BA(Hons) Performing Arts
Why you should apply for this course.
This practical course is meant for people with a genuine passion for theatre and performance, people aiming at a career in the performing arts. The course centres on performance projects—very high-quality productions, often led by professional directors. We have a 180-seat theatre and an 80-seat studio theatre. There are support facilities for production, and access to the university's other workshops. There are several rehearsal rooms, two singing rooms and conventional teaching spaces as well as a dance studio and three drama studios.
What is this course about?
In year one we start with practical performance and production, underpinned by theory. You learn performance skills (acting techniques, singing and dance), production skills (technical skills and stage management) and critical studies (history and theory of performance and theatre). You work on performance projects, one taken to full production.
During the second year you are involved in a wide range of productions, with a choice of music theatre, dance/physical theatre, contemporary theatre and performance work in the community. These projects further develop your specialisation in technical arts.
In your final year, you work as a performer, director, deviser or technical arts practitioner on three different pieces of original performance, final performance and digital, experimental and multi-media performance, and prepare a personal, professional portfolio. You conclude your theoretical work by researching and writing a research essay on a special area of interest within performing arts.
What do our students say?
“Everyone has the chance to act, dance and sing. We’ve worked on lots of staff- and student-led productions. In the last year we can do our own projects in our own way. Everyone is friendly and positive. Exhausting? Yes. Challenging? Yes—so apply here!"
What can the course lead to?
Graduates may seek roles as performers, technicians or creators. In addition, the transferable skills gained during the course are highly respected in many careers involving communication skills, such as media, public relations and teaching.