The University of Sheffield
School of English

BA in English and Theatre

Overview

This Single Honours programme allows students to study both literature and theatrical performance. Two core modules are taken each semester, one in literature and the other in practice-based theatre, plus a third approved (optional) module chosen from either field.

Theatre at Sheffield is based on the integration of theory and practice through courses undertaken in our excellent studio and workshop spaces. Students are assessed on both their practical contribution, and their ability to contextualise and to reflect on practice using, where appropriate, analytical, theoretical and historical approaches.

We value in particular creative and disciplined engagement, commitment to ensemble practice, a willingness to experiment and test ideas, and the ability to demonstrate understanding and discoveries through presentations and performances as well as in writing.

Although this is a Single Honours programme, rather than one that specifically seeks to offer professional training, the rich cultural context and teaching methods provide opportunities for developing a broad range of professional skills linked to the theatre industry.

Course Structure

This a short description of our BA in Theatre and Performance. This video will give you information on how the year is broken up into semesters, the core (non optional) modules you will take as well as the optional modules you can take within the School of English or the wider University.

The video is presented by Dr Rachel Zerihan.

First Year 

This is a list of the modules being offered to first year students on the BA in English and Theatre 2013-14, with links to detailed descriptions of what you study on these modules. All modules are worth 20 credits unless otherwise stated.

Please note that we do regularly update our programmes, so the list may be slightly different in future years.

Autumn semester 

Spring semester

Second Year

In your second year, you will take the following core modules:

  • Theatre Practice: Performance I
    This module allows students to encounter and focus practically on some of the key elements and perspectives which may contribute to the process of creating performance. From a given starting point – which will often but not always be a single playtext - Students will work individually and as members of a group to explore texts or other performance material which pose particular challenges for us today. This may involve historical, biographical and other contextual reading – including production history, critical reception, and other playtexts. Students may also explore the material from the perspective of performers, designers, directors, technicians and others, analysing the specific demands, opportunities and difficulties raised by the material, and considering ways of approaching these in the studio and through a process designed to create performance.
  • Theatre Practice: Performance II
    Under staff direction and supervision, students will work practically as members of an ensemble, and contribute creatively and imaginatively in designated roles to one or more aspects of workshopping, rehearsing, and creating a performance based on a given text or other material. Students will negotiate individually with the tutor and the rest of the group the roles for which they take responsibility, taking into account the needs of the whole group, the text/material, and the project being undertaken. The performance will normally have a public aspect.

For your English modules, you will be asked to choose two from the four core Literature modules:

For your remaining 40 credits, you will take at least 20 credits within the School of English. Here is a list of some of the modules currently being offered in English Literature for second years. Please note that we do regularly update our programmes, so the list of optional modules will vary year on year.

Autumn Semester

Spring Semester

You may choose to take 20 credits from outside the School of English, for example in a modern language, journalism, philosophy or history.

Third Year

In your third year, you will take the following core modules:

  • Theatre Practice: Research Project
    In this module students will participate in a staff-led practical research project. Projects will reflect staff interests, and may include applied theatre, site specific performance, contemporary avant garde forms, community theatre, theatre in education, physical theatre, and so on. Students will be expected to participate in both practical work on a given form, and to experiment with possible ways of recording, analysing and reflecting on their practice. This may require them to explore how we can use technologies to help us create more permanent artefacts for performance research.
  • Theatre Practice: Performance Essay
    The module focus will be a student led practical research project. The Performance Essay will offer students the opportunity to work independently in an area of theatre which they find interesting and stimulating. The project will focus on a clearly defined research question, which will be explored through practical work, drawing on the range of practical knowledge and skills developed through the course. Projects will be negotiated with staff, and will be supervised by them. The Performance Essay represents the theatre equivalent of the literature dissertation.

For your English modules, you will be asked to choose two from the four core Literature modules:

For your remaining 40 credits, you will take at least 20 credits within the School of English. Here is a list of some of the modules currently being offered in English Literature for third years. Please note that we do regularly update our programmes, so the list of optional modules will vary year on year.

As you will see one of the choices in your final semester is the Dissertation module. This is a chance to work on any topic arising from your degree studies, in consultation with a supervisor, resulting in a piece of around 8-9,000 words. Though it may be an advantage to do a dissertation if you are considering further academic study, this is an optional module like all the others (ie. you do not have to do it).

Autumn Semester

Spring Semester

You may choose to take 20 credits from outside the School of English, for example in a modern language, journalism, philosophy or history.

For further information such as teaching staff, teaching methods and contact details please visit the "English and Theatre Further Information" page.

Applications and Further Details

All admissions enquiries should be directed to Joanne Dalton, our Admissions secretary (j.m.dalton@sheffield.ac.uk).

All general enquiries should be directed to Sidsel Hornby, our English and Theatre secretary (s.hornby@sheffield.ac.uk).