Theatre Studies/English Language

Theatre studies and English language is a combination that brings together the analysis of performance as a cultural and artistic practice with the systematic scientific study of how language works. Theatre studies develops your understanding of dramatic texts, performance theory, theatre history, and the practice of making and analysing performance, engaging with theatre as one of the oldest and most socially significant of human arts. English language examines how language is structured, how it varies across communities and contexts, how it changes over time, and what it reveals about cognition and society.

At Glasgow, theatre studies benefits from close connections with the theatre industry, giving you opportunities to learn from and engage with practitioners of national and international standing. You will develop skills in textual analysis, performance theory, and dramaturgical understanding alongside the linguistic and sociolinguistic expertise developed in the English language strand. The programme includes a year abroad and is offered part-time, providing flexibility for those who need it.

You will develop two distinct but complementary critical approaches: the performance analyst's attention to how texts work on stage, and the linguist's attention to how language itself works.

Graduates of theatre studies and English language programmes pursue careers in theatre, acting, directing, arts administration, education, journalism, broadcasting, publishing, and linguistic and educational research. The rare combination of performance knowledge and linguistic analytical skill is valued in roles that involve the intersection of language, communication, and cultural practice. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in theatre, linguistics, applied linguistics, or drama education, where the dual perspective of their undergraduate training is distinctive.