This exciting and diverse degree allows you to study performance in workshop conditions while learning a language. You'll acquire a critical and practical understanding of theatre while becoming proficient in your chosen language and exploring its culture and history.
Core modules focus on theatre and language. You'll study performance with reference to specific texts, events and cultural organisations in their historical, social and political contexts, and develop fundamental practical skills for the stage. You'll also develop skills in your language of choice by studying grammar and contemporary topics relevant to the areas where that language is spoken.
You'll build on your knowledge by choosing from a wide range of optional modules on the practice, histories and industrial aspects of performance, and on the culture, history, politics and society of your language. Some language disciplines offer optional modules on the theatre of that language, allowing you to combine your subjects.
Leeds offers great facilities for language students. Our fully-equipped Language Centre hosts digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Our Interpreter Training Suites also offer you the chance to explore a career in interpreting, and our Electronic Resource Information Centre houses specialised computing facilities to support translation studies.
Our world-class library resources include a huge variety of books and academic journals around the areas of Middle East studies and the politics, societies and cultures of the Middle East, as well as a wealth of audio-visual materials. The University Library runs a full training programme to help you exploit them. In addition, our archives contain 500 Arabic manuscripts and 10,000 archaeological artefacts, ranging from Pharaonic to early Palestinian eras.
The University also has four performance and rehearsal spaces, fully equipped with lighting and sound, which are used for teaching and group work on theatre studies modules as well as performances. In addition, our fully-equipped Language Centre hosts digital language labs, audio/visual practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL).
Course content
In your first year, you'll study compulsory modules in performance which introduce you to the core questions of this field, both critical and practical. This will allow you to develop your skills in analysing text and performance, and to participate in a group performance project. You'll also follow a compulsory language course that combines classroom study of grammar, oral classes, and autonomous study. These issues are routinely approached through the study of a particular aspect of the culture or history of that language.
You'll develop this base of knowledge and skills at Level 2. Core modules will encourage you to think about the historical context of performance (both text and event) and enable you to progress further as regards your use of your chosen language. Optional modules will allow you to broaden your knowledge with study of the production, consumption and reception of performances, and of the cultures and societies of your chosen language.
In addition to a compulsory language module in your final year, you'll have the opportunity to study optional modules in small groups with specialists in a variety of areas, many of which focus on performance. On the performance side of your studies, you'll also undertake the compulsory Independent Research Project, which allows you to carry out research on a performance-related topic of your own choice.
Course structure
These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Year 1
You'll choose from a wide range of optional modules while maintaining a balance across your subjects. Follow the links to the Programme Catalogue for more example optional modules and the full course structure.
Compulsory modules
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB
Career opportunities
This programme will equip you with an understanding of performance, its contexts and uses as well as practical skills for the stage, along with knowledge of a world language. It will also equip you with valuable skills that will serve you well in a wide range of careers.
You'll have excellent presentation and communication skills, both verbally and in writing. You'll be confident working in a team or independently. You'll also be able to think critically and creatively about a situation from different perspectives and have a high level of cultural awareness.
We intend that this new programme will give you the skills to succeed in a wide range of careers in the UK and further afield. These may include writing, performing, production and directing, community arts work, education, the media, marketing, PR, events management, arts administration, teaching, dramatherapy or language-specific roles such as translation or interpreting.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
You'll spend your second year at the Arabic Language Institute in Fes (ALIF), Morocco.
It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture, and when you're not in your intensive language classes there will be plenty of time to travel and explore the region. For many of our students, it's the highlight of their course.
