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Study Undergraduate

Theatre and Performance Studies and Global Sustainable Development (UCAS W4L8) (2022 Entry)

Awaiting confirmation for Clearing 2024

In the meantime, learn more about the Clearing process at Warwick.

Explore our Clearing website

General entry requirements

A levels

A level typical offer

AAB. You will also need grade B or grade 6 in English and Mathematics at GCSE.

We make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances at ABB, plus grade B or grade 6 in English and Mathematics at GCSE.

A level contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is ABB. See if you're eligible.

General GCSE requirements

Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.

See additional requirements

IB

IB typical offer

36 to include Mathematics and English.

IB contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 34. If you do not have a grade B in GCSE Mathematics, you will need a grade 5 in Higher Level Mathematics or 6 in Standard Level Mathematics. See if you're eligible.

General GCSE requirements

Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.

See additional requirements

BTEC

We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside one or two A levels.

You will also need grade B or grade 6 in English and Mathematics at GCSE.

See additional requirements

International qualifications

Language requirements

All applicants have to meet our English Language requirements. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet these, you may be invited to take part in our Pre-sessional English course at Warwick.

Frequently asked questions

Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in a Widening Participation programme or who meet the contextual data criteria.

Differential offers will usually be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer.

All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).

Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.

We welcome applications for deferred entry.

We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.

Course overview

Theatre has the power to question and challenge ideas and beliefs. It helps people consider the way they live their lives and how their actions affect others. It brings into sharp focus our impact upon the world and how we might effect changes for the better. On this course you will explore the radical and revolutionary artistic power of theatre and entertainment, linking this to today’s global challenges.

Warwick's vibrant student drama scene also gives you opportunities to get involved with many kinds of production through our theatre student societies, with projects at Warwick Arts Centre (a core partner of the Theatre and Performance Studies Department), the National Student Drama Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival.

By studying GSD, you will take a transdisciplinary approach and confront issues from a diverse array of perspectives. You will need to be ready to think creatively and embrace new opinions from your peers from across the world. We will challenge you to become an active participant in your own learning.

You can enhance your skills and studies through optional work placements, study abroad, and certificates.

Core modules

Teaching on this course is equally split between the GSD Department and the Theatre and Performance Studies Department.

In the first year, you will study core GSD modules designed to provide a critical understanding of the 'three pillars of sustainable development':

You will also study the core Global Sustainable Development Project module, giving you the chance to see how the principles of GSD apply to a real case affecting a local community.

For the Theatre and Performance Studies half of the workload, you will study two core modules:

In the second year, in GSD you will have the opportunity to engage with a key issue in sustainability, studying one optional core module from the following:

You will also choose optional modules with a GSD focus from within GSD or from other departments across the University.

For the Theatre and Performance Studies half of the workload, you will choose optional second-year modules offered by the Theatre and Performance Studies Department. These could include Post-war British Theatre and Social Abjection, and Writing for Theatre and Performance.

You may choose to study abroad for part of your second year at Monash University. In Term One at Warwick, you will study an optional core GSD module, an optional module with a GSD focus, and optional module(s) offered by the Theatre and Performance Studies Department. The remaining study will consist of pre-approved modules at Monash University.

In the final year, you will take the core GSD Dissertation module. You will also study optional modules with a GSD focus from within or outside of the School for Cross-faculty Studies. For the Theatre and Performance Studies half of the workload, you will choose optional final-year modules offered by the Theatre and Performance Studies Department.

Year One

GSD

Economic Principles of Global Sustainable Development

This module aims to introduce you to various economic concepts and perspectives related to global sustainable development. In particular, you will consider the relationship between economics and policy, and you will become familiar with the way in which economists address real-world dilemmas.

Environmental Principles of Global Sustainable Development

This module allows you to investigate a range of perspectives on Sustainable Development from the perspective of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary Environmental Studies. It aims to equip you with the capacity to engage in academically-grounded and critical discussion of the world’s most pressing environmental issues, as well as associated policy responses at a range of geographical scales. Furthermore, it aims to establish skills for the creation and the persuasive presentation of environmental policy to key decision makers specifically through the creation of a Policy Briefing paper and a Policy Pitch.

Social Principles of Global Sustainable Development

This module addresses the social and political principles of GSD. Its teaching methods range from Stimulus to Simulation in order to allow students to engage with theoretically complex concepts through practical activities. It is taught in a combination of lectures and seminars and involves group activities as well as online collaboration.

Global Sustainable Development Project

This module requires students to engage actively in understanding the real-life application of the theories they studied in their first year modules. The problem we investigate is sustainable transport: this is obviously a broad area of study, and one that has a wealth of qualitative and quantitative data to be examined / critiqued. The module aims to provide students with opportunities to examine the Economic, Environmental and Social arguments that have been advanced in relation to the case.

Theatre and Performance Studies

Theatre and Performance in Context

This module considers what theatre and performance can tell us about our histories, cultures, societies and identities. You’ll watch, read and study a range of theatre and performance from across historical, cultural and geographical borders, in order to see how it not only reflects society, but also seeks to change and shape it. The module is split into four blocks, considering theatre and gender, race, sexuality and class. This module will help you to hone your academic writing, research and presentation skills, which will serve you throughout your degree.

From Text to Performance

Through practical exploration of a number of selected plays and texts, in this module you will investigate the process of taking material from page to stage or performance, and the relationship between theory and practice. You will have the opportunity to experiment practically with realising multiple texts in performance, considering aspects such as staging, genre, narrative structure, performance strategies, dramaturgical thinking and directorial conceptualization, as well as the changing role and function of the audience.

Year Two

GSD

Health and Sustainable Development

Viable and equitable solutions in health and sustainable development require interdisciplinary and critical thinking. The first part of the module will introduce you to fundamental concepts of global health governance and health systems, and acquaint you with key global health priorities like drug resistance and mental health from the perspective of GSD. The second part of the module will focus on issues that relate to policies and behavioural change, and are also applicable beyond health, for example in areas like education or technology transfer. Alongside the module content, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your analytical skills to make independent, critical, and constructive contributions to Health and Sustainable Development.

or
Security, Sovereignty and Sustainability in the Global Food System

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), agreed in 2015, commit the international community to a set of 17 goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity. Of these, Goal 2 specifically aims to end hunger, end all forms of malnutrition, and ensure sustainable food production systems by 2030.

The pressing need for such initiatives is stark: we inhabit a world where at least 800 million people are chronically undernourished. The world population is projected to increase to a staggering 10 billion people by 2050, yet who will be responsible for ensuring all these mouths are fed? And can we ever produce and consume food for so many people without causing an unsustainable impact on our environment?

Food security, sustainability and sovereignty are thus crucial issues confronting the world today, and it is these issues which this module seeks to introduce and evaluate. The module is taught in collaboration with active researchers from across various disciplines at Warwick, especially those involved in the University’s Global Research Priority on Food.

or
Inequalities and Sustainable Development: Inclusion and Dignity for All

This module focuses on how inequalities shape our societies, economies, environments and politics. Starting with the question ‘does inequality matter?’, you'll critically reflect on the UN's decision to integrate inequalities into the Sustainable Development Agenda. You’ll then explore six different dimensions of inequalities (work, politics, environmental justice, societal discrimination, automation and globalisation, opportunities and empowerment) and gain an understanding of the complexities of these problems. Finally, you’ll appreciate the challenges faced by today’s policy makers who aim to address issues of inequalities while taking into consideration all three pillars of sustainable development.

Final Year

GSD Dissertation/Long Project

In this final-year module you’ll bring together all of your learning and experiences on the course – the theoretical concepts and principles and your practical know-how – in order to address a specific sustainable development problem of your own choosing. This will be a problem that concerns you most and which you’d like to tackle.

You’ll be supported by an academic supervisor to devise a suitable project and to undertake research to explore the issue, taking a transdisciplinary approach to your investigation in order to produce an original research output. This may be a concept paper, a practical project, a film production, a long essay, an advocacy campaign etc. – use your creativity!

You’ll design a strategy for disseminating your findings (for example at a conference presentation, via online publication or an article in a journal or at a public meeting that you’ve arranged). This provides you with an opportunity to get your voice heard in a forum where it matters and could have lasting impact.

Optional modules

Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules include:

GSD

Please see here for a full list of optional modules offered by the GSD Department.

Theatre and Performance Studies

Certificates

Assessment

Your final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 50%.

GSD modules

In the first year, two of the core modules have an exam worth 40%. The remaining core modules are assessed by methods such as essays, online quizzes, presentations, and a group research project.

In the second year, optional core modules and optional modules in the GSD Department do not have traditional examinations. Depending on your module choices, assessment methods may include case studies, research papers, essays, logbooks, projects, presentations, quizzes, and critical policy reviews.

The final year Dissertation is assessed via coursework, including a research proposal and presentation or other means of dissemination.

See assessment methods for individual GSD modules.

Theatre and Performance Studies modules

In the first year, both core modules are currently 100% assessed by coursework. In the second and final years, you have a choice of optional Theatre and Performance Studies modules with varying assessment methods.

Assessment types may include:

  • Practical projects
  • Creative logbooks
  • Essays
  • Individual and group presentations
  • Exams

Modules from across the University

Assessment methods will vary according to the optional modules that you choose from across the University. The overall percentage of the course that is assessed by coursework depends upon the external options taken.

We continually review our assessment methods considering feedback. Therefore, assessment criteria is subject to change annually.

Teaching

In the GSD Department you will be taught by a range of academics from different disciplines. They will communicate their expertise on a specific issue and describe their methodology for addressing it. We expect you to bring together these various approaches and to develop your own informed stance on each issue.

Throughout the course you will:

  • Attend lectures and take part in seminars, workshops and tutorials.
  • Work with other students in teams on topical problems that pose significant sustainable development questions.
  • Undertake fieldwork, archival research and engage in peer discussion to propose alternative solutions.
  • Review the work of other students.

Discover how you will learn in GSD modules

Teaching in the Theatre and Performance Studies Department is delivered via studio-based explorations, small-group seminars and interactive lectures.

Class sizes

Seminar groups in GSD comprise of around 20 students.

Typical contact hours

First-year core GSD modules have between 20 and 25 hours of contact time. Each module consists of lectures, workshops and, for the 'Global Sustainable Development Project' module, group supervision sessions. Second-year optional core GSD modules have up to 45 and 50 contact hours. The final-year core GSD dissertation module currently involves eight lectures and eight supervision sessions across three terms.

Optional modules in the GSD Department are available with between 25 and 50 hours for scheduled contact time, depending on the module. Some modules have lectures, workshops, film screenings and research supervision, whereas others only have lectures and workshops. Some modules may also include field trips.

Module offerings in other departments may involve more or less formal teaching time per week than the GSD modules.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees cover the majority of the costs of your study, including teaching and assessment. Fees are charged at the start of each academic year. If you pay your fees directly to the University, you can choose to pay in instalments.

Undergraduate fees

On 4 November the UK government announced an increase in the tuition fee cap for Home students for academic year 2025/26. The University of Warwick’s Executive Board has consequently confirmed a change in fees from the previously advertised rate to £9,535.

The University expects to increase fees for future years in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK government.

How are fees set?

The UK Government sets tuition fee rates.

To learn more about how the UK student fees and maintenance loans are set, please visit the UK Government websiteLink opens in a new window and UCASLink opens in a new window.

Undergraduate fees

If you are an overseas student enrolling in 2025-26, your annual tuition fees will be as follows:

  • Band 1 – £26,290 per year (classroom-based courses, including Humanities and most Social Science courses)
  • Band 2 – £33,520 per year (laboratory-based courses, plus Maths, Statistics, Theatre and Performance Studies, Economics, and courses provided by Warwick Business School, with exceptions)

Tuition fees for 2026 entry have not been set. We will publish updated information here as soon as it becomes available, so please check back for updates about 2026 fee rates before you apply.

Find out more about undergraduate fees and funding

Fee status guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status.Link opens in a new window

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on this web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module CatalogueLink opens in a new window (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2024/25 year of study). Information about module specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Further information

Find out more about tuition fees from our Student Finance team.

Scholarships and bursaries

Learn about scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.

We offer a number of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to full-time undergraduate students. These include sporting and musical bursaries, and scholarships offered by commercial organisations.

Find out more about funding opportunities for full-time students.Link opens in a new window

If you are an international student, a limited number of scholarships may be available.

Find out more information on our international scholarship pages.Link opens in a new window

You may be eligible for financial help from your own government, from the British Council or from other funding agencies. You can usually request information on scholarships from the Ministry of Education in your home country, or from the local British Council office.

Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship

We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities.

Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship.Link opens in a new window

We provide extra financial support for qualifying students from lower income families. The Warwick Undergraduate Bursary is an annual award of up to £2,500 per annum. It is intended to help with course-related costs and you do not have to pay it back.

Find out more about your eligibility for the Warwick Undergraduate Bursary (2025 entry).Link opens in a new window

As part of the 'City of Sanctuary' movement, we are committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. We provide a range of scholarships to enable people seeking sanctuary or asylum to progress to access university education.

Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Sanctuary Scholarships for asylum seekers.Link opens in a new window

Further information

Find out more about Warwick undergraduate bursaries and scholarships.

Eligibility for student loans

Your eligibility for student finance will depend on certain criteria, such as your nationality and residency status, your course, and previous study at higher education level.

Check if you're eligible for student finance.

Tuition Fee Loan

You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you can receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won’t have to set up any payments.

Maintenance Loan for living costs

You can apply for a Maintenance Loan towards your living costs such as accommodation, food and bills. This loan is means-tested, so the amount you receive is partially based on your household income and whether you choose to live at home or in student accommodation.

Find out more about government student loans for home students residing in England.Link opens in a new window

If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you usually must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement SchemeLink opens in a new window to get student finance.

Tuition Fee Loan

If you are an EU student and eligible for student finance you may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you may receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won't have to set up any payments.

Help with living costs

If you struggle to meet your essential living costs, our Student Funding team Link opens in a new windowwill be on hand to offer advice and support.

There are a number of options that may be available to you including government, bursary and/or hardship support. Warwick also has a number of bursaries and scholarships Link opens in a new windowthat you may be eligible to apply for.

Repaying your loans

You will repay your loan or loans gradually once you are working and earning above a certain amount. For students starting their course after 1 August 2023, the repayment threshold is £25,000. Repayments will be taken directly from your salary if you are an employee. If your income falls below the earnings threshold, your repayments will stop until your income goes back up above this figure.

Find out more about repaying your student loanLink opens in a new window.

Your career

As a GSD graduate, you have a wide range of career pathways available to you. This is demonstrated by the variety of work placements that our students have completed.

GSD students have secured work placements with employers from the private, public, and third sectors. These include:

  • Research institutions
  • Governmental bodies
  • Non-governmental organisations
  • Intelligence agencies
  • Housing
  • Environmental consultancies

They have undertaken diverse roles such as:

  • Marketing Assistant
  • Sustainability Officer
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Researchers

Transferable skills

You will learn valuable transferable skills that will help you with your employment prospects, including:

  • Analysing and problem solving: Through your study of economic principles and models, you will learn how to extract the essential features of complex systems, providing useable frameworks for evaluation
  • Critical thinking: You will assess arguments, make judgements, formulate reasoned debates and generate feasible solutions
  • Communication: You will develop advanced communication skills that enable you to communicate with a variety of audiences and in different settings
  • Research: You will undertake an integrated programme of research skills training, teaching you how to source, evaluate and use different forms of information and data
  • Organisation: Through a rigorous assessment schedule and a compulsory dissertation module in your final year, you will learn the essentials of time management, prioritisation and how to be well organised
  • Collaboration: You will have plenty of opportunities to work with others and nurture your emotional intelligence, developing a professional attitude

Helping you find the right career

We have a dedicated Employability and Placement Manager who will provide you with one-to-one careers guidance. They work in collaboration with employers, so you will be supported in securing appropriate work placements. You will have access to specialist pre-placement advice, guidance and preparation, as well as on-going support during your placement.

You will also have access to the University’s Student Opportunity resources (including careers counselling, employment advice, and job fairs).

Find out more about careers support at Warwick.

Life at Warwick

Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities. A place where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. Our supportive, energising, welcoming space creates the ideal environment for forging new connections, having fun and finding inspiration.

Keep exploring life at Warwick

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

Warwick Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is key to helping you settle in quickly.

We have 12 self-catering undergraduate halls of residence on campus.

Our student property management and lettings agency manages more than 8,000 rooms both on and off campus, and provides advice to all full-time undergraduates.

Explore Warwick Accommodation

Our campus

You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible new sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus.

Explore our campus

Food and drink

We have lots of cafés, restaurants and shops on campus. You can enjoy great quality food and drink, with plenty of choice for all tastes and budgets. There is a convenience store on central campus, as well as two supermarkets and a small shopping centre in the nearby Cannon Park Retail Park. Several of them offer delivery services to help you stay stocked up.

And don't miss our regular food market day on the Piazza with tempting, fresh and delicious street food. Soak up the atmosphere and try something new, with mouth-watering food for all tastes.

Explore food and shops

Explore Students' Union venues

Clubs and societies

We currently have more than 300 student-run societies.

So whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.

Or you could try something new, or even form your own society.

Explore our societies

Sports and fitness

Staying active at Warwick is no sweat, thanks to our amazing new Sports and Wellness Hub, indoor and outdoor tennis centre, 60 acres of sports pitches, and more than 60 sports clubs.

Whether you want to compete, relax or just have fun, you can achieve your fitness goals.

Explore sports at Warwick

Studying on campus

Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs.

You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.

  • The Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas.
  • The University Library provides access to over one million printed works and tens of thousands of electronic journals
  • Three Learning Grids offering you flexible individual and group study spaces.

Studying at Warwick

Travel and local area

Our campus is in Coventry, a modern city with high street shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars sitting alongside medieval monuments. The Warwickshire towns of Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are also nearby.

The University is close to major road, rail and air links. London is just an hour by direct train from Coventry, with Birmingham a 20-minute trip. Birmingham International Airport is nearby (a 20-minute drive).

Travelling from campus

Wellbeing support and faith provision

Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.

Our Chaplaincy is home to Chaplains from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. We provide regular services for all Christian denominations and a Shabbat meal every Friday for our Jewish students. There is also an Islamic prayer hall, halal kitchen and ablution facilities.

Student support

Chaplaincy

How to apply

Learn more about our application process.

Key dates

Key dates for your application to Warwick.

Writing your personal statement

Make an impression and demonstrate your passion for your course.

After you've applied

Find out how we process your application.

Our Admission Statement

Read Warwick's Admission Statement

Useful links

3 ways to connect

Talk to us

Join us at a live event. You can ask about courses, applying to Warwick, life at Warwick, visas and immigration, and more.

See event calendar

Warwick Experience

Take a virtual, student-led campus tour. Then join an interactive panel session, where you can hear from and chat to our current students and staff.

Book a tour

Student blogs

Explore our student blogs in OurWarwick. You can read about campus life from students themselves, and register to post questions directly to students.

Ask a student

Explore campus with our virtual tour

Our 360 tour lets you:

  • Watch student videos
  • View 360 photography and drone footage
  • Learn about facilities and landmarks

Explore our campus virtually through our 360 campus tour now

Come to an Open Day

Don’t just take it from us, come and see for yourself what Warwick is all about. Whether it's a virtual visit or in-person, our University Open Days give you the chance to meet staff and students, visit academic departments, tour the campus and get a real feel for life at Warwick.

Open Days at Warwick

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GSD (Single Honours and Joint Courses)

88.6% Overall satisfaction for Global Sustainable Development students at Warwick (The National Student Survey 2021)

Page updates

We have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history.

6th in the UK
(The Guardian University Guide 2022)Link opens in a new window

64th in the world
(QS World University Rankings 2023)Link opens in a new window

6th most targeted university by the UK's top 100 graduate employersLink opens in a new window

(The Graduate Market in 2022, High Fliers Research Ltd.Link opens in a new window)

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2022 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

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