BA (Hons) Performing Arts Top Up
About This Course
The BA (Hons) Performing Arts Top Up programme at the University Centre, Grimsby, offers key, unique features that differentiate the programme from others in the area. On this programme, the focus within performing arts is on the study of drama, dance, and production: as an actor, dancer, choreographer, producer, director, teacher, facilitator, stage manager and more, with opportunities for individual specialisation in performance and/or production within these disciplines as well as collaboration.
The programme aims to
- ensure that students extend their prior knowledge and critical understanding of the principles of performing arts towards a professional level of production and/or performance
- equip students with a high level of performance or production skills to support progression into industry with an emphasis on employability throughout
- enable students to apply and expand a wide range of thinking skills, practical and professional expertise and transferable learning, including writing and digital skills
- expand students’ ability to undertake independent study, formulate and implement effective decision-making processes and practice critical self-reflexivity
- facilitate production activity and the opportunity to participate in a wide range of performances both live and digital
Applicants must achieve an average grade of 50% at Level 5 in a performing arts or related subject. Applicants will be considered if they have experience within the industry and evidence of fulfilling learning objectives in the modules taken on an FD.
Level 6 modules:
- Experimental Theatre
- Research Project
- Final Project
- Directing
The learning and teaching approach associated with this programme falls under two key pedagogic approaches. The first is the approach taken to meet Programme Outcomes 3, 4, and 5 and 6, 7, and 8. This approach is a mixture of experiential learning and tutor input. The students will be working on real projects in real situations with colleagues developing their own, or others’ performances. Throughout this time experienced staff will be supporting and challenging the students to develop the performances whilst giving input to ensure the required discipline knowledge is imparted and skill level developed. This approach builds on the one taken during the Foundation Degree but implements it at a higher academic level. Throughout the workshop sessions, students are required to justify their decisions from a theoretical perspective and will be required to research past and contemporary practitioners and approaches to develop their own skills and performances.
This approach will be balanced by more traditional teaching approaches where the content is required. Programme Learning Outcomes 1 and 2 will be covered by the delivery of knowledge and skills in a seminar practical academic format. Research skills to facilitate Research project will be delivered using these methods aiming to build knowledge and confidence amongst the students. This will be achieved using a scaffolded approach to supporting the development of critical analysis appropriate to this level of study to ensure theoretical knowledge is developed and can be applied in performances, research and future careers.
The Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education is home to the University Centre, Grimsby, and a state-of-the-art arts building including a 200-seat theatre, dance studio and rehearsal rooms. Students will have the opportunity to work in a professional environment with staff who have proven track records within the industry.The BA (Hons) Performing Arts Top Up acknowledges the importance of gaining first-hand experience and advice from industry professionals. Some of these links include industry connections to professional theatre and TV companies; connections to local TV with access to acting positions and live experiences; links to professional singers, actors, directors/producers, academics, and teachers to support the learners, as guest lecturers and supporters of the programme; access to a local business management centre with links to business hive and managerial funding options for entrepreneurs and self-employed practitioners.
Graduates can go on to a Professional Graduate Certification in Education (PGCE) at TEC Partnership and there are opportunities for further study in the local area, including Masters and Doctorates. Graduates can go straight into industry as an actor, dancer, choreographer, director, tech manager or run their own business.
