develop an understanding of major movements in prose and poetry, contemporary theatre, curating, debate, and persuasive communication—key transferable skills that are highly valued by employers. Whether your interests lie in acting, drama, English literature, performance, stage production, theatre technology, programming, or writing for theatre, this course introduces topics that complement a wide range of creative and professional pathways.

You may also choose to pursue further study or gain additional practical experience through opportunities such as involvement with the award-winning Huddersfield Literature Festival, where past students have gained hands-on experience in festival planning and literary events. Overall, the course allows you to engage deeply with renowned works of writing while building a strong academic profile and an impressive CV.