The course runs for 90 weeks full time over three years, and is divided into three Levels (or Stages), each lasting 30 weeks. The whole course is credit-rated at 360 credits, with 120 credits at each Level (Stage).

Under the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications the Levels for a BA are: Level 4 (which is Stage 1 of the course), Level 5 (Stage 2) and Level 6 (Stage 3).

There’s a progression point at the end of each Level and, in order to progress, all units of the preceding Level must normally have been passed.

There’s a progression point at the end of each Level and, in order to progress, all units of the preceding Level must normally have been passed.

If you’re unable to continue on the course a Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) will normally be offered following the successful completion of Level 4, or a Diploma in Higher Education following the successful completion of Level 5.

To gain a BA (Honours), students must successfully complete 360 credits. The final award consists of marks from Level 6 units only, weighted according to their credits.

Outline of the course

The course is three years full time and is organised in three stages, which correspond to each year of study. There are nine assessed Units over the three years. The curriculum is designed to provide opportunities to develop cross disciplinary knowledge and skills appropriate to your emerging focus and interest. Your studies in performance includes critical studies, personal and professional development and, in Stage two, elements of choice that will give you experience beyond the course. The course is centred on experiential practice and reflection that informs your choices through the course and in the future.

The course aims to create a common contextual and critical framework across all Stages of the course through screenings, guest lectures, related reading and external events – a shared language.

Stage one introduces a variety of skills, relating to curriculum activity and a range of student needs. These skills workshops are progressive and are prioritised to different Units. In Stage two students choose from options of projects which in Stage three form Communities of Practice with shared interests.

There’s a progression point at the end of each Level and, in order to progress, all units of the preceding Level must normally have been passed.

Stage one

Unit one: Performance: Design & Practice: Introduction to Study in Higher Education (20 credits)

Unit two: Right Here Right Now (20 credits)

Unit three: Critical Practice 1: drawing colour making (40 credits)

Unit four: Performance: Frames and Territories (40 credits)

The emphasis in Stage 1 is on introducing perspectives on the creation of performance through explorations of source material, space, time, and the audience-performer relationship. You’ll be introduced to practical, collaborative reading and writing skills so that you can start building an informed personal approach to creating performance.

Stage two

Unit five: Further Adventures in Performance: Making Stuff Happen (40 credits)

Unit six: Critical Practice 2: Platforms and Communities (40 credits)

Unit seven: Performance design in the expanded field (40 credits)

Stage two is a year of transition. You’ll make progress towards developing an individual creative identity, methods for working, and identifying the areas of particular interest that will inform your choices in Stage 3. The practical and personal skills you need to communicate your ideas effectively are refined through intensive practical projects. Towards the end of the year your critical practice is focussed towards planning and preparing for your major piece of written work in Stage Three.

A Diploma in Professional Studies is offered between Stage 2 and 3 of the BA (Honours) course. This separate qualification (120 credits) involves researching, undertaking and reflecting on a 20-week placement related to your professional interests and aspirations (e.g. within organisations such as theatre or film companies, on specific events, or as an assistant to a designer or producer). The Diploma provides a valuable opportunity to make professional contacts and to develop your personal employability skills.

Stage three

Unit eight: Critical Studies (40 credits)

Unit nine: Design and Performance (80 credits)

Stage 3 reflects as far as possible the challenges you’re likely to meet in professional practice or during further study at Masters level. Stage 3 units are designed to help you apply, expand and deepen the skills and understanding gained in Stages 1 and 2. Project work focuses on your development with your creative perspective enabling you to move between activities and contexts, or to pursue a specialist research or practical direction. While Unit 8 is a substantial piece of written work in the form of a word and images document both units offer flexibility, both to facilitate your personal perspective and to help you choose the best way to demonstrate your abilities. Your marks for these two units determine the classification of your degree.

Critical studies embedded within all units and stages consist of explorations of past and contemporary culture through assigned tasks, debate, lectures, presentations and workshops.

Personal and professional development and creative attributes for employability are also embedded into the Units with practice and critical studies, helps you focus on generic study skills and orientation, becoming more closely related to your chosen professional direction.