The Bachelor of Drama [4-year programme] consists of the existing number of regular modules for the standard three-year degree in addition to five foundational modules in the first year of study. The first year of the programme offers foundational support in academic information management, writing and literacy skills, visual imaging as well as competence in discipline specific theory and praxis which are crucial towards entering drama studies.

This programme facilitates and fosters students' knowledge of, and interest and skills in the performing arts. It provides them with opportunities to explore academic, artistic, creative and practical aspects of the discipline.

Students are provided with opportunities to practise their craft by conceiving, directing and participating in a range of media, including theatre performances and performances for TV, film and radio.

The programme focuses on the main disciplines of performance studies, including physical theatre, directing, performance, digital and new media studies and performing arts management, and developmental and educational theatre and drama.

Besides offering skills training and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, drama develops the capacity to think strategically, systemically, analytically, critically and creatively; communicate effectively; work as part of a collective; make appropriate decisions; plan, organise and prioritise work; solve problems creatively, obtain and process information; influence others; work effectively with a variety of people; be adaptable; lead projects; develop a strong work ethic and manage time.

The Bachelor of Drama programme focuses on embodied teaching and learning and a range of performance and creative activities which transfer skills across these domains.

The ideal candidates are students who are self-driven, hard-working, enthusiastic and aware, and seek concrete ways to use the performing arts to challenge and even change themselves and society.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.

Actors (theatre, film, television and radio), physical theatre artists, theatre critics, radio and television presenters, directors, educational theatre practitioners and educators, community theatre artists and educators, light and sound operators, voice artists, stage and production managers, programme facilitators and managers, performing arts administrators, camera operators, documentary film-makers, digital and new media editors, playwrights, scriptwriters, play devisors, film and theatre researchers.

Important information for all prospective students for 2026

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

* To retain admission, you must obtain an APS of at least 26 in the NSC. 

Admissions for the Bachelor of Drama [4-year programme] will take place in August, Ad-hoc.

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. 

Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.

Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.

Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.

Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International undergraduate prospectus 2026: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa), available at click here.

International students: Click here.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

Note:

• Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
• Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
• Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students

Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.

The Department selects candidates based on an audition.

Except in cases where modules or programmes require the use of a language other than English, all modules will be presented only in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication and correspondence.

The Faculty of Humanities provides a holistic education, transferable skills, critical thinking, and communication and problem-solving that will help you develop to your full potential. You will be entering a stimulating environment that will broaden your intellectual horizons and help you achieve personal and professional success through the best possible learning experience.

As the most diverse Faculty of the University of Pretoria, we offer an exciting and comprehensive range of programmes and discipline-based majors, including studies in languages, social sciences and visual and performing arts.

• Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.