Drama studies: from page to stage
The Certificate in Theatre and Performance Studies will introduce you to the concepts, contexts, theories and methods of drama, the dramaturgy and theatre and performance practice that provide an evidence-based, analytical and critical approach to understanding world theatre and dramatic literature. Through recorded lectures, carefully constructed reading lists and online class discussion, you will develop your knowledge of both theatre history and contemporary innovations in dramatic expression. Ready to immerse yourself in a world of theatre? We look forward to welcoming you.
Why choose this course with us?
- Learn at Cambridge, whatever your experience: this is an open-entry course
- Access Cambridge teaching in a flexible format: part-time and online
- Gain a credited, Cambridge award: boost your learning and career opportunities
- Join our peer-learning and Cambridge alumni communities: connection and support, for life
Course Dates
Course details
Tutors
Course overview
Course information
Course highlights
During this part-time online certificate course, you will:
- enhance your aptitude for and enjoyment of theatre studies
- develop your study and writing skills to an advanced level
- explore a wide variety of dramatic works and understand the real-world contexts for performance and production.
The Certificate in Theatre and Performance Studies will develop your knowledge of historical and contemporary practice on stage and screen through in-depth of study of themes, authors and movements.
As part of our learning community, you will:
- discuss the interplay between text, performance, direction and creative technical theatre design as used in contemporary productions
- gain an informed understanding of established and less well-known dramatists and texts in relation to their period and to other writers
- learn about different historical and current theatre practices and practitioners that reflect both western and non-western approaches to theatre-making
- explore traditional and innovative technical aspects for making, designing and producing theatre
- be provided with opportunities for progression to further study and careers in different areas of theatre and related industries
Course breakdown
This course will run from 9 October 2026 to 9 June 2027.
After an introduction and welcome session, each term’s teaching will take place in 4 live teaching sessions usually on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm, and 2 open sessions usually on Wednesday evenings, between 7pm and 8pm, plus pre-recorded lectures (all times GMT/BST). Exact teaching dates and times will be confirmed in the course guide upon enrolment.
Michaelmas term: From Dramatic Text to Performance
(Introduction and 6 live teaching/open sessions plus pre-recorded lectures. Live teaching sessions are usually on Saturdays between 11.00am - 1.00pm and 2.00pm - 4.00pm GMT (Dates/Times TBC). Open sessions are usually on Wednesdays between 7.00pm and 8.00pm (Dates/Times TBC).
- Introduction and Welcome: TBC
- Unit 1 start date: Friday 9 October 2026
- Unit 1 end date: Wednesday 6 January 2026
Lent term: Performance Theories and Practices
(6 live teaching/open sessions plus pre-recorded lectures. Live teaching sessions are usually on Saturdays between 11.00am - 1.00pm and 2.00pm - 4.00pm GMT (Dates/Times TBC). Open sessions are usually on Wednesdays between 7.00pm and 8.00pm (Dates/Times TBC).
- Unit 2 start date: Monday 4 January 2027
- Unit 2 end date: Wednesday 24 March 2027
Easter term: Theatre Technologies and Modes of Production
(6 live teaching/open sessions plus pre-recorded lectures. Live teaching sessions are usually on Saturdays between 11.00am - 1.00pm and 2.00pm - 4.00pm BST (Dates/Times TBC). Open sessions are usually on Wednesdays between 7.00pm and 8.00pm (Dates/Times TBC).
- Unit 3 start date: Monday 29 March 2027
- Unit 3 end date: Wednesday 9 June 2027
Entry Requirements
There are no formal academic entry requirements for this course. It’s open to all learners who are interested in the subject.
English Language Requirements
Our courses are taught in English and require a good level of fluency. If English is not your first language, you’ll need to meet the requirements of one of the language proficiency tests below. You’ll need to complete your test and submit the results to our admissions team by 15 September 2026.
IELTS (Academic), IELTS for UKVI Academic, IELTS One Skill Retake
Overall score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in any component.
TOEFL iBT or TOEFL Home Edition
https://www.ets.org/toefl.html
Overall score of 92, with no element below 20.
(Please note that changes to TOEFL Internet Based Test and Home Edition mean that it will no longer be suitable for entry to Cambridge at Undergraduate level from 21 January 2026. Tests taken after this date will not be accepted.)
Cambridge English C2 Proficiency
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/proficiency/
Overall score of 176, with no element lower than 169.
As part of our open and inclusive learning environment, you can enjoy the world-class resources, expertise and facilities of Cambridge University wherever you are on your academic journey.
Our video-based teaching platforms offer a flexible way to access lectures, while our Virtual Learning Environment makes it easy to study and learn online and interact with your tutor and fellow students.
Our teaching methods include lectures, presentations by guest speakers and facilitators, workshops, and interactive and experiential learning activities. We will also give you reading and assignments to complete outside of classroom sessions to further develop your craft.
You will be asked to submit an assignment at the end of each unit to demonstrate your learning. There are more details about how this course is assessed in the course guide we will send you once you have enrolled.
Qualifications
This course is equivalent to half of the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree. It offers 60 CATS credits, which are recognised by higher education institutions and employers.
Hours of study
The award of academic credit is a means of quantifying and recognising learning and within the UK, one credit notionally represents 10 hours of learning*. This course attracts 60 credits, so students should expect to need to study for approximately 600 hours in total to complete all units successfully. However, it is recognised that students study at different paces and use a variety of approaches, so this is a recommendation, rather than a hard-and-fast calculation.
SEEC Credit Level Descriptors for Higher Education (2021) here.
Fees
The total fee for this course is shown above in 'Course details'.
To help you manage your finances more comfortably, you can pay the fee in instalments. For more information on payment options, and how to secure your place, see how to pay.
Funding
We're dedicated to reducing and removing financial barriers to learning. Visit financial support before applying to find out what options may be available to help you in your studies. You can explore external funding and stay up to date on our concessions and bursaries.
We're committed to supporting you in your learning journey, and we offer a variety of support opportunities to meet individual needs. Visit student support to find out more about how we can help.
