Could a masters equate to an undergrad degree

[DotDixie]

Hello all

Im currently an undergrad studying history and hope to become a teacher. However, history isn't a subject that I want to teach as I don't really enjoy the history/time period taught in schools. I would much rather be a drama teacher so I was wondering if after I complete my degree, I do a Masters in drama/theatre etc would the universities that I apply for my pgce see this as somewhat equal to an undergrad degree?

Also, I don't really want to change course as I did a different course/degree last year (geography) but didn't enjoy it. I'd much rather spend 5 years at uni and come out with a degree and a masters rather than 5 years and just a degree. (Although I won't be unreasonable if changing course really is the only way)

Also also I did drama at gcse and a level and am aware that I will have to do extra drama related things (which i'm doing/plan on doing) before I apply for masters/pgce.

Thanks in advance!

Once you are a qualified teacher you are considered qualified to teach any subject. The issue becomes only whether a school will give you a job.

There is no recruitment crisis in drama teaching as there is in many other subjects. Many drama teachers will also have another more academic subject they also teach.

How are you languages? I have a friend whose history degree included several languages modules as her main interests for specialisation required large amounts of reading source texts in French and German. There is plenty of demand for mfl teachers and schools.

Do you do extra curricular drama? I mean are you active in drama or theatre locally? If so then you may not need a masters you could get accepted onto a drama pgce. And do you have A-level English? Lots of English teachers do some drama so you could do an English PGCE?
I am a music teacher trained almost 10 years ago now but in that time I have met several teachers whose undergrad was in something else but they were active musicians (with an A level) and were accepted onto PGCE music.

Thanks for the replies!

Orinoco - As part of my degree I have been learning latin but i feel as if im learning what I need to know to pass the course and not what I need to know to read/speak latin fluently. My university however does offer the opportunity to learn different languages so may look into that.

Tiny - I didnt do english a level and im not currently in the drama society as i couldnt afford it (student loan have not been generous ) also my friend did it last year and really didnt like the society. I may give it a chance though (if i somehow get the money) but if it really is bad i'll up the voluntering at schools/drama groups

The last time we recruited a Drama teacher, we have several strong applicants. In the end, we took one who had experience of putting on productions. She taught singing in her spare time and had been involved in dozens of stage productions. Three of the others had potential, but two or three of them cam across as just wanting to teach drama. I think in PE, Music, Drama etc more than other subjects, you need a visible passion for your subject. There are too many applicants changing jobs.

Consider teaching History, and get yourself involved in school productions. Make it clear on applications that you have an interest in teaching Drama. Could you volunteer at a local theatre? They always need people backstage. And before making decisions, go and watch Drama teachers - some of the lower school stuff is quite tedious (I think) compared to GCSE.

Always keep options open!

Local amateur dramatic groups don't usually charge you to join if your university group does.