Theatre Arts

Derby Theatre will be your ‘home’, offering you valuable industry experience and contacts. This course is unique, no other university level course is housed in a producing theatre. You will be at the centre of this professional environment developing skills in acting, devising and directing for your career as a professional theatre artist.

Derby has been ranked top 5 for teaching (Drama) National Student Survey 2025.

Why choose this course?
Delivered as part of Derby Theatre, the Learning Theatre initiative funded by Arts Council England, this is an innovative degree. Throughout, you’ll engage with the theatre’s professional programme, gaining valuable industry experience and making influential contacts as you learn.

Is this course for you?
It’s the ideal way to immerse yourself in major performance projects, new theatre making, contemporary play texts and the movements and practices which have shaped 21st century theatre. You’ll have the chance to showcase your talent in performances regionally, nationally and internationally.

How you will learn
Supported by lecturers who are practising artists themselves, you’ll learn via studio-based exercises, workshops, performances, lectures and field trips. You’ll also work alongside professionals and visiting companies at Derby Theatre and take part in a range of masterclass residencies.

Derby Theatre – Winner of ‘Excellence in Arts Education’ at the UK Theatre Awards 2019
Derby Theatre won the Excellence in Arts Education Award at the annual UK Theatre Awards, in recognition of its learning theatre vision which has transformed the venue and provides opportunities for young people to take part in high-quality arts, sports and cultural activities across the city. The award was also in specific recognition and celebration of This is Derby, a unique 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.

Opportunities and experiences
Public performances are the bedrock of this course, so you’ll present your work in main-house and studio theatre spaces, community venues, schools and art centres. You could also innovate and experiment within your own student-led theatre company, with full professional technical support and mentoring.

Careers and employability
Derby graduates have advanced to successful careers in theatre, film and television – and this dynamic new course provides the perfect stage for you to follow in their footsteps. It could lead to a future in acting, directing, theatre management or any number of arts professions.

Find out more: www.derby.ac.uk/undergraduate/performing-arts-theatre-courses/theatre-arts-ba-hons/

Based solely on more than 24,000 student reviews, we were named Uni Compare's University of the Year 2027, and voted 1st in the UK for employability and 2nd in the UK for course quality. Not only that, but 97% of students would recommend the University of Derby*, which we can offer you industry-relevant teaching, state-of-the-art study spaces, multi-award-winning accommodation, and a welcoming, inclusive community.

*Uni Compare 2027