City

What you'll study

This programme blends practical performance training with critical study and professional placement. Core teaching typically includes devised theatre and ensemble work, facilitation and workshop leadership, drama in education, participatory/engagement methods, and applied approaches for health, community and justice settings. You will also take modules in research methods, reflective practice and contextual studies such as performance and social theory, ethics in applied practice, and evaluation of participatory projects.

Course structure combines studio‑based workshops, small‑group seminars, project planning, and assessed placements with community partners. Students develop a portfolio of practice through collaborative projects, outreach initiatives and a final major project or capstone placement that demonstrates applied skills, project design and critical reflection. Optional topics or electives may include digital performance and mediation, performance for wellbeing, arts management basics, and routes into participatory directing or facilitation.

Entry requirements

City welcomes applicants with a range of academic and practical backgrounds. Typical applicants will hold a secondary school qualification such as A‑levels, a BTEC or equivalent vocational award, or an international equivalent. Admissions assessors look for evidence of practical theatre experience or relevant community work, strong communication skills, and an interest in collaborative, participatory practice.

Applicants will usually be asked to submit a personal statement outlining practical experience and motivation for applied theatre, and may be invited to an audition or interview where they will take part in movement and voice exercises, short practical tasks and a discussion of past work or voluntary placements. The programme is also open to mature applicants with relevant life and work experience; additional evidence of practice or a short interview may be requested.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles across arts, education and community sectors. Typical career paths include community theatre practitioner, participation or outreach officer, youth arts worker, arts education practitioner, project coordinator for cultural and social programmes, and creative producer. Alumni also move into roles with charities, local authorities and health or justice organisations, or pursue further training to become teachers or specialist therapists (where recognised postgraduate qualifications are required).

The degree also provides transferable skills valued by employers, such as project planning, facilitation, teamwork, public speaking, evaluation and applied research, which can lead to careers in cultural management, fundraising, policy or social enterprise.

Why study at City

Studying Applied Theatre at City places you in central London with access to a wide and diverse cultural sector. The programme emphasises employability and real‑world experience through links with community partners and placement opportunities across education, health and voluntary organisations. Teaching is led by staff with professional experience in applied and participatory practice, and the curriculum encourages interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments and external organisations.

City supports students with dedicated academic and careers guidance, opportunities to present work to live audiences, and a focus on developing professional networks that help transition into practice after graduation.