BA Theatre Arts (Performance) Degree

Overview & facilities

The BA Theatre Arts (Performance) degree with honours offers you many opportunities to explore and apply processes within the mainstream western acting traditions. The study of a performance practice is based around the study of the body, voice and direction. Assessment is traditionally in the form of exam performances of varying scale and complexity.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  An Introduction to Performance Languages (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to: introduce students to key concepts of performance analysis; offer students the opportunity to critically examine a variety of recorded performance in order to develop a shared language and understanding that will inform their making of theatre; explore issues arising through a series of seminars and practical projects: one on video and one as a live scratch performance; introduce students to ideas surrounding narrative and storytelling and the principles of equivalence and dilation; establish a critical framework for the examination of performance and encourage the development of appropriate production processes and practice; develop methodologies/processes for self reflection and analysis in performance arts

  Theatre: Forms, Processes, and Practices 1 (90 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to: develop students performance, design and directing skills; introduce ongoing training for body and voice; introduce students to the interrogation of and engagement with relevant methodology and texts; develop students understanding of the relationships between Actor, Director and Audience in the theatre environment; introduce students to the processes and skills essential to collaborative practice; introduce knowledge of critical tools for analysing a range of key processes and practices; develop students skills as researchers, writers and theatre makers; develop students ability to reflect on their practice, learning and personal development

• Year 2

  Applied Theatre (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: develop individual and group awareness of the cultural and social intervention of theatre in society; provide students with the experience of engaging in devised/collaborative theatre making within a community setting; enhance students reflective and evaluative skills on the impact of such practice in our society

  Body, Voice, and Direction (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to: enable students to become confident and effective performers by developing approaches to performance focussing on Physical Actions Scores, Narrative, Rhythm Tempo, Energy, Presence, Ensemble and Play introduced at Level One; enable students to effectively prepare both body and voice through the application of modes of selected training; examine and develop students understanding of the relationship between Actor, Director and Audience; develop knowledge of key acting styles, approaches and methodologies; continue the development of students reflection on their own practice as Actors and Directors

  Contemporary TV Drama (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: enable students to acquire a critical understanding of a range of forms and styles of television drama; provide the opportunity to critically interrogate a range of different television drama practices in relation to audiences and contexts of reception; provide students with experience of working collaboratively on a video drama project developing processes encountered in their first year

  Design, Application, and Direction (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: develop the students ability to observe, analyse, evaluate and critically assess their own and other s work; develop students confidence in their ability to generate, develop and communicate ideas and information effectively; enhance students practice as designers and theatre-makers through the interrogation of interpretative strategies employed by key practitioners; develop a deeper understanding of the collaborative nature of theatre; allow students to acquire and develop new practical and organisational skills, and enhance methodologies of individual and group working; provide a platform for the acquisition and analysis of theatre related skills and practices; allow students to develop an understanding of the role of the Director and develop the students skills in collaborating with designers and technicians

  Shakespeare in Performance (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: provide students with knowledge of, and critical tools for analysing and staging, plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries; develop students competence and confidence in understanding and performing heightened dramatic text; enhance students skills as researchers, writers, and theatre-makers

  Solo Performance (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: provide students with experience of engaging in a number of forms of solo performance e.g. cabaret, storytelling, magic ; provide students with knowledge of a range of solo performance forms and contexts and develop their skills in critical analyses of the work of a number of practitioners; enhance students skills as writers, researchers, editors and solo performers; enable students to continue the development of their reflection on their own practice, learning, and personal development

  Theatre: Forms, Processes, and Practices 2 (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to: provide students with experience of engaging in collaborative theatre-making, developing and applying the processes encountered in THE1000 with a growing emphasis on students autonomy and responsibility for the work created; provide students with knowledge of, and critical tools for analysing, a range of key/core scripts and productions from the 19th and/or 20th centuries; develop students knowledge of key artistic movements and their relevance to theatre practice; enhance students skills as researchers, writers, and theatre-makers; enable students to continue the development of their reflection on their own practice, learning, and personal development

• Year 3

  Comic Performance (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: allow students to develop a comprehensive conceptual understanding of the comic view in the particular context of performance; create opportunities for students to apply this conceptual understanding in a range of activities including writing critical, analytical and for performance and performance; enable students to continue the development of their reflection on their own practice, learning, and personal development.

  Contemporary Theatre Practice (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to: extend and develop skills in the student s chosen discipline; further develop evaluative, critical and communication skills; explore current design approaches and practices; further develop knowledge of key acting styles, approaches and methodologies; further develop an understanding of the role of the Designer, Director, Actor, and Technician

  Contemporary TV Drama (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: enable students to acquire a critical understanding of a range of forms and styles of television drama; provide the opportunity to critically interrogate a range of different television drama practices in relation to audiences and contexts of reception; provide students with experience of working collaboratively on a video drama project developing processes encountered in their first year

  Internship (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: allow students with suitable aptitude and experience to undertake a supervised placement in a theatre or theatre-related environment; provide students with professional working experience to allow the student to develop and diversify his or her skills and working methodologies; develop the student s confidence in his or her ability to work and find work in a professional context; provide a deeper understanding of the collaborative nature of theatre both theoretically and practically

  Proposition Module (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to allow students to propose and undertake an area of study not otherwise offered on the programme. As an independent project module each project is assigned a staff supervisor and is supported by teaching delivered in tutorials.

  Proposition Module (60 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to allow students to propose and undertake an area of study not otherwise offered on the programme. As an independent project module each project is assigned a staff supervisor and is supported by teaching delivered in tutorials.

  Shakespeare in Performance (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: provide students with knowledge of, and critical tools for analysing and staging, plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries; develop students competence and confidence in understanding and performing heightened dramatic text; enhance students skills as researchers, writers, and theatre-makers

  Theatre Arts Project (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: provide students with the opportunity to propose and undertake a fully realised small group collaborative theatre arts project; enable students to continue the development of their own practice, learning and personal development; create opportunities for students to explore, synthesise and articulate their understanding of theatre arts

  Theatre: Forms, Processes and Practices 3 (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to: allow students to initiate, realise, and contextualise self-directed collaborative theatre projects; enable students to evaluate and apply processes of critical enquiry in written and practical projects; extend students knowledge of key artistic movements and their relevance to their own and others theatre practice, with specific reference to late 20th- and 21st-century practitioners; consolidate students skills as independent researchers, writers, theatre-makers, and critical thinkers; enable students to reflect critically on their own practice, learning, and personal development

Entry & applying

We normally require 200-280 tariff points for entry onto undergraduate courses. However, some degrees may require additional entry requirements, for example a portfolio or an audition.

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Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. 

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

Applying

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have worked with people from your region coming to Middlesex before and can help. Read more on international applications

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

Placements

Work placements are proven to increase your success in the job market – as well as being a fantastic experience. Performing Arts is a highly competitive field so we encourage as many students as possible to grasp this opportunity. As part of your third year you will have the opportunity to carry out a short placement of a minimum of 100 hours.  This will provide you with first-hand experience of a theatre or a theatre-related environment. We have a Placement Office which will support you through the placement process.