About the course

This course aims to prepare you for working in a variety of contexts within the Performing Arts Industry specialising in Acting, Dance or Musical Theatre. You will have the opportunity to explore two or all three disciplines creating your own bespoke higher education course. There is a focus on practical work, developing skills and techniques in preparation for performance. On the course, you will complete 2 core units in the Performing Arts Industry and Professional Development preparing you for your next steps and the industry. The remaining 6 units can be chosen from across all three disciplines. The units are project-based, working towards live performance and filmed productions. This will allow you to create a professional portfolio to take forward into your career. In the Acting units, you will cover acting skills and techniques from a range of styles and practitioners, voice and speech for performance and acting for the camera. Within the Dance units you will study a variety of styles such as ballet, contemporary, jazz and commercial. You will learn about choreography and take part in dance for camera. On the Musical Theatre pathway, you will study all three disciplines (Acting, Singing and Jazz Dance). You will explore a variety of musical theatre styles, which will culminate in performing in full productions. Transferable skills students develop on this course include, effective writing skills, critical thinking, creativity, team building and digital literacy.

Entry Requirements

All applications are subject to an audition and interview before admission to the course. UCAS Points: 104 (equivalent to DMM in BTEC or BCC in A Level) or previous experience of 5 years of training in performing arts. Applications from individuals with non-standard qualifications, relevant work or life experience and who can demonstrate the ability to cope with and benefit from degree-level studies are welcome to audition for the course.

Modules

Compulsory units include: Unit 1: The Performing Arts Industry (Pearson-set) and Unit 2: Professional Development. Optional units include (subject to availability): Unit 3: Jazz Dance 1, Unit 4: Ballet 1, Unit 5: Contemporary Dance 1, Unit 6: Commercial Dance 1, Unit 9: Choreography 1, Unit 11: Dance for Camera, Unit 12: Singing 1, Unit 13: Acting 1, Unit 14: Musical Theatre History in Practice, Unit 17: Acting for Camera, Unit 19: Movement for Actors, Unit 23: Lighting Operation, Unit 24: Sound Operation, Unit 28: Hair and Make-up Application, Unit 29: Crewing, Unit 10: Investigation of Specialism, Unit 15: Ensemble Singing, Unit 20: Devising Theatre and Performance or Unit 18: Voice and Speech for Actors.

Assessment

On this course, students will be assessed in various ways. These include practically in rehearsals, workshops and final performance. The themes for these assessments will be a mixture of being set by the awarding body and Burnley College. This allows us to cover both contemporary and traditional contexts on this course to give a more holistic experience and better prepare students for the workplace or continued study. You will also be assessed in written form through presentations, reports, essays, websites and portfolio work. All students receive 1:1 time with tutors as well as academic study sessions in order to support with this aspect.

Careers & Progression

Graduates of this course will continue their studies on the Higher National Diploma in Acting, Dance or Musical Theatre where they can continue to create a bespoke course relating to the specialisms and career aspirations. This will then lead to a third year topping up to a full BA (hons) in Performing Arts or a specialist are of their choice.

Additional Details

Information About Fees

The cost of this course is £7,000 and can be covered by a student loan.