Course Catalogue

The programme intends to contribute to the education of actors, and its associated disciplines, through effective, coherent and innovative training that equips graduates as artistic creatives who, in addition to traditional practical skills, develop an ability to utilise practitioner techniques and theoretical insights to critically analyse performance material whilst developing a unique independent methodology and business acumen in order to maximise the utilities of their skillset. Our programme aims to:
i. Facilitate graduates to obtain employment as versatile actors across performance platforms and contexts
ii. Develop in students an independent and unique autonomy in technical and practical processes
iii. Utilise student engagement through employment initiatives within the creative industries, including self-employment and entrepreneurial frameworks
iv. Advance in students an appreciation and understanding of cultural, social, political and economic perspectives in performance

Acquisition of learning outcomes 1-5 is through a combination of lectures, small group teaching and practical classes, workshops. Directed production projects, and additional contributions from visiting professionals, specialists and external professionals, enhance the delivery of outcomes 3 and 4 in particular.

Cross-modular links connect theory and practice, as well as inter-disciplinary collaboration across the curriculum, supplemented also by opportunities for students to work independently outside the curriculum on self-directed production projects facilitated by the Independent Study Board, (ISB). The learner is encouraged to undertake independent research to supplement and consolidate what is taught, to broaden knowledge and understanding of the subject area.

Programme Outcomes 1-5 are developed progressively at Levels 4 and 5.

All modules are supported by additional resources on Moodle (our Virtual Learning Environment).

Assessment (both formative and summative) is through a combination of continuous class assessment, formal and informal presentations, in-house and public performances, formal and informal studio presentations, written analyses and/or logbooks, portfolios and formal essays.

Within the practical elements of the programme at Level 4, emphasis of assessment is predominately weighted towards the technique and presentation elements of classes and rehearsals. At Level 5, the emphasis begins a shift, amalgamating technique and process, with focus on performance toward the end of the teaching year. At Level 6, the emphasis develops to focus primarily on performance or product, supported by follow-up written or oral presentations and evaluations as appropriate.

An assessment matrix for the programme as a whole is provided to students in the Programme Guide.

Intellectual skills are developed through the acquisition of outcomes 1-5 in a combination of lectures, small group teaching, practical classes, workshops, and directed production projects at Levels 4-6.

Theory and practice are integrated to inform a cogent and coherent understanding of the intellectual properties of performance works, practitioners, philosophies and critical theories.

Each module involves discussion of key issues concerning the practical engagement with concepts of acting and performance in practical rehearsal/performance, analysis and interpretation of source material, written work or oral presentation and individual feedback.

Outcomes 1-5 are assessed on the learner’s ability to demonstrate skills through the production of coherent through oral, written and electronic presentation, as well as formal written submissions. At Level 6 all learners will engage in a formalised extended independent research project as part of Cultural Perspectives III as a vehicle for the demonstration of acquired skills. The acquisition of these skills will be demonstrated by students separately if not collectively. 

The learning environment of the programme mirrors, where practicable, the environment an actor may expect to find in a real world employment context. Students will present and perform at all levels of the programme. Links between Professional Development and Artistic practice at all levels of study example a concerted focus on the integration of business and employment practices with creative, artistic products and ventures. This development of entrepreneurial skills, with the potential to include partnerships with external agencies and small-scale touring, in the creation of original new work enhances the skills, knowledge and abilities necessary for effective professional profiling, promotion and practice in such contexts. The Actor’s Process (Level 5, Semester 2) and The Actor’s Performance at Level 6 presents students with the opportunity to collaborate with visiting professional directors, enhancing network contacts, with some performances scheduled at external venues. Furthermore, the Graduating Actor’s Showcase is an enrichment of industry engagement, with London, Manchester and digital-online presentations of students’ work to prominent agents, casting directors and industry professionals.