Theatre and Performance Practice

Theatre and performance practice is a discipline that takes the making of live performance seriously, both as an art form and as a mode of critical inquiry. It recognises that performance is not simply a vehicle for delivering written texts but a distinct creative medium with its own languages, methods, and possibilities, encompassing devised work, physical theatre, site-specific performance, and a wide range of contemporary practices alongside more traditional forms. Studying it means developing your abilities as a practitioner while also developing the critical and theoretical understanding to contextualise what you make and watch.

At the University of Salford, this full-time, three-year programme includes a year abroad, which broadens your perspective on performance traditions and practices beyond the UK. Whether your ambitions lie in performing, directing, devising, writing plays or screenplays, or making work for touring, the programme develops the tools you need to take the first steps in a professional creative career. You will engage with the history and theory of theatre alongside intensive practical training, and the programme develops both your technical skills and your capacity to take creative risks with intention and intelligence.

Salford's location in the heart of one of the UK's most active creative regions, and its connections to the media and arts industries, provide a practical context for the programme. The typical entry tariff is 120 UCAS points.

Graduates from theatre and performance practice programmes work as performers, directors, devisers, writers, arts educators, community artists, and theatre producers. Many build portfolio careers that combine different kinds of creative and professional work. The communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills developed during the degree are also valued in education, broadcasting, marketing, events management, and the wider creative industries.

Postgraduate study in performance, applied theatre, directing, or arts education provides a route for those who wish to develop their practice or pursue academic research.