About the Department
Established in 1947, ours was the first department at a British university dedicated to the study of Drama in performance. We were also the first to introduce the practical and theoretical study of film and television. With our consistently excellent research rating in our discipline in the UK and with alumni working at the highest levels internationally across screen and performance, in such diverse careers as writing, acting, directing and presenting, we continue to be a leader in the field.
Bristol offers the chance to study at undergraduate and postgraduate levels across screen and performance in a stimulating and creative environment that embraces historical and practice-based approaches.
We currently have 24 full- time members of staff. In addition to administrative and technical support staff, there are 11 teacher-researchers, 7 teacher-production tutors and 3 Theatre Collection staff members.
We have an average undergraduate intake of 40 students a year, 50 taught postgraduates and some 20 postgraduate research students. Our staff-student ratio is outstanding and students enjoy a high number of contact hours
Our research in screen and performance is classed as internationally significant and we are consistently ranked in national newspapers as one of the very top departments in the UK. We continue to host major funded research projects that provide employment opportunities for postdoctoral researchers. In RAE 2008 45% of our research returns were rated 4*, or of the highest international standing.