Overview

The Drama B.A. at University of California, Irvine (UCI) provides a comprehensive foundation in the multifaceted world of theatrical arts and dramatic theory. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum that balances historical scholarship with practical experience in acting, directing, and technical design. This programme prepares graduates for diverse professional paths by fostering collaboration and creative innovation within a world-class academic environment.

Why Drama at University of California, Irvine (UCI)?

Studying at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts allows students to engage with theatre as a fundamental element of human civilisation. The programme integrates world history, psychology, and aesthetics with ancient and contemporary communication technologies. Undergraduates benefit from a unique environment where auditions for all productions are open to them, with several projects reserved exclusively for the undergraduate community. This hands-on collaboration involves real-time interactions with artists and live audiences, utilising sophisticated performance techniques developed over 3,000 years.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 56682 per year
National fee: USD 56682 per year
Local fee: USD 19080 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide breadth across all areas of theatre production and scholarship. Modules may include:

Theatre
Performance Now
Culture in Performance
Acting
Development of Drama
Costume Design
Scenic Design
Lighting Design
Sound Design

Careers with Drama

Graduates from the department find success on Broadway, in national tours, and within regional and summer theatres. Alumni frequently secure roles in film and television or serve as artistic directors, business managers, and art directors at over 100 theatre companies. Many also transition into academia, holding faculty positions at numerous institutions of higher learning. Beyond the stage, the transferable skills gained from this degree support successful careers in law, business, arts management, advertising, and teaching. Many students also choose to pursue advanced graduate studies at prestigious institutions globally.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Performance Now

Culture in Performance

Acting

Development of Drama

Costume Design

Scenic Design

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Irvine, United States

Disciplines

Drama View 1338 other Bachelors in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

You must receive a 3.0 GPA (3.4 for non-California residents)

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must receive a 3.0 GPA (3.4 for non-California residents) or higher in the 15 required “a-g” subject courses, with no grade lower than a C.

UCI will not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes. After enrollment, exams may be used for class placement or some graduation requirements.

Personal Insight Questions (your personal insight questions should be exactly that – personal. This is your opportunity to tell us about yourself, what matters to you, your hopes, ambitions, life experiences, and inspirations. Key points about the personal insight questions include: freshman applicants choose four out of eight questions to answer, each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words. We encourage you to take your time. Be open, be reflective, and be honest. Your personal insight questions provide context for the rest of your application.)

English proficiency requirements

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

56682 USD / year

≈ 56682 USD / year
Out-of-State

56682 USD / year

≈ 56682 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

19080 USD / year

≈ 19080 USD / year

Living costs

Irvine

United States

1560 - 2585 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Drama.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Irvine

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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