BA (Hons) Performing Arts (Performance Practitioners) (Top Up)

This course is validated by De Montfort University.

This course has been designed for students who have completed a Higher National Diploma or Foundation Degree in Performing Arts or a related subject and wish to 'Top-up' their qualification with another year of study to achieve a full Degree.

A core element of the qualification involves collaborating with a professional theatre company on a full-scale production, where students take on both a performance role and a production or administrative role. Students will also complete a research project on the performing arts topic of their choice, with the option of using practical work as part of their research. The remainder of the students' study comprises optional modules that allow students to pursue their specialism, including both dance and drama pathways.

These optional modules cover acting and staging a text, performing dance and film and digital performance. There is also an independent project module that allows students to focus on and further develop a particular area of interest, for example, directing, acting, choreography, arts administration, or teaching. This module also offers the opportunity for students to carry out a work placement in the performing arts sector. Students can progress into teaching, performing, post-graduate study or working in the performing arts sector (including community or applied theatre or dance work).

Our teaching staff come from fantastic and varied professional careers, bringing a breadth of knowledge and experience to SMB College Group and our students. Some have worked as specialists in their area, previously working in the entertainment industry as actors and dancers.

The course provides progression into performing (acting or dance), teaching, Postgraduate study, or other areas of work in the performing arts sector (including community, applied theatre or dance work).

This degree includes compulsarary modules of Company Performance and Research Project. Students must choose at least 1 module (30 credits) of either Performing Dance or Performing Text. The remaining modules will be chosen from Digital Performance, Creative Lab or Performing Arts in the Community.

The primary mode of assessment on this course is practical performance work and the main productions take place in our 344 seat professional theatre. Practical assessments also take the form of studio based performance and performance for the camera. In addition to practical work, students are assessed via presentations and written coursework (e.g. essays).