Professional Arts Practice BA Honours
Foster a vibrant and communicative community of arts practitioners internationally via our online learning professional arts practice degree.
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Foster a vibrant and communicative community of arts practitioners internationally via our online learning professional arts practice degree.
Why choose a BA Professional Practice (BAPP) with a specialisation in Arts and Creative Industries at Middlesex?
Our department has strong ties to London's creative industries, making this the ideal place to enhance your existing experience and build a professional network.
What you will learn
This course is designed to be flexible so it can fit around your existing commitments. Taught through an innovative mix of taught online sessions and virtual learning, you'll receive personalised support to develop your creative practice and build a professional network.
The course will culminate in a major practice-based project, allowing you to showcase your work in a discipline of your choosing. You'll also be able to channel your existing experience into a BA, giving you an excellent foundation to build a career in the creative industries.
3 great reasons to pick this course
About your course
Module one: This focuses on reflecting on your personal professional practice up to the point of starting the course. It offers time and space to think about how far you have come and helps identify where to go next. Module two: This module helps you plan your own professional research project, learn how to craft a research proposal and literature review, as well as how to use a variety of methodologies. This will also explore key areas of practice to develop further skills and knowledge. Module three: The final module is where you will undertake an independent professional practice research project around a topic of your choosing related to your professional practice. You will be guided through this research by a supervisor.
This module aims to provide you with theory, reflective tasks and to stimulate collaborative discussion (with Supervisors and the BA student cohort). You will be introduced to theory on reflective practice, pedagogy, modes of learning, networking / connectivism, and communication to position yourself in terms of your own learning approach and trajectory of your professional practice. The module also aims to identify learning as knowledge, generated by and emanating from professional experiences.
This module aims to equip students with all the necessary elements to undertake a professional practice-based research project. It will guide students through establishing research aims and questions, exploring a variety of methodological approaches and data collections tools, examine best ethical practices, engage with a variety of analytical methods and explore key scholarship to inform a proposed research study. Students will also be guided through undertaking ethical clearance procedures as required by university regulations.
The aim of module is to allow students to conduct a uniquely designed research project that will help with developed personal professional practice. This will be mostly through an execution of the plans made through module ACI3002. Students will carry out data collection and analysis in their project, ensuring use of methods such as triangulation to explore how practice can develop in response to literature and primary data. Students will also articulate their findings through a professional artefact allowing them to manifest how their practice will change as a result of research.
To find out more about this course please download the Professional Arts Practice BA Honours specification (PDF).
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Teaching
You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team who have a wide range of expertise and professional experience. The team includes academics, professional practitioners, and technical staff. Graduate teaching assistants or trained postgraduate research students may also have input into your teaching under the supervision of the module leader. The course is delivered entirely online through a series of taught sessions, discussion groups and one-to-one supervision.
This course is entirely online, so you can study at your place of work, or wherever you have a good internet connection.
Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.
Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.
We are experienced in professional practice and our staff are dedicated to creating a lively and useful environment for independent learning. Your independent learning is supported by the library and study hub, laptop hire, and with online materials.
Here is an indication of how you will split your time:
Module 1
|
Percentage |
Hours |
Typical activity |
|
60% |
180 |
Teaching, learning and assessment |
|
40% |
120 |
Independent learning |
Module 2
|
Percentage |
Hours |
Typical activity |
|
55% |
165 |
Teaching, learning and assessment |
|
45% |
135 |
Independent learning |
Module 3
|
Percentage |
Hours |
Typical activity |
|
5% |
30 |
Teaching, learning and assessment |
|
47.5% |
285 |
Independent learning |
|
47.5% |
285 |
Practice-based learning |
Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.
We are experienced in professional practice and our staff are dedicated to creating a lively and useful environment for independent learning. Your independent learning is supported by the library and study hub, laptop hire, and with online materials.
Here is an indication of how you will split your time:
Module 1
|
Percentage |
Hours |
Typical activity |
|
60% |
180 |
Teaching, learning and assessment |
|
40% |
120 |
Independent learning |
Module 2
|
Percentage |
Hours |
Typical activity |
|
55% |
165 |
Teaching, learning and assessment |
|
45% |
135 |
Independent learning |
Module 3
|
Percentage |
Hours |
Typical activity |
|
5% |
30 |
Teaching, learning and assessment |
|
47.5% |
285 |
Independent learning |
|
47.5% |
285 |
Practice-based learning |
You will be assessed on your ability to identify and analyse practice-based knowledge through reflective writing and professional artefact. Your ability to translate academic research findings into professional practice will be reviewed via the ability to integrate current literature into these reflections, situating your own professional practice in the wider professional field and evaluating the potential for integration of this research into your practice.
An extended research project and ethics application form will assess your understanding of ethical principles and their application to a specified research project. Reflexivity is assessed by your depth and level of engagement with the theory and activity introduced through the course materials and suggested independent research.
Student support
We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.
Additional needs
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.
Wellness
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
Work while you study
Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.
Financial support
You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.
We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.
Entry requirements
At Middlesex, we're proud of how we recognise the potential of future students like you. We make fair and aspirational offers because we want you to aim high, and we’ll support you all the way.
Qualifications
Candidates who wish to apply for BA Professional Practice (BAPP), Arts and Creative Industries (specialisation) should hold one of the following qualifications:
- At least two years of previous successful undergraduate study in an appropriate subject, an ordinary degree or foundation degree in an appropriate subject
- A Trinity College London National Diploma or Certificate in Professional Dance, Professional Musical Theatre, Professional Acting or Professional Production Skills
- Other professional qualifications that are judged to be equivalent to 240 credits (QCF levels 4 & 5)
- A number of ISTD qualifications are recognised for entry onto BAPP in Arts. Please contact ISTD for confirmation of the credits you have gained through ISTD qualifications.
Any candidate who does not hold any of the above qualifications but has a minimum of 3 years of professional experience can apply for the 'experienced practitioner' route.
Interview and portfolio
We normally invite students to submit a portfolio and attend an interview. You can find more details under the 'Interview and portfolio' tab
Experienced practitioner route
If you do not hold the entry qualifications but have three or more years of professional experience, we also offer an 'Experienced Practitioner' route. This gives greater focus to skills and knowledge already developed within your professional practice for years one and two.
Mature students (over 21)
We welcome applications from mature candidates, including those without formal qualifications if you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.
Qualifications
Candidates who wish to apply for BA Professional Practice (BAPP) Arts and Creative Industries (specialisation) should hold one of the following qualifications:
- At least two years of prior successful undergraduate study in an appropriate subject, an ordinary degree or foundation degree in an appropriate subject
- A Trinity College London National Diploma or Certificate in Professional Dance, Professional Musical Theatre, Professional Acting or Professional Production Skills
- Other professional qualifications that are judged to be equivalent to 240 credits (QCF levels 4 & 5)
- A number of ISTD qualifications are recognised for entry onto BAPP in Arts. Please contact ISTD for confirmation of the credits you have gained through ISTD qualifications.
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the accepted qualifications on your country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest international office.
Interview and portfolio
We normally invite students to submit a portfolio and attend an interview. You can find more information under the "Interview and portfolio" tab.
English language
You will need to meet our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer a Pre-sessional English course.
Visas
To study with us in the UK, you might need a Student visa. Please check to see if this applies to you.
After you have applied, we will send you a link for you to submit your portfolio online via the applicant portal.
Applications for the Professional Practice in Arts BA Hons should be made directly via our online application system.
You will need to set up an Applicant Portal account. Once you've submitted your application you'll be able to track the progress of your application, upload supporting documents/portfolio/show-reel and make subsequent applications.
How can the BA Professional Practice, Arts and Creative Industries (specialisation) support your career?
This award will open up a range of further routes towards a successful career in the arts:
- Further study toward specific professional fields, such as PGCE.
- Further study on MA, MARes, PGDip routes.
- Potential career transitions into dance science and health careers such as dance physiotherapy.
- Graduates enjoy greater credibility within the workplace, leading to opportunities for promotion or to a change in career direction.
- Increased employment opportunities, e.g. recent dance/musical theatre/acting graduates have directly gone on to professional contracts.
- Increasing employment opportunities having a BA (Hons) Degree.
MDXworks
Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.
Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has put us in the top 10 UK universities for students who want to be CEOs and entrepreneurs (Hitachi, 2021).
Global network
You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.
Fees and funding
The fees below are for the 2025/26 academic year:
UK students1
Full-time: £9,535*
Part-time: £79 per taught credit
*Depending on the duration of your study, your tuition fees for subsequent academic years may be subject to further inflationary increases (most recently, the UK government has suggested that increases may be linked to the All-Items Retail Prices Index – RPIX) in line with any additional rise in the tuition fee cap set by the UK government. Any annual increase in tuition fees will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
As a part of our commitment to an excellent student offer at Middlesex University, we pledge to invest the additional money from tuition fee increases into the student experience, and we are consulting at present on what these improvements will be and will follow up with further details.
International students2
Full-time students: £16,600
Part-time students: £138 per taught credit
Additional costs
The following study tools are included in your fees:
- Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
- Free e-books and e-journals for key course texts
- Free access to everything on your reading list
- Free specialist software for your course
- Free printing for academic paperwork
- Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.
Scholarships and bursaries
To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:
- MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
- Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
- Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.
Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.
Fees disclaimers
1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Based on the current fee, for a typical three-year degree, the total costs for your studies will be £28,605.
2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
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We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
We recognise student joining this programme have come out of an intense period of training or working within the industry and the programme team centre student wellbeing as a priority and attention to meaningful feedback to support students on an individual basis. We recognise that during the course many students will be undertaking full time work and so have created a flexible learning model by which studies can be fit around day-to-day practice.
We also ask students to connect their assignments to the practice they are
engaged in on regular basis. University Support, Online web resources, such as the use of virtual learning environments, group online discussions, personal Academic Advisors, extended professional practice networking group facilitated by BAPP Arts alumni (and MA Professional Practice alumni). Students will also have access to the Library, Learning Enhancement Team and other learning support services.