Your course will be delivered at Derby Theatre, a fully equipped, professional theatre and major live performance venue, allowing you to gain valuable industry experience and contacts as you learn. To find out more about the work that Derby Theatre do outside of the University, please visit their YouTube Channel.
This theatre arts programme will develop your theatre and performance skills such as acting, directing and devising for your career as a professional theatre artist. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to showcase your work and you may be involved in performances regionally, nationally and internationally.
This dynamic and exciting theatre arts programme is taught by practising professional artists with expertise in their own fields. Built around process, experimentation and risk taking you will encounter a range of practices to explore and develop theatre making and performance skills. An exciting part of your studies will be the professional work experience within Derby Theatre or partner organisations which will contribute to the development of your professional portfolio. You will take part in a number of public performances across your years of study and in a variety of venues, including main house and studio theatre spaces, off-site in the community, schools, and art centres.
1stfor satisfaction with teachingDrama and Dance - The Guardian University Guide 2026
Top5for teachingDrama - National Student Survey 2025
Top 5 for assessment and feedback - Drama, National Student Survey 2025
Top 10 for academic support - Drama, National Student Survey 2025
Top 20 for student satisfaction - Drama, Dance and Cinematics, Complete University Guide 2026
17th for Drama and Dance in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2026
The learning theatre model was a big part of why I chose to study at Derby, I’ve forged important relationships with people in the industry as well as experts who are willing to guide you.
Dylan Bull
BA (Hons) Theatre Arts graduate
Derby Theatre The UK's unique professional, producing and learning theatre
As a Learning Theatre, Derby Theatre provides a unique opportunity for students to learn to their craft by working alongside both academics and theatre professionals in the heart of a professional producing theatre, to develop your skills in technical theatre or performance.
Students, academics and artists work, create and learn side by side at Derby Theatre. All decisions about the development of both the art and the learning opportunities are made together. At every stage, there is huge potential in the crucible of the arts, learning and research combining to both underpin and inform our future work.
Derby Theatre provides an extraordinary platform for real life learning to take place, not only through the exciting main stage and studio programmes, but also through the work that the Theatre does with young people, young people in care, emerging artists and the community. Graduates of the programme can also be supported by our Artist Development Programme, In Good Company, which is part of a large regional funding programme.
#ThisIsDerby award winning project Derby Theatre has won the Excellence in Arts Education Award at the UK Theatre Awards in 2019 and the Guardian University Award 2020 for Social and Community Impact in recognition and celebration of the #ThisIsDerby project. Delivered by Derby Theatre and other cultural and sports organisations in the city, including Derby County Community Trust, Cultural Campus: Derby's Cultural Education Partnership and the City's Sports Forum, the project provides opportunities for young people to take part in high-quality arts, sports and cultural activities across the city and aims to develop their essential life skills.
University of Derby wins Guardian University Award for #ThisIsDerby
The Social and Community Impact award recognises the work by a partnership initiative involving Derby Theatre to bring cultural education and events to Derby city’s young people.
BA (Hons) Theatre Arts at the University of Derby video transcript
MUSIC BEGINS.
A white ‘University of Derby’ logo appears on a black background.
Abby appears on screen sat down in an auditorium setting. She’s wearing a green knitted jumper and has shoulder length back curly hair.
Black text slides onto screen reading “Abby Gains – BA (Hons) Theatre Arts”.
“Hi, I'm Abby, I'm just about to start my third year at the University of Derby studying Theatre Arts.”
Black text slides off screen.
Close up: Abby dancing in a dark studio environment.
“I enjoy inspiring people by telling a story with movement and speaking and I just love performing.”
Close Up: Abby Gains talking.
“I love being on stage and I love narrating and telling stories to people.”
The outside of Derby Theatre is shown with Abby walking towards the doors.
Black text slides onto screen reading “Why did you choose to study Theatre Arts at Derby?”
“I wanted to study Theatre Arts at Derby because we are able to perform in a real working theatre."
Black text slides off screen.
Abby is shown with her hair tied back looking down at a theatre stage with a set and performer. The ceiling lights are on in the theatre and the auditorium seats are empty.
Close up: Abby sits in the original auditorium setting.
“and that means that we can interact with people in the theatre industry every day.”
Footage on screen of Derby Theatre productions.
“so we come across professionals in acting, costume design, producers, directors and it gives us a taste of what the real world”
Close up: Abby sits in the original auditorium setting.
“in the theatre industry is really like.”
Close up: Abby dancing in a dark studio environment.
Black text slides onto screen reading “What opportunities are available on this course?”
“Within the course we are offered a module called 'Spotlight on the Industry'”
Black text slides off screen.
Close up: Abby sits in the original auditorium setting.
“so this means that each week we have a different person from the Theatre that comes in and talks to us about their job and their career so we've had visits from the marketing department, we had visits from the box office”
Footage of the exterior of Derby Theatre.
Close up: Abby sits in the original auditorium setting.
“we have had visits from the people that are involved with the University and get young people involved with the Theatre and we were also able to do work experience within the Theatre, so I've recently done 30 hours of work experience with the youth theatre programme and got to teach young people how to act.”
Close up: Abby dancing in a dark studio environment.
Black text slides onto screen reading “What has been your favourite module so far?”
“Probably my favourite module was the 'Applied Theatre' module, so this involves us working with young people”
Black text slides off screen.
Close Up: Abby Gains talking.
“and it's about presenting an issue that's going on around in the world through theatre, so for example, we've recently done a production that based around climate change and we toured around primary schools in the Derby area and basically taught them lessons, did a bit of a theatre workshop got them to act alongside us and yeah, just taught them all about how to look after the planet.”
Close up: Abby dancing in a dark studio environment.
Black text slides onto screen reading “What career would you like to go into?”
“Ideally I would obviously love to act, I love to perform and be on the stage so I would love to do that in a professional setting”
Black text slides off screen.
Close up: Abby sits in the original auditorium setting.
“and I would also love to explore social media marketing. So, recently for our second year production I actually ran the TikTok page for the production and I got a bit of a taste for how to run social medias, so yeah, I would love to work just generally in the theatre industry.”
Abby is shown walking through the doors of Derby Theatre.
Black text slides onto screen reading “What else is on offer for students studying this course?”
“As part of our course we usually get either discounted tickets or free tickets”
Abby is shown in the auditorium setting again, watching a performer on stage.
“to some of the productions at Derby Theatre.”
Black text slides off screen.
Footage on screen of Derby Theatre productions.
“So we've seen a lot of the professional shows that have been put on and it just gives us a taste of how the Theatre runs on a day-to-day basis obviously outside of our course.”
Close up: Abby sits in the original auditorium setting.
Black text slides onto screen reading “What advice would you give to students starting this course?
”If you are coming to study Theatre at the University of Derby, I would definitely say be prepared because it is a great opener for the real world of acting”
Black text slides off screen.
“it really, really prepares you for what the world will be like, the long days, the long hours but just enjoy every minute of it, it's a great experience to have.”
Close up of Abby dancing.
Black text slides onto screen reading “What has this course done for you?”
“Studying Theatre Arts at the University of Derby has made me grow so much as a person as well as a performer.”
Black text slides off screen.
Close up: Abby sits in the original auditorium setting.
“I've become so much more confident in myself and my performance skills and yeah I just, I feel so much more me after this course.”
Black Screen with a white ‘University of Derby’ logo appears.
Beneath the University of Derby logo reads “derby.ac.uk/theatrearts”.
MUSIC ENDS.
Video fades out.
As an aspiring theatre maker and director, I have been able to develop and refine my craft. I’ve performed in several studio performances and directed my own adaptation of a production. I’ve also secured a graduate opportunity for paid professional work.
Charlotte Jolliffe
BA (Hons) Theatre Arts graduate
Derby Theatre
Our students have a rare and exceptional learning experience at Derby Theatre. We are one of the only universities in the country to own and run a professional producing and receiving theatre.
Explore the reasons you should study Theatre and Performance with the University of Derby and Derby Theatre. During this video, our course tutors and current students will explain why studying for your degree in a working theatre is the best way to gain academic knowledge and industry experience.
Hello, my name's Sarah Brigham. I'm the artistic director of Derby Theatre which is a professional venue in the city of Derby. So, you're thinking about studying at the University of Derby and I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you about all the unique ways you can work with us in the industry in addition to and to complement your course if you choose to come to Derby.
Hello my name's Andy and I'm the technical manager for Derby Theatre. When you start your experience with the University of Derby you can access the Theatre all year round. We work on several productions in the main house over the course of the year, and you're able to access every element of that.
The team here really friendly, we're always willing to help you and you can get as much as you want out of that process and we will support you every step of the way. You'll have access to a unique work experience opportunity with numerous departments; marketing, business and development, learning, the professional creative team, programming, etc. You'll get experience of working with in a real working environment on live productions, events, and projects.
Even when I'm trying to create my work be this the University or outside which will always push to try make it's your speaking people there going oh why don't you try this help the whole time it's those contacts the whole way it's the help and that approach ability that you know they're all just either sat there in the office ready or they're on the end of an email ready to just sit down have a coffee with you.
You will have the opportunity to sit in the professional rehearsal room watching the Director the Deputy Stage Manager and the actors. That's obviously got you practical in working environment here, you got all the professional staff and professional space, you've got companies coming in and out you meet loads of new people it's sort of like working an apprenticeship you sort of like you work in a job even in your second and third year you can get an actual job working here whilst you're learning.
You could become one of our student ambassadors having the opportunity to work on marketing campaigns and review and blog about our shows.
So personally I'm a student ambassador for the theatre and this has opened up so many doors and I've made so many connections. I also get £5 tickets which once coming to uni I was so interested in mainstream productions that now I really appreciate studio work.
You'll get the opportunity to work on our Departure Lounge Festival, a unique festival which brings the best contemporary theatre practice from around the UK, and beyond, to Derby.
At Derby Theatre we have a whole series of masterclasses. You can access these with your special student tickets and work with the leading practitioners from across the UK.
We got to work with the marketing team and I feel really kind of ecstatic about this because we get to work with real professionals within the industry and they know what they're talking about and teaching us what they know is just brilliant.
The opportunities you get at Derby Theatre and the University of Derby are unique. The opportunities we present to you are invaluable in taking your first step into theatre.
So, as you can see in addition to the great course which you already know about, if you choose Derby you'll get a direct link into the professional industry. I'm really looking forward to working with you.
Derby Theatre wins Excellence in Arts Education Award at UK Theatre Awards
Derby Theatre has won recognition of its learning theatre vision and innovative This is Derby project.
Take an optional placement year to put your skills into practice in a real-world setting. We’ll support you in finding a placement and throughout your time in industry. It’s a great way to gain valuable experience for your CV, build contacts, and explore career options before you graduate.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Undergraduate Open Days
The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.
This Theatre Arts programme involves a combination of practice-led, studio-based exercises and lecture or seminar activity. There will be major performance projects, study of devising strategies, case studies and analysis of movements and practices in the 20th and 21st centuries. You will learn through workshop presentations, rehearsal strategies, directing and dramaturgy, new theatre writing and contemporary performance practices. The work will be underpinned by research, academic criticism and the professional production programme of Derby Theatre. You will carry out coursework that will be subject to academic criticism both written and practical.
Teaching is through a combination of practice-led, studio-based exercises, workshops, performances and lecture or seminar activity. You will learn from expert lecturers who are also practising artists, as well as from theatre professionals based at Derby Theatre and visiting companies and lecturers. There will also be the opportunity to take part in masterclass residencies and engage in a variety of field trips. You will have the opportunity to learn by working within your own student-led theatre company with full professional technical support and mentoring. The work will be underpinned by the professional production programme of Derby Theatre.
Assessment is through a range of methods including written coursework, presentations, creative portfolios, assessed rehearsals, practical workshops and public performance.
Who will teach you
Dr Phil Green
Programme Leader
Dr Phil Green
After studying for a BA (Hons) Performing Arts Phil worked in the industry in theatre, television and radio. He moved into teaching in Further and Higher Education on completion of his MA Theatre. He has extensive experience...
At the University of Derby, every student is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) from the very start of their degree journey. This dedicated tutor becomes a key figure in your academic life, offering guidance, support, and insight to help you make the most of your university experience. Whether it's through one-to-one meetings or more informal catch-ups, your PAT will work with you to explore your strengths, address any challenges, and help you achieve your full potential. This relationship is designed to ensure you're not just succeeding academically, but also growing as an individual, developing the skills and confidence you'll need for your future career.
Your PAT will provide tailored advice to support your academic journey, whether that's by discussing your work, helping you set goals, or exploring career options. These regular meetings give you the space to reflect on your progress, understand where improvements can be made, and build on your strengths. At Derby, we want you to feel both challenged and supported. Your PAT will encourage you to push your boundaries, think critically about your work, and develop a proactive approach to your studies.
But it's not just about coursework. Your PAT will also help you identify extra-curricular opportunities, whether that's joining clubs, gaining work experience, or developing new skills outside of your course. These experiences not only enhance your CV but also give you the confidence to tackle future challenges. In short, your Personal Academic Tutor will be there to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you leave university with more than just a degree — but with a wealth of experiences, skills, and the knowledge that you're ready for the next chapter of your life.
Building Strong Industry Connections
We believe that real-world experience is an essential part of academic success. Our partnerships with leading organisations across various sectors ensure our students gain valuable insights, hands-on opportunities, and access to the latest industry innovations.
Through collaboration with our industry partners, we bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice, preparing our graduates to thrive in competitive global markets.
industry partnership video video transcript
Careers
Students from this discipline area regularly go on to successful careers in film, television and theatre industries for example as actors, directors, theatre crew, teachers, artistic directors of their own theatre companies and other arts professionals. Alternatively, many students go on to postgraduate study and employment in a wide variety of professions like marketing or public relations.
Be inspired by Andy's journey to employment in the below video:
Hello my name is Andy Mandoiu and I'm an ex-student, alumni now, at Derby University. I studied theatre here and now I have my own theatre company following that.
When I was in Romania preparing to move to the UK I actually got help from an agency. They showed me a couple of universities, one of them being Derby.
When I saw the theatre, the atmosphere looked great. I came here with my mother the summer before so I checked out the city, I came to the theatre, I did a little tour and then it was a quite an easy decision for me after that.
Now I am working at Derby Theatre, this is my part-time job here, and I also have a theatre company called Smoking Guns Theatre. This week actually we got our Arts Council funding, so we got £8,000 to create a new show based on interactive theatre and role-playing games, so we created a concept and then we applied for funding and following this we're going be touring around the Midlands.
All my life I knew I wanted to be an actor and to come to the UK, but then coming to this university I realised that it's not only about being an actor, it's about what you can do on a daily basis so it is really helped me create a life for myself.
Notable graduates
Please note these are graduates from the subject discipline, not the course, as it is new
Graduate Danny Hendrix stars in War Horse
Danny Hendrix graduated in 2014 in Theatre Arts and is currently in the National Theatre touring production of the iconic First World War drama, War Horse. His tour of War Horse will visit Hong Kong and New Zealand – and his 2019 will end with a month of performances in Paris.
Danny is playing Billy Narracott, Seargent Klebb and Heine in the National Theatre tour, which is also visiting a string of theatres in the UK and Ireland.
His acting career has previously taken him to Australia to perform in Sydney Opera House and seen him appear in the West End and touring production of David Walliams’s Gangsta Granny.
If you’re interested in studying theatre at Derby, Danny has some tips for you: “Get involved in any way you can, not just in performance but also backstage and in technical roles, because the industry demands it. Use your time wisely and give 100% but also enjoy every second – I had the time of my life."
Danny Hendrix in Tall Stories: The Snow Dragon
“The University provided me with opportunities and stepping stones that enabled me to put myself out there into the theatre/performing business. My lecturers inspired me in many different ways by challenging my abilities and skills but also by having faith in my talent and abilities to undertake such large roles.” - Danny Hendrix
More notable graduates
Simon Stephens: Director (Theatre) - Brit School
Adam Buss: Chief Executive – Derby Quad
Janthi Mills: Executive Director - Hull Truck Theatre
Richard Gerver: Inspirational Business Speaker
Rachel Delooze: Actress
Angharad Jones & Laura Ford: Artistic Directors of Fifth Word Theatre Company
Cara Nolan: Theatre director
Ben Redfern: Actor/Choreographer
Amber Taylor: Stage Manager
Daniel David: Director/Actor
Andy Nairn was Head of Production and Premises at Derby Theatre. The Andy Nairn Bursaries in Technical Theatre is a fund set up across three Midlands Theatres to support, encourage and enable young people to pursue a career in Technical Theatre.
Getting you career ready
Your degree is only part of your story.
We're here to help prepare you for life after university.
94% of UK graduates are in employment or further study.
2nd for employability. Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2026.
87% of UK graduates say their current activity is meaningful.
Getting you career ready
Your degree is only part of your story. We're here to help prepare you for life after university. We'll tailor your talents and help you build the tools that will set you apart when you are ready to look for your first graduate role.
Our staff have valuable and varied experiences in the workplace and beyond. And we have great links to industry. This means you'll have opportunities to apply your learning. You'll find work experience that's directly relevant to your studies, including placements and real projects set by businesses.
Our promise
We promise to provide an inclusive approach; supporting, advising and guiding you on your employability journey to success. We will listen to your needs and signpost opportunities for you to engage with up to three years after graduation.
At the University of Derby, we aim to attract the very best students to join us and to support their progression to university to ensure they reach their full potential and achieve their ambitions. We believe the very best students come from all backgrounds and we want to build a community that reflects our society.
What is a contextual offer?
Contextual offers are used by universities and colleges to take account of a student’s individual circumstances. Employing contextual offers at the University Derby will allow our admissions team to identify applicants with the greatest potential to succeed in higher education and be an exceptional Derby student. This makes the application process fairer and builds confidence in students about their ability to be part of our academic community.
We will use the information in an application form and may either reduce grade requirements or give extra consideration when deciding whether to give a contextual offer. We will also support these students through information, advice and guidance, outreach activities and on-campus visits before and during the application process.
What is the criteria?
Typical criteria may include one or more of the following:
Students who are care experienced
Students who are estranged from their families
Students who are refugees or asylum seekers
Students whose parents/carers are in the UK armed forces
*Please note students need to declare they meet one of these criteria on their application.
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2026 entry.
Requirement
What we're looking for
UCAS points
112
A Level
BBC
T Level
Merit
BTEC
DMM
GCSE
GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
Access to HE
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2027 entry.
Requirement
What we're looking for
UCAS points
112
A Level
BBC
T Level
Merit
BTEC
DMM
GCSE
GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
Access to HE
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
Offers will be made initially based on your application, including predicted grades and/or grades you have already achieved. You may be given the opportunity, within your offer letter, to submit a portfolio. If you submit a strong portfolio we will make you an unconditional offer, to reflect the quality of your work and your potential.
We're committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
Included in your fees
Study visit to the RSC and National Theatre
Here at Derby, we provide excellent learning resources, libraries and specialist laboratories and studios
The programme uses Adobe Creative Suite which is installed on all Macs in MS102 and MS012 at Markeaton Street and students are provided with an individual Adobe Creative Cloud subscription for home use
To support their professional and skills development, students are provided with a subscription to LinkedIn Learning which offers over 13,000 courses and tutorials, including professional accreditations, in a wide range of creative, business & technology disciplines
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Correct clothing for practical classes - if not already owned £20 - £30
There will be occasions when you will be expected to attend exhibitions, screenings, performances and festivals. You will need to budget for these over each academic year
Optional costs not included in your fees
Additional course related publications (approx. costs £100)
Specialist software/hardware (costs up to £1500)
Final year project costs (costs determined by student £200-£600)
Travel for work placement opportunities (costs will vary dependant on location)
We provide full details of all course fees, but extra costs may include field trips (approx. cost £200-£400)
How to apply
UK students
If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Course updates
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
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