Bachelor of Arts in Dance Studies and Theatre Studies

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

3 Years

180 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

Theatre Studies

Applicants wishing to join the part-time mode must submit their application as full-time, and then include a note in the comments box of the application form, denoting their preference to be considered for the part-time option. Such requests will be considered by the Board of the Faculty.

In the undergraduate programme of study in Theatre Studies, we will give you an academic perspective of the theoretical, practical and historical application of the theatre, and its versatile application in a broad range of performative manners. During the course we will instil you with a deep sense of awareness and appreciation of the interdisciplinary area and its contribution to society. We will also encourage you to participate in the Erasmus+ mobility programme for a multicultural and diverse academic journey.

Dance Studies

The programme of study in Dance Studies will provide you with an academic perspective of the different types of dance and theories related to it, where you will learn about how dance choreography has developed from past to present. You will have the chance to undergo professional practice and experience a variety of dance manners ranging from the musical theatre and movement analysis, to the coupling of performance and philosophy. To heighten your academic experience of the theoretical and practical sides of dance studies, you will be encouraged to participate in an Erasmus+ mobility programme abroad, in order to gain a holistic and multicultural education of the subject matter.

Communication and Academic Skills Programme

The communication and academic skills programme complements students’ main course of study. It introduces them to writing and presenting as situated within academic contexts sensitive to specific disciplines and develops their competences for future careers.

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Information for International applicants

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

Dance Studies

Applicants are required to complete an interview and an audition. Applicants are also required to submit a completed medical fitness form. Those applicants who are unable to attend the interview and dance audition in person may arrange to complete the process through electronic means of communication.

Theatre Studies

Applicants in terms of the 'maturity (adult learners) clause' are required to sit for an interview, held on a date which will be announced in due course.

Applicants may also be required to submit a Learning Portfolio. Further information about the Portfolio will be forwarded to applicants.

Dance Studies

Applicants in terms of the 'maturity (adult learners) clause' are required to sit for an interview, held on a date which will be announced in due course.

Applicants may also be required to submit a Learning Portfolio. Further information about the Portfolio will be forwarded to applicants.

You are viewing the entry requirements for International applicants. Switch to Local qualifications.

You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website.

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.

Theatre Studies


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

THS1100	Histories of Theatre 1	6 ECTS
THS1104	Performance Skills 1: Training	5 ECTS
THS1106	Studying Performance	4 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

THS1101	Histories of Theatre 2	6 ECTS
THS1105	Performance Skills 2: Festival	5 ECTS

Requirement for regular progression to Year 2:
26 credits in Theatre Studies
26 credits in the other area
8 credits in optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 credits

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 16 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

THS2200	Theatrical Texts	5 ECTS

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

PFA2004	Interdisciplinary Theories of Performance	5 ECTS
PFA2005	Performance and Philosophy	4 ECTS
PFA2006	Musical Theatre: Histories and Training	4 ECTS
THS2106	Applied Performance 1: Skills	4 ECTS
THS2110	Modern Theatre and Performance	5 ECTS
THS2111	Contemporary Theatre and Performance	5 ECTS
THS2112*	Interdisciplinary Practices	4 ECTS
THS2202	Theatre Skills: Acting	6 ECTS
* Study-unit THS2112 can only be taken after consultation with the Theatre Studies Head of Department. In order to register, a confirmation email/note should be attached with the student registration form.

Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

THS2103	Theories of Performance: Critical Perspectives	5 ECTS

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

PFA2007	Musical Theatre: Performance	4 ECTS
THS2107	Arts and Cultural Management 1: Theories and Perspectives	6 ECTS
THS2108	Popular Performance	5 ECTS
THS2109	Theatre and Performance in Malta	5 ECTS
THS2113**	Performance and Scientific Perspectives	4 ECTS
THS2201	Theatre Skills: Writing for the theatre	5 ECTS
THS2203	Theatre Skills: Directing	4 ECTS
* Study-unit THS2113 can only be taken after consultation with the Theatre Studies Head of Department. In order to register, a confirmation email/note should be attached with the student registration form.

Requirement for regular progression to Year 3:
26 credits in Theatre Studies
26 credits in the other area
8 credits optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 credits

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 16 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.


Semester 1

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

THS2106	Applied Performance 1: Skills	4 ECTS
THS3107	Arts and Cultural Management 2: Placement	6 ECTS
THS3108	Musicality in Theatre and Performance	6 ECTS
THS3110	Shakespeare in Performance	6 ECTS
THS3112*	Advanced Topic in Theatre Studies 1	4 ECTS
THS3114	Practice Research	6 ECTS
* Study-unit THS3112 can only be taken after consultation with the Head of Department. In order to register, a confirmation email/note should be attached with the student registration form.

Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

THS3095	Synoptic Study-Unit 1: Theatre Studies	6 ECTS	(NC)
THS3096	Synoptic Study-Unit 2: Theatre Studies	6 ECTS	(NC)

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

THS3106	Applied Performance 2: Community Project	6 ECTS
THS3109	World and Intercultural Performance	6 ECTS
THS3113**	Advanced Topic in Theatre Studies 2	4 ECTS
Study-unit THS3113 can only** be taken after consultation with the Head of Department. In order to register, a confirmation email/note should be attached with the student registration form.

Requirement for successful completion of Year 3: 60 credits, of which:
28 credits in Theatre Studies
28 credits in the other area
4 credits optional study-units

Requirement for award of B.A. Theatre Studies and in another area of study: 180 credits, of which:
80 credits in Theatre Studies
80 credits in the other area
20 credits optional study-units

Dance Studies


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

DCS1020	Dance Techniques 1	6 ECTS


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

DCS1005	Dance in History and Society 1	5 ECTS
DCS1015	Introduction to Critical Dance Studies	5 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

DCS1006	Dance in History and Society 2	5 ECTS
DCS1013	The Healthier Performer	5 ECTS

Requirement for regular progression to Year 2:
26 ECTS credits in Dance Studies
26 ECTS credits in the other area
8 ECTS credits in optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 10 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

DCS2020	Dance Techniques 2	6 ECTS


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

PFA2004	Interdisciplinary Theories of Performance	5 ECTS

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

DCS2007	Technology and Interdisciplinary Performance 1	5 ECTS
DCS2015	Dance Theatre	4 ECTS
DCS2018	Dance Education	4 ECTS
DCS2021	Movement Analysis: Theory and Practice	2 ECTS
PFA2005	Performance and Philosophy	4 ECTS
PFA2006	Musical Theatre: Histories and Training	4 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

DCS2005	Dance and Performance Theory	5 ECTS

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

DCS2008	Technology and Interdisciplinary Performance 2	5 ECTS
DCS2016	Choreography: Modernism and Postmodernism	4 ECTS
DCS2019	Dance in the Community	4 ECTS
DCS2022	Dance Criticism	2 ECTS
PFA2007	Musical Theatre: Performance	4 ECTS
THS2107	Arts and Cultural Management 1: Theories and Perspectives	6 ECTS

Requirement for regular progression to Year 3:
26 ECTS credits in Dance Studies
26 ECTS credits in the other area
8 ECTS credits optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 credits


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

DCS3009	Choreological Perspectives	5 ECTS
DCS3029	Choreography Event, Support and Performance	6 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

DCS3006	Performance Practitioners	5 ECTS
DCS3026	Synoptic Study-unit 1: Individual Dance Project	6 ECTS	(NC)
DCS3027	Synoptic Study-unit: Dance Studies Review	6 ECTS	(NC)

Requirement for successful completion of Year 3: 60 ECTS credits, of which:
28 ECTS credits in Dance Studies
28 ECTS credits in the other area
4 ECTS credits optional study-units

Requirement for award of B.A. Dance Studies and in another area of study: 180 ECTS credits, of which:
80 ECTS credits in Dance Studies
80 ECTS credits in the other area
20 ECTS credits optional study-units

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Bachelor of Arts - B.A. - and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - B.A. (Hons) - under the auspices of the Faculty of Arts.

Theatre Studies

Upon successfully completing this course, you will be able to:

Carry out research and write academic essays through your refined sense of critical thought about the performative arts.
Contribute to interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary discussions through your unique knowledge of the subject matter.
Speak fluently about the history, practicality and practices of theatre in contemporary performances.
Display critical thought and knowledge through your independent work and production.
Use your refined awareness and eye for detail to discuss and interpret contemporary productions and performances.

Dance Studies

By the end of this course, you will:

Be able to discuss, criticise and analyse the different types of dance in a professional manner.
Possess a firm knowledge on the past and theory of dance and theatre through different aesthetic, artistic, cultural and practical lenses.
Have a refined sense of the relationship between bodily movement and theatre or musical performance.
Be critically able to conduct research in theatre, dance and performance.
Be able to contextualise culture, history and theory in a performative dance study.

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: Eur 8,500

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Theatre Studies

As a graduate in this programme of study you will have career opportunities, both locally and internationally, as an acting couch, actor, activist, casting director, critic, journalist, reporter, publicist, playwright, drama teacher, costume designer, theatre manager, script writer and community worker. If you are interested in furthering your studies or are considering an academic profession, then we encourage you to enrol in one of our postgraduate courses.

Dance Studies

Upon successfully completing this course, you will have the opportunity to pursue a number of careers, both locally and internationally. These range from occupations such as an arts administrator, community arts worker, dance movement psychotherapist and choreographer, to pursuing a career as a dancer, theatre director and personal trainer. If you are interested in furthering your academic studies or are considering an academic career, then you are encouraged to enrol in one of our local post-graduate courses for a more holistic and honed learning experience.