Theatre Studies

Theatre studies is the academic and practical investigation of performance in all its forms, from ancient Greek tragedy and Elizabethan drama to contemporary devised work, physical theatre and live art. It examines the scripts, practitioners, movements, institutions and audiences that have shaped theatrical culture across history and across cultures, while also equipping you with the practical skills and creative understanding to make and evaluate performance yourself. The discipline sits comfortably between humanistic inquiry and artistic practice, and it attracts students who are curious about both.

This four-year full-time programme at the University of Glasgow combines rigorous scholarly study of theatre history, theory and criticism with practical work and industry engagement. The department has close connections with the theatre profession and you will have opportunities to learn from and work alongside practitioners of national and international standing. You will explore dramatic literature in its historical contexts, engage with performance theory, examine the work of key directors, companies and movements, and develop your own practice as a theatre-maker and critic.

A year abroad broadens your exposure to theatre traditions in different cultural settings, enriching both your academic and practical development.

The skills developed through theatre studies extend well beyond the stage. You will become a careful reader and interpreter of texts and performances, a confident communicator and presenter, a collaborator who can work creatively under pressure, and an analyst who can evaluate complex cultural objects and experiences with precision. These capabilities are valued across a wide range of professional contexts.

Graduates pursue careers in theatre and the performing arts, arts administration, cultural policy, education, broadcasting, film and television, community arts, journalism, publishing, and creative industries management. Many also go on to postgraduate study in theatre studies, performance, cultural studies or education, and some pursue professional training in directing, producing or performance.