The Performing Arts programme offers students the opportunity to acquire the theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant for employment in the Performing Arts industry.
The programme is designed to enable actors, dancers and singers to develop their critical knowledge and understanding, their creative abilities (as performer and/or director) and their production and management skills. There is the opportunity to specialise in Year 2 and (pending successful completion of the Foundation Degree) further in Year 3. It is intended to equip students with a firm foundation of knowledge and ability so they may take their place with confidence anywhere in this country’s lively, varied and challenging creative and performing arts industry.
Partnership with major public/private initiatives is a cornerstone of the degree programme, and our work with practitioners in the Performing Arts industry in our area is an important feature of the student experience. Students meet these people on a regular basis as part of their Professional Practice courses; they undertake a Work Placement in Term 2 of Level 1; and they use the knowledge and expertise thus gained in the formation of their Production and Performance Companies in Level 2. This can lead to important employment opportunities.
Content and Structure
LEVEL 1
The Level 1 programme is designed to provide a broad curriculum that balances theoretical and practical studies.
Four modules make up this level:
Critical and Analytical Studies 1
Performance Technique 1
Professional Practice 1
Production and Performance 1
LEVEL 2
The Level 2 programme aims to develop the knowledge and skills from the Level 1 courses with particular emphasis on the practical application of theoretical knowledge. Five modules make up this level:
Critical and Analytical Studies 2
Performance Technique 2
Professional Practice 2
Production and Performance 2
Options: Drama 1, Dance 1, Vocal studies 1 or Musical composition 1
Within the Professional Practice 2 course students will operate as a Touring Performance Company, devising performances to meet the requirements specified by the programme’s employer partners.
LEVEL 3
Students who successfully complete the Foundation Degree in Performing Arts may progress directly onto Level 3 of the BA (Hons) in Performing Arts. The Level 3 programme will continue to balance theory and practice while maximising student choice and autonomy. Students will continue to pursue the specialism chosen at Level 2 – acting, dance, vocal studies or music for the stage (composing) – with many opportunities for public performance. Modules include:
Individual Study
Contemporary Performance Practice
Production and Performance 3
Options: Drama 2, Dance 2, Vocal studies 2 or Musical composition 2
Applications for this programme are made through UCAS, see the UCAS codes page. The University’s entry requirements can on the entry requirements page. For entry to the Foundation Degree in Performing Arts, candidates would usually be expected to have completed a previous qualification in Performing Arts, Theatre Studies, Drama or Music, or to have at least two years’ relevant professional experience.
Candidates without the previous qualifications may be eligible for the Foundation Degree if they can demonstrate an ability to study at an appropriate level. For all students the process of acceptance will involve an individual interview and audition.
Refer to www.canterbury.ac.uk For an explanation of qualifications, have a look at our IAG page on this site www.creativeway.org.uk/quals.
A Progression Agreement is a formal arrangement between two or more
education providers. It spells out what a learner needs to do to be
considered for a place on a named programme of study. Progression Agreements
may vary in the conditions they specify but they all aim to give guaranteed
pathways into higher education.