Elevate your craft with a focus on the skills and versatility demanded by today’s performing arts industry. From honing acting techniques and voice expression to exploring the dynamic realms of dance and movement, this course sharpens your abilities while nurturing your creative potential. Expect hands-on workshops, group performances, and opportunities to collaborate with industry professionals, building a robust portfolio. Modules in areas such as naturalism, playwriting, and collaborative performance challenge you to explore new dimensions of your artistry. Alongside performances, reflective journals and presentations allow you to grow as a self-aware practitioner. With strong industry links and practical experience, you’ll develop the confidence and adaptability to navigate a competitive field. Whether pursuing acting, teaching, or arts administration, you’ll graduate ready to shape your career or progress to further study, equipped with the expertise to produce meaningful, impactful work on stage or behind the scenes.
A guidance of 48 UCAS points is needed to apply for the course.
It is also desirable that you have at least a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths (for example, a grade 4 at GCSE).
You will require one of the following:
- A BTEC Level 3 qualification or equivalent (such as A-Levels)
- An Access to Higher Education certificate received from an approved Further Education institution
- Related work experience
Mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector.
All candidates will be interviewed and auditioned prior to an offer being made.
If you have achieved a qualification such as a Higher National Certificate, or have gained credit at another Higher Education provider, you may be able to enter the course at Level 5.
Here’s how to apply depending on your plans:
• If you’re applying to multiple Higher Education providers, submit your application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) by the specified deadline for the relevant recruitment cycle. This ensures your application reaches all your chosen institutions efficiently.
• If this College is your only choice, you can begin the process by selecting the “Apply” button at the top of this course page, which will take you to the online application form for a simple and direct experience.
• For detailed information on UCAS applications and deadlines, https://www.ucas.com/applying .
Study level | Cost | Additional fees |
---|---|---|
HE | Please enquire | You may choose to purchase books from the recommended reading lists. Additionally, you will be expected to provide your own pens, paper, and folders. Students will be expected to fund field trips and master classes throughout their time on the course, some of these will be mandatory and some optional. The cost of these experiences will vary. Mandatory trip costs will not exceed approximately £200 per year. |
Students on the course benefit from extensive academic support and pastoral care, with a focus on the individual aspirations and the needs of every student. This will be assured through a range of teaching strategies and engagement opportunities.
Teaching on modules is active and learning will be done in a supportive studio/classroom space, with clear intent and progression, delivered by an experienced teaching team. All sessions aim to enhance knowledge, skills and behaviours for lifelong learning. Methods used will encourage both independent and collaborative learning through use of:
• Practical workshops/rehearsals
• Interactive lectures
• Group seminars
• Resource-based Learning
• Self-directed study and group work
• Tutorials
Each module seeks to include engagement outside of the classroom and within the community; acknowledging that networking should be a consistent factor throughout your learning journey. There will be course related companies and practitioners that you will work alongside. In addition to this, attendance of performances and residences will be used to broaden learners’ concepts and practice.
Assessments are contextualised and carefully sequenced to allow for the continual progression of students via a ‘feed forward’ approach that challenges students to consistently set and maintain high standards. Verbal and written formative feedback are given at regular intervals. Assessment methods differ depending on the module however typical assessment methods used may include practical demonstrations and presentations, portfolios, viva-voces, performances, events, reflective journals/online blogs, essays and evaluations.
Individual or group projects for each unit will always culminate in public performance (when achievable). During your time studying with us, you will be introduced to numerous industry professionals and given the opportunity to have your work seen across numerous platforms including internal/external venues.
We have several links to industry; including partnerships to provide an outstanding learning experience and ensure you are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to progress to a career in industry.
These include regional performance/dance companies and industry practitioners as well as external performance venues that align with our in-module projects.
This course aims to develop confident, versatile performers ready to thrive in the evolving performing arts industry. By strengthening your skills in acting, singing, and movement, alongside exploring playwriting and devising, it equips you to create meaningful, original work. Whether enhancing specific abilities or discovering new talents, you’ll gain the tools to broaden your career opportunities. With a focus on collaboration, creativity, and industry relevance, this course prepares you for the demands of modern performance roles or further study. You’ll leave with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the performing arts world you love.
In year 1, you will study the following modules:
- Creating Atmosphere: Devising Through Movement (20 credits)
- Playwriting: From Concept to Stage (20 credits)
- Naturalism: Techniques for Theatre and Film (40 credits)
- Contemporary Performance: Movement, Dance and Expression (20 credits)
- Working as an Ensemble: Collaborative Process and Performance (20 credits)
In year 2, you will study the following modules:
- Immersive Theatre: Community Project (20 credits)
- Absurdism and Epic Theatre: Post-War Innovations and Theory (20 credits)
- Individual Performance: Finding and Shaping Repertoire (20 credits)
- Musical Theatre: Collaborative Performance (20 credits)
- Stagecraft: Performance Project (40 credits)
Completing this course opens doors to diverse opportunities in the performing arts industry. Graduates can pursue roles in acting, teaching, arts administration, or community arts, leveraging the skills and professional connections built during their studies. For those aiming to enhance their qualifications, progression to a BA (Hons) degree offers a seamless pathway to further refine their craft and gain a competitive edge. With a strong portfolio and practical experience, students are well-prepared to make their mark in theatres, educational settings, or creative industries, creating innovative and impactful work that reflects their passion and dedication to the arts.
This is a Higher Education course with Sunderland College and is validated by the University of Cumbria.
Visit the University of Cumbria website here.
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