BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY · UNITED KINGDOM
Applied Theatre (Community and Education) - BA (Hons)
Bachelor's · Taught in en · UCAS W440
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
6.0
IELTS
€19k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Top 10 in the UK for Drama and Dance (Guardian League Table 2026)National Ranking
- Taught by highly experienced industry professionalsExpert Faculty
- Strong partnerships with major Midlands theatre companiesIndustry Connections
- Includes a six-week full-time work placementPractical Experience
- Develops skills in drama facilitation, workshop leading, and directingSkill Development
- Opportunity to work with a wide range of participants in community settingsCommunity Engagement
The BA (Hons) Applied Theatre program at Birmingham City University is designed for aspiring theatre-makers who are passionate about creating purposeful performances and projects. This course focuses not only on the 'how' of theatre-making but also the 'why', encouraging students to explore the social and political impact of performance. You will gain practical experience in facilitation, devising, and various aspects of theatre, preparing you to engage communities in diverse settings such as schools, hospitals, prisons, and community centers. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, culminating in an extended work placement in your second year and collaborative professional 'companies' in your third year, showcasing your work at a final festival.
Curriculum
The program provides a practical and theoretical foundation in applied theatre, with a focus on experiential learning and industry engagement. You will develop skills in devising, facilitation, and performance, applying them in real-world contexts.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Extended Work Placement
- Year 3
Careers
Graduates of the Applied Theatre program are well-prepared for diverse careers within the performing arts and other sectors. Many have gone on to work with small-scale and independent theatre companies, develop new companies, or pursue freelance work in applied theatre. The transferable skills gained are also valuable across a wide range of professions, including teaching and other creative fields.
- Applied Theatre Practitioner
- Drama Facilitator
- Workshop Leader
- Director
- Community Arts Worker
- Arts Administrator
- Teacher
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- International tuition fees are £16,900 per year for students starting in 2026/27. These fees cover tuition, examination costs, and Students’ Union membership, but not textbooks or other course materials.
- What are the entry requirements for the BA (Hons) Applied Theatre (Community and Education) program?
- Entry requires 96 UCAS Tariff points. A Level or equivalent qualifications such as a Pearson BTEC Diploma/Extended Diploma/Extended Certificate are accepted. An interview is also required for this course.
- How do I apply for this program as an international student?
- International students must apply through the UCAS Conservatoires application system. You will need to complete your application, provide referee details, pay the application fee, and attend an interview.
- When is the application deadline for 2026/27 entry?
- The main application deadline for 2026/27 entry is 14 January 2026, 18:00 (UK time). Late applications may be considered after this date, but you should contact Admissions first.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
- Graduates can pursue careers as an Applied Theatre Practitioner, Drama Facilitator, Workshop Leader, Director, Community Arts Worker, Arts Administrator, or Teacher. Skills gained are valuable in performing arts and other creative fields.
- What is the estimated cost of living for students in the UK?
- The UK Government sets living cost requirements for Student Visas. Birmingham City University estimates around £12,000 per year for living costs.
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff points96 UCAS Tariff points
A LevelCCC (or equivalent); A Level or equivalent in Drama, Dance, or other Performing Arts subjects desirable. Applicants should demonstrate engagement with Performing Arts (e.g., Youth Theatre).
Pearson BTEC Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate96 UCAS Tariff points. Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
T LevelPass overall (C or above on the core); all subjects accepted.
Access to HE DiplomaPass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3. Arts and Drama subjects preferred.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications96 UCAS Tariff points
NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications96 UCAS Tariff points
WJEC Level 3 qualifications96 UCAS Tariff points; considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s).
Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)Minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects.
Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher96 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (DDD) or two Advanced Highers (DD) plus two Highers (DD).
Welsh Baccalaureate96 UCAS Tariff points; considered with three A Levels or equivalent.
Applicants will also need to complete an interview for this course. This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications.
Fees
Tuition (international)International tuition fees are £16,900 per year for students starting in 2026/27. These fees cover tuition, examination costs, and Students’ Union membership, but not textbooks or other course materials.
Tuition (home)Home (UK/EU) tuition fees are £9,250 per year.
LivingAs part of your Student Visa application, you will need to demonstrate you have sufficient funds for your first year of study, including estimated living costs. The UK Government sets these requirements. The university estimates around £12,000 for living costs per year.
Tuition fees are subject to annual review. If you believe you might qualify for 'home' fee status, you can complete a Fee Status Questionnaire.
How to apply
1. 1. Register with UCAS ConservatoiresVisit the UCAS Conservatoires website and create an account by entering your personal details. You will receive a username and be asked to choose a password. Keep these safe for future logins.
2. 2. Complete Your ApplicationLog in to UCAS Conservatoires to complete your application form. Follow the instructions on the UCAS website. You must complete your application in English. For UK applicants, select 'Royal Birmingham Conservatoire' as the assessment method.
3. 3. Provide Referee DetailsNominate one referee who can comment on your academic and/or performing arts ability. This referee should know you well and cannot be a family member or friend. UCAS will contact your referee directly if a reference is required.
4. 4. Pay FeesThere is a one-off application fee of £28.95 payable to UCAS upon submission. For 2025 entry onwards, an additional non-refundable audition fee of £80 (£120 for a double audition) is collected through the UCAS system, payable to the Conservatoire. Payments can be made online via credit or debit card.
5. 5. Attend InterviewAfter submitting your application, you will need to complete an interview for this course.
Accreditation
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
International tuition fees are £16,900 per year for students starting in 2026/27. These fees cover tuition, examination costs, and Students’ Union membership, but not textbooks or other course materials.
What are the entry requirements for the BA (Hons) Applied Theatre (Community and Education) program?
+
Entry requires 96 UCAS Tariff points. A Level or equivalent qualifications such as a Pearson BTEC Diploma/Extended Diploma/Extended Certificate are accepted. An interview is also required for this course.
How do I apply for this program as an international student?
+
International students must apply through the UCAS Conservatoires application system. You will need to complete your application, provide referee details, pay the application fee, and attend an interview.
When is the application deadline for 2026/27 entry?
+
The main application deadline for 2026/27 entry is 14 January 2026, 18:00 (UK time). Late applications may be considered after this date, but you should contact Admissions first.
What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates can pursue careers as an Applied Theatre Practitioner, Drama Facilitator, Workshop Leader, Director, Community Arts Worker, Arts Administrator, or Teacher. Skills gained are valuable in performing arts and other creative fields.
What is the estimated cost of living for students in the UK?
+
The UK Government sets living cost requirements for Student Visas. Birmingham City University estimates around £12,000 per year for living costs.