Drama and theatre studies courses

Drama is a very popular degree subject – in 2012, over 5,800 degrees were awarded to UK graduates. With so many graduates around, jobs in acting are very sought-after and often gained through personal contacts, so be prepared to practise your people skills. But there are lots of roles in the arts for drama graduates, in direction, production, design, journalism and PR. The skills taught by drama courses can be useful elsewhere – a lot of the economy can use people who can perform and present in front of others, and so drama graduates can be found in teaching, management, advertising, project and events organisation and community work. Be aware that freelancing and self-employment is common, as are what is termed 'portfolio careers' – having several part-time jobs or commissions at once – over one in ten drama graduates last year had more than one job on the go at once after six months.