Performance Industries (Top-up)

The BA (Hons) Performance Industries is a top-up course designed for those who have an interest in the Performance Arts and who already hold a Foundation Degree, a Higher National Diploma or an equivalent higher-level qualification in a related subject.

The course aims to build on students’ skills, knowledge, and experience of their performance specialism (Acting, Musical Theatre, Popular Music, or Dance) in order to prepare them for employment within the performance based strand of the wider Creative Industries.

It combines work-based learning with academic study and aims to develop students’ existing skills and knowledge of the standards and expectations of the industry. It also aims to enhance students’ general and creative skills.

Learning will be enhanced by links with Actual Size Theatre Company, working professionals, a range of educational and industrial visits, and subject specialist performance-based workshops. Students will also be given the opportunity to enhance their skills via a range of subject specialism performances throughout the year. The programme is designed to focus on the individual.

Distinctive Features:

Professional development and employability is at the heart of the programme in both its design and delivery
Enhanced learning through subject specialist performance-based workshops and performances that are delivered by subject specialist tutors, professional performers and industry-based practitioners
The Industry Experience module allows students to undertake a work placement in a relevant area of the Performance Industries, to establish direct links with industry personnel, and to gain an understanding of an organisation’s working practices
The development of responsibility, autonomy and self-motivation in the development of an industry based personalised career portfolio
Strong focus on the active learner and the embedding of the envelopment and practice of this still in order to aid the transition from “student” of the Performance Industries to “practitioner”.
You'll learn through practical workshops, interactive lectures, resource-based learning, individual and group work, tutorials, discussion, critiques and rehearsals. Other teaching methods include formal lectures, seminars, tutorials, residentials, visiting companies and attendance at performances. Individual or group projects will culminate in public and non-public performance and you’ll have the opportunity to reflect critically on your own performance and that of others.

An exploration of the theoretical concepts associated with Performing Arts underpins the practical aspects of the course. Through practical classes you will develop a wide range of performance techniques drawn from world-renowned practitioners and theorists enabling you to become a versatile performer.

Areas you’ll explore include the historical development of creative industries, professional development, and preparation, process and production.

This course will provide you with the opportunity to apply your experience in the studios in a diverse range of performance arenas such as community-based contexts, performance projects, and theatre-based performances.

Assessment on the programme is designed to be an integral part of the learning process for students and to enhance and confirm their knowledge and practice.

Assessment reflects sector practice to ensure students have the tools to enter the work force or are equipped to follow a career in their chosen specialism. As a result, the majority of assessments are vocational.

Summative assessments will provide a measure of the extent to which students have achieved the learning outcomes of the modules. Assessment methods are different for each module and relative to the nature of the outcomes.