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Bachelor of Arts Honours in Drama and Theatre Studies

Honours degree
ID:
0101_100_L124

The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Drama and Theatre Studies programme takes one year to complete and consists of both theoretical and practical components.

We offer the following 9 fields of specialisation that give you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and practice within a chosen field. Only one may be finally chosen. Please note that the final options being offered can be influenced by the number of students who apply for the different specialisations:
Acting (stage)
Applied Theatre
Physical Theatre
Creative Writing
Directing
Theatre Studies
Voice and Speech
Cabaret
Puppetry

Contact information
Dr MH Pretorius
Programme Leader
+27 21 808 3089

Programme overview

Duration
One year
Campus
Stellenbosch
Type
Coursework

More information

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When applying

When applying for a postgraduate programme, some may require you to upload additional supporting documents beyond completing the standard application form online. Where such documents are required, more information will appear under the section below titled “Supporting Application Documents.”

Please note that selection for postgraduate programmes is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the programme.

Minimum admission requirements

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.

Programme structure

Compulsory Modules
12813 : Introduction to Research Methodology (Drama and Theatre Studies) 771(10)
10117 : Advanced Theatre and Media Theory 772(20)
10118 : Advanced Text and Performance Analysis 773(20)
12814 : Research Assignment: Theory and Methodology of Specialisation774(30)
12816 : Field of Specialisation (Drama and Theatre Studies) 775(40)

The programme focuses on the concept of performance (on the stage, radio, TV, film, etc.), which is studied in the three compulsory theoretical modules and then investigated experimentally in your choice of specialisation. You choose one specialisation in consultation with staff.

The programme is presented in six practicals and three seminars per week. An individual supervisor is assigned to each student for the research assignment.

Last updated 01 April 2026
Disclaimer:
The University reserves the right to amend the information on this webpage at any time. While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete, it may be subject to change or become outdated. It remains the responsibility of prospective students to verify all details against the relevant faculty yearbook or directly with the relevant department.

Application dates

South African students
Applications open:
1-Apr 2026
Applications close:
15-Oct 2026

International students
Applications open:
1-Apr 2026
Applications close:
31-Aug 2026