BA Honours

BA Honours in Drama and Theatre Studies

Advance your creative practice & research excellence

Ready to take your drama and theatre expertise to the next level? Our Honours programme is designed for ambitious graduates who want to deepen their artistic practice, develop advanced research skills, and position themselves as leaders in South Africa's dynamic entertainment landscape. 

Whether you're coming from our undergraduate programme or another higher education institution, you'll find a rigorous yet supportive environment that challenges you to push creative boundaries, while building the scholarly foundation for further postgraduate study or professional practice. 

Why choose our Honours programme?

 Specialized Expertise

Choose from 10 distinct specialisation tracks - from cutting-edge physical theatre to applied theatre practice, from provocative cabaret to innovative puppetry. Find your niche and become an expert.

Research Excellence

Develop your research skills through our comprehensive methodology training, culminating in an independent research project under experienced supervision.

Industry-Connected Staff

Learn from practicing professionals who are actively contributing to the contemporary South African entertainment industry. Our staff aren't just academics - they're practitioners, creators, creatives, and thought leaders.

Cross-Institutional Welcome

We actively encourage applications from graduates of other South African universities. Bring your unique perspective and training to our diverse cohort.

Programme Structure: Theory meets practice

Core theoretical foundation (80 credits)

Every Honours student completes four essential modules that form the intellectual backbone of advanced theatre and performance study: 

Introduction to Research Methodology (10 credits)

  • Master the research process from conception to completion 
  • Develop ethical frameworks for theatre and performance research 
  • Prepare for independent scholarly work 

Advanced Text and Performance Analysis (20 credits)

  • Build sophisticated critical vocabulary for analysing cultural texts 
  • Explore the intersection between theory and practice 
  • Analyse and understand texts within their production contexts 

Advanced Theatre and Media Theory (20 credits)

  • Investigate who controls cultural narratives and funding in today's world 
  • Examine critical discourse, zeitgeist, and cultural production 
  • Analyse both theatrical and non-theatrical forms of performance 

Research Assignment: Theory and Methodology of Spec (30 credits)

  • Embark on an independent research project  
  • Pursue a research question that genuinely excites you 
  • Work one-on-one with an expert in your field 

Choose your specialisation (40 credits)

PLEASE NOTE: Availability depends on staff capacity and student numbers, but we strive to accommodate your first choice wherever possible. 

For performers ready to master their craft at the highest level 

  • Perform in two full-length productions (one per semester) 
  • Focus on sustained, internalised characterisation 
  • Work across genres with emphasis on realist tradition 
  • Develop professional-level technical skills and creative process 

Where theatre meets social change and community engagement 

  • Design theatrical interventions for specific communities and outcomes 
  • Master both performance-based and process-based approaches 
  • Partner with external organisations on real-world projects 
  • Develop facilitation skills and social impact methodologies 
  • Bridge the gap between artistic practice and community development 

Political satire and musical theatre for contemporary commentary 

  • Write, produce, and perform your own full-length cabaret show 
  • Master satirical writing, parody, and social critique 
  • Integrate music, character work, and political commentary 
  • Handle all production elements: direction, design, marketing 

Craft compelling dramatic texts for stage, screen, and radio 

  • Workshop-based learning with hands-on writing practice 
  • Explore characterisation, dialogue, and dramatic structure across mediums 
  • Create short-form pieces in Semester 1, full-length play in Semester 2 
  • Develop your unique voice as a South African playwright 

Develop your directorial vision and collaborative leadership skills 

  • Study master directors to inform your own practice 
  • Understand the director's role in South African theatre contexts 
  • Develop skills in text analysis, vision articulation, and creative problem-solving 
  • Direct at least two productions: one South African one-act, one full-length play  

Explore movement-based storytelling and devised performance 

  • Place your body and personal experience at the centre of performance creation 
  • Work through improvisation and collaboration rather than predetermined forms 
  • Access kinaesthetic experiences and body memories to generate original work 
  • Translate personal impulses into transcultural themes and archetypal imagery 
  • Build foundational techniques for continued professional exploration 

Master specialised performance form 

  • Explore various puppetry techniques and object theatre 
  • Study adaptation and original text creation 
  • Experiment with non-verbal storytelling methods 
  • Create productions using puppets/objects as central expression 

For future scholars and theatre researchers 

  • Deep dive into semiotics, performance analysis, archival work, and theatre ethnography 
  • Produce advanced research essays and potential academic articles 
  • Flexible focus areas determined collaboratively with facilitator  
  • Perfect preparation for higher degree studies or research-based careers 
  • Contribute to growing body of South African theatre scholarship 

Develop expertise in vocal performance and pedagogy 

Three integrated focus areas: 

  • Vocal technique and facilitation 
  • Performance artistry: Develop skills as solo and ensemble vocal performer 
  • Creative direction: Conceptualise and direct others in vocal/word art performances 

Where cinema theory meets creative practice and cultural analysis  

  • Analyse film as both artistic medium and cultural artifact through critical frameworks  
  • Create original short films applying theoretical concepts to practical filmmaking  
  • Engage with contemporary debates around representation, technology, and global cinema 

Application & Selection

Closing Date for Applications  

  • South African students: 
    • Apply by 30 September of the preceding year. 
  • International students: 
    • Apply by 31 August of the preceding year 

Submit your application through standard university channels 

First round of selection:

  • A BA degree (Drama and Theatre Studies), or a Bachelor’s degree with Theatre Studies or another major related to this programme and approved by Senate.  
  • An average of at least 65% in Theatre Studies (or an equivalent subject).  
  • A higher mark for Theatre Studies can, however, be set as the cut-off point for admission to the programme in any given year, depending on the number and quality of applications received by the Department. This decision is made annually at the Department’s discretion.  

Second round of selection:

  • Each specialisation field has its own selection criteria. These can include a portfolio, interview and/or audition. Contact the programme leader for further information in this regard.  
  • The number and quality of applications, the availability of staff, infrastructure and available places determine the specialisation options for any specific year.  

Questions?

Dr Schalk van der Merwe - Programme Leader 

Your advanced training in theatre arts starts here. Join a programme that challenges you to think critically, create boldly, and contribute meaningfully to South African theatre.