History/Theatre Studies

History and theatre studies are disciplines that share a deep concern with human experience across time, but approach it from fascinatingly different angles. History traces the development of societies, ideas, and power through the scrutiny of evidence, building interpretive accounts of the past that are always open to revision as new sources are uncovered. Theatre studies examines how performance works, how it reflects and challenges the societies that produce it, and what it means to make and watch live art.

Studying them together opens productive conversations about how the past is represented, staged, and remembered.

At the University of Glasgow, this part-time joint degree places you within one of the UK's leading history departments, whose teaching ranges from medieval to modern times and spans Scottish, British, European, American, and global history. Research expertise in slavery studies, gender history, war and intelligence, and genocide studies enriches the curriculum and gives you access to cutting-edge scholarship. The theatre studies component develops your understanding of performance as both practice and theory, from the analysis of dramatic texts and theatrical traditions to engagement with contemporary performance and the cultural politics of the stage.

The programme also includes a year abroad option, which can provide the opportunity to study history and performance in an international context.

Graduates with this combination of historical knowledge and theatrical awareness are well prepared for careers in arts administration, heritage, education, journalism, cultural programming, museum and archive work, and the creative industries. History graduates in particular are strongly represented in the civil service, law, politics, and public policy. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in history, drama, theatre studies, or education, finding that the combination of analytical and creative skills their undergraduate degree has given them is a real advantage in specialist contexts.