Psychology and Theatre Arts

Psychology and theatre arts might seem like an unusual combination at first, but they share a deep common territory in the understanding of human emotion, behaviour and expression. Psychology provides the scientific framework for understanding how people think, feel, perceive and respond to their social worlds. Theatre arts translate these questions into embodied, collaborative, live practice, exploring emotion, character, conflict and storytelling through performance.

Studied together at the University of Derby, they develop graduates who are both analytically grounded and creatively capable.

This four-year programme, which includes a foundation year and a sandwich year, develops your knowledge of psychology's major fields alongside practical theatre-making skills. In psychology, you will learn research methods, data analysis and critical thinking, engaging with social, developmental, cognitive and abnormal psychology in a scientifically rigorous way. In theatre arts, you will develop your creative voice, physical and vocal skills, and your understanding of dramaturgy and theatrical form, working collaboratively on productions and projects.

Work placements are embedded in the programme, giving you professional experience in settings relevant to either or both of your disciplines before you graduate. The foundation year provides a supportive entry into degree-level study.

Graduates of this combination pursue careers that draw on their analytical and creative capabilities in different proportions. Acting, directing, community theatre, drama facilitation and applied theatre in health, educational and social care settings are among the creative destinations. Psychology-focused careers include roles in educational settings, social care, HR and organisational development, communications and research.

Some graduates go on to further training in psychotherapy, drama therapy, occupational psychology or teaching. The combination is particularly well suited to applied theatre and drama therapy roles, where understanding psychological principles and having theatrical craft are equally important.