Discover how our societies have shaped and been shaped by English literature, and explore different modes of performance with our BA (Hons) Drama and English Literature degree in Cambridge.
Performing is at the core of our Drama and English Literature degree at ARU.
Grow into a confident, versatile and exciting drama practitioner, while exploring classic literature and genres ranging from sci-fi to children’s books.
You’ll work on public-productions and smaller-scale projects, exploring drama practices and texts from the 20th century onwards as well as working on original pieces. Alongside this, you’ll explore many other subjects including history, politics, philosophy and religion as well as developing your literacy and communication skills.
Your deeper understanding of literary texts will improve your ability to interpret dramatic texts and your performance skills.
Our BA (Hons) Drama and English Literature degree lets you weight your studies to your own interests and career goals. Prepare for a career in the arts or fields such as teaching – and get ready to change the way others see the world.
ARU Acting and Drama Course Leader Dr. Heather Lilley explains which of our undergraduate courses in acting, drama and theatre may be right for you.
An adaptation of Shakespearean classic The Tempest by graduating BA (Hons) Drama students.
An English adaptation of Czech writer Karel Čapek's acclaimed 1920 science fiction play R.U.R.,
The story of the mythical Paul Bunyan as a metaphor for the human struggles of the emerging New World and the personal struggles of the central character Johnny Inkslinger.
Loading...
Entry requirements are not currently available, please try again later.
As part of your studies at ARU, you’ll have access to all of our creative industries facilities including:
Our new digital workshop includes a variety of computer aided manufacturing machines, helping you learn up to date manufacturing and design processes as well as supporting many traditional techniques. These technologies include:
During your time at ARU, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Course Leader for BA Drama, Drama and English Literature, Drama and Film and Acting; School Lead for Learning, Teaching and Assessment in CSCI
Deputy Head, Writing and Performance
Lecturer in Drama
Senior Lecturer
Associate Professor of Early Modern Literature and Philosophy; Course Leader, BA (Hons) English Literature
Associate Professor, English Literature
Skinner-Young Professor of Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature
Professor of English Literature
Research Convenor in English Literature
Our Drama and English Literature BA (Hons) degree will give you practical experience as a performer or technician, and the academic understanding to be a director or a teacher.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our dramatherapy or MA English Literature. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.
To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.
Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.
Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Our favourite places in Cambridge Did you know...? Facts about Cambridge Watch: Our CambridgeApplying for one of our music or drama courses? Get information and insider tips on preparing for your audition.
Audition information by courseLoading...