Theatre and Creative Writing (Placement Year) Lancaster University

Why study Theatre and Creative Writing at Lancaster?

• Benefit from a forward-thinking curriculum that is firmly based on the skills and knowledge that will be needed in the theatre industry in years to come

• Tailor your studies by specialising in your chosen area of theatre such as acting, scenography, scriptwriting, directing or applied and community performance

• Choose a course that expertly combines practical skills with contextual knowledge, giving you a strong understanding of 21st century theatre and how it can impact society

• Enhance your writing through both text-based writing experiments and workshops focusing on your own writing – from novels to videogames, poetry to graphic novels

• Explore the professional dimensions of Creative Writing, such as performing your work, editing, publishing, and marketing

• Get involved with our four student-run literary journals

What aspects of Theatre will I study?

We will teach you the building blocks of performance making, whilst supporting your ability to develop highly creative, challenging and impactful work.

You will collaborate with others to create original performance pieces spanning multiple genres, from contemporary post-dramatic theatre to naturalism and political theatre. You will frequently work in professional theatre venues, including the Nuffield Theatre on the University campus.

You might choose to focus on acting, playwriting, directing or scenography. You may see yourself behind the scenes, managing productions from start to finish or creating sound, video and lighting concepts.

How will I develop my writing?

Lancaster was one of the very first UK universities to teach Creative Writing. Today we continue to lead the way in the discipline with celebrated authors as tutors and students who go on to publish their work. Follow in the footsteps of writers such as Camille Ralphs, Andrew McMillan, Martha Sprackland, and Daisy Johnson, the youngest-ever author shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

In your own writing you will be able to explore traditional forms such as the short story, the novel, poetry as well as newer forms such as game writing, screenwriting, fantasy, and writing for young adults.

As you progress though the course, you will be able to choose modules from either subject, depending on your own interests.

What opportunities are there to gain professional experience at Lancaster University?

Studying at Lancaster offers a lively, creative community. You will have opportunities to attend workshops with professional theatre practitioners, participate in community-based theatre projects and go on various field trips.

You will have further opportunity to gain experience and make professional contacts during our programme of literary events on campus, online, and in the city’s historic Castle Quarter. You might try writing graphic novels and comics thanks to our connections with the Lakes International Comics Arts Festival or take up an internship opportunity in the Lake District with our partner, the Wordsworth Museum. You could join the LU Theatre Group and take part in several student-run performances each year.

You will be taught by industry experts and top academics, benefitting from their links to leading creative and cultural organisations, such as Arts Council national portfolio organisation, Lancaster Arts, and The Dukes Theatre with their Creative Communities programme.

Your Placement Year

Sometimes known as a year in industry, your placement year will take place between your second and final year of study and this will extend your degree to four years. You'll spend your third year in a paid, graduate-level position, where you’ll work for between nine and twelve months in the type of role that you might be considering for after you graduate.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

ABB. Theatre, Drama, Dance or Performing Arts are considered desirable subjects, but we would also welcome an application from you if you can demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre in your application.

Access to HE Diploma

30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 15 Level 3 credits at Merit. Theatre, Drama, Dance or Performing Arts are considered desirable subjects, but we would also welcome an application from you if you can demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre in your application.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM, ideally in Performing Arts, but we would also welcome an application from you if you can demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre in your application.

BTEC in combination with A levels

A level at grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BB plus BTEC at D. Theatre, Drama, Dance or Performing Arts are considered desirable subjects, but we would also welcome an application from you if you can demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre in your application.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects. Theatre, Drama or Performance are considered desirable subjects, but we would also welcome an application from you if you can demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre in your application.

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Distinction overall. We would also expect you to be able to demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre in your application.

GCSE requirements

English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

Additional requirements

If you have not studied Theatre, Drama, Dance or Performing Arts as one of your qualifications equivalent to A level, then we would expect you to demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre elsewhere in your application.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.