Bachelor of Arts (Theatre Arts and Film Studies)
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts and Film Studies is a four-year programme that combines practical performance training with critical and theoretical study of theatre and film. Students explore acting, directing, stagecraft and screen production alongside film theory, dramatic literature and performance analysis. The programme balances creative practice with academic rigour, preparing graduates for careers in performance, production, criticism and education.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 204,400 a year at a public institution, Ksh 817,600 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 225,800 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Crisis Communication Director, at 18 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop competencies in acting, directing, script analysis, stage and film production, critical writing and performance studies. They learn to analyse dramatic texts and films, understand theatrical and cinematic traditions, create original performance work and apply theoretical frameworks to creative practice. The programme covers both Kenyan and global theatre and film traditions.
In Kenya, the creative sector is expanding with growing investment in film and television content, a vibrant theatre scene in Nairobi and increasing demand for trained performers and practitioners. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Showmax are commissioning Kenyan content, while theatre companies continue to produce innovative work. Graduates find opportunities in film, television, theatre, education, advertising and cultural management.
Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, practical workshops, film screenings, theatre rehearsals and production projects. Students perform in theatre productions, create short films, analyse films and plays, and undertake industrial attachment in creative industries. The programme includes a final-year creative or research project.
Graduates pursue careers as actors, directors, film and theatre critics, drama teachers, cultural officers and content creators. Some work in film production companies, television stations or theatre companies. Others pursue postgraduate study in film, theatre or performance studies.
This programme is ideal for individuals with passion for performance and critical inquiry. Students who enjoy both creating and analysing dramatic works will find this programme intellectually and creatively stimulating.
What you study
10 subjects- Acting and Performance Studies
- Dramatic Literature and Text Analysis
- Film Theory and Criticism
- Theatre History and Dramatic Theory
- Directing for Stage and Screen
- Screenwriting and Playwriting
- Theatre Production and Design
- African Theatre and Cinema
- Performance Research Methods
- Cultural Studies and Creative Industries
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Theatre Arts
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts of theatre, including history, forms, elements and the creative process
Introduction to Film Studies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Overview of cinema as art form and industry, including film language, history and analysis
Acting and Performance Studies I
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Fundamental acting techniques, voice training, movement and character development for stage and screen
Dramatic Literature and Text Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Analysis of dramatic texts from classical to contemporary, including structure, theme and character
Film Theory and Criticism
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Theoretical frameworks for analysing film, including auteur theory, genre theory and postcolonial cinema
Theatre History and Dramatic Theory
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Historical development of theatre from Greek drama to modern and contemporary theatrical movements
Directing for Stage and Screen
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles and techniques of directing for theatre and film, including working with actors and visual composition
African Theatre and Cinema
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of African theatrical and cinematic traditions, with focus on Kenyan and East African contexts
Screenwriting and Playwriting
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Craft of writing original works for screen and stage, including narrative structure and character development
Theatre Production and Design
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Practical aspects of theatre production including set, lighting, sound and costume design
Creative/Research Project
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Final-year creative production or scholarly research project demonstrating mastery of programme competencies
Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Supervised placement at a theatre company, film production house, TV station or cultural organisation
Specialisations
Theatre Production
Specialization in Theatre Production, preparing graduates for careers such as animation-film. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Film Criticism
Specialization in Film Criticism, preparing graduates for careers such as content-creator-social-media-manager.
Directing
Specialization in Directing, preparing graduates for careers such as documentary-filmmaker. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
African Cinema Studies
Specialization in African Cinema Studies, preparing graduates for careers such as documentary-filmmaker.
Playwriting and Screenwriting
Specialization in Playwriting and Screenwriting, preparing graduates for careers such as content-creator-social-media-manager.
Performance Studies
Specialization in Performance Studies, preparing graduates for careers such as animation-film. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on film theory or dramatic literature with afternoon workshops for acting, directing or production. Students may rehearse for theatre productions, screen and analyse films or work on creative writing projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Combines practical performance skills with critical and theoretical knowledge | Creative careers can have irregular income, especially early in the career |
| Kenya's creative sector is growing with streaming platform investments | Competition for directing and acting roles is intense |
| Versatile qualification applicable to film, theatre, education and media | Some career paths require postgraduate study for advancement |
| Develops both creative and analytical thinking skills | Building professional networks takes time and persistence |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 106 media & communication coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
KU Film/Theatre 204,400/yr, UoN ~189K/yr (UoN fee struct). Daystar ~225,800/yr.
Students may access HELB loans and county bursaries. The Kenya Film Commission occasionally offers grants for student creative projects.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
LoanKsh 60,000
National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)
Bursary
County Government Bursaries
Bursary
Scholarships
5 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
Kenya Film Commission Creative Grant
GrantKsh 500,000Kenyan
Kenyan filmmakers and creatives pursuing film, TV or animation projects
Goethe-Institut Scholarship Programmes
Scholarship
Students and artists in cultural and performing arts
Scholarships you could apply for
8 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Komaza Scholarship Program
RollingPartialKomaza
KES 50,000 to 150,000 per year
- Moi University Merit Scholarship
Before semester startsPartialMoi University
50% tuition waiver
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Maseno University, Moi University.
Including Maseno University, Moi University.
Including Maseno University, Moi University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
Coursework25% of the mark
Creative/Research Project
Coursework100% of the mark
Final Examination
Coursework35% of the mark
Production Projects and Essays
Coursework40% of the mark
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
InstitutionalRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Content regulation is overseen by the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesDirector
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 300,000
Directs theatre productions or film and video projects
Content Creator
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 150,000
Creates original video and performance content for digital platforms and social media
Drama Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 90,000
Teaches drama and theatre arts in schools and educational institutions
Actor
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 200,000
Performs in films, television, theatre and digital content productions
Film and Theatre Critic
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Writes critical reviews and analysis of films and theatre productions for publications
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as actors, directors, critics, drama teachers and content creators in film, television, theatre, education and cultural management.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Crisis Communication DirectorMedia & Communication18Low exposure
- Documentary Impact ProducerMedia & Communication19Low exposure
- Livestream Broadcast ProducerMedia & Communication19Low exposure
- Applied EthicistArts & Humanities20Low exposure
- ChoreographerArts & Humanities20Low exposure
- Interfaith Dialogue FacilitatorArts & Humanities20Low exposure
- Health Communication SpecialistMedia & Communication21Low exposure
- Corporate SpeechwriterMedia & Communication22Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Word
CreativePrimary
Google Drive
Cloud
Zoom
CloudPrimary
Google Docs
Cloud
Adobe Photoshop
Design
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Theatre and film studies is just about acting
The programme covers theory, criticism, writing, directing, production and cultural studies alongside performance.
There are no career opportunities in Kenya's creative sector
Streaming platforms, advertising and corporate content creation offer growing opportunities for qualified graduates.
Film studies is not academically rigorous
The programme involves critical theory, historical analysis, research methods and scholarly writing.
You must be a performer to benefit from this programme
Many graduates work behind the scenes as writers, directors, critics, educators and cultural managers.