UWL Partnership

Our BA courses offer a broad study of theatre or dance and are designed to prepare the learner for a wide range of career options. The intensive nature of the courses demands a very high level of commitment and pro-activeness including a willingness to remain open to experimenting with new and emerging ideas and approaches.

Assignments seek to provide scope to make individual choices and promote autonomy for learners to create and refine who they are as artists and practitioners.

The programmes aim to develop the instrumental, professional artists of the future. Our graduates will be well-rounded reflective practitioners who possess a wide range of honed skills upon which to draw on.

Learners will be encouraged to become proactive in seeking and creating collaborative opportunities, volunteering, or seeking placement/work experience opportunities, engaging in multidisciplinary practices and developing a professional perspective and approach. Furthermore, personal reflection and evaluation on all aspects of the course will enable the resilience and independence required for the industry.

These one-year intensive programmes draw learners from a variety of foundation degrees, HND courses and equivalent. Curriculum design, therefore, seeks to provide all learners with a secure basis in the key areas of study including:

• Professional Dance Training and Performance
• Professional Portfolio
• Creative Project
• Facilitation
• Research Project

The overarching aim of both programmes is to produce graduates who are confident, skilled, and reflective practitioners.

Learners will possess a well-developed personal appreciation of the nature and potential of dance/theatre as an art form, and who will make significant contributions in their chosen areas of work and employment.

Both courses are aimed at enabling the learner to navigate through the course gaining robust and fundamental skills for the industry, whilst also exploring their own personal lines of interest and enquiry. For example:

Facilitation – the learner can explore facilitating learning in a variety of ways. They would have to decide the pedagogy, environment, participants, themes and context.

Portfolio – the learner creates and designs their own portfolio website, including showreel, photos, experience, and placement. The decision on style and content is the learner's, seeking to establish their artistry and identity for the world of work.

Creative Practice/ Creating and Devising work – this module enables the learner to create an original piece of work for the stage, location, or screen. All artistic decisions are down to the learner’s choices and areas of interest.

Research Project – this module provides the learner with an opportunity to research an area of interest and to decide how to present this.

Professional Training and Performance – this module is more directed, and tutor-led. It involves regular practice (acting; voice, movement, and devising; dance various technique and movement-based classes). All learners will be involved in the creation of one or two productions that will go to public performance.

What entry qualifications do I need?
The current requirement is an HND or equivalent professional experience.

Will the course be online or in the studio?
We will be adopting a blended learning model for the course delivery. Mainly studio-based but elements of the course will be delivered online.

What does the course involve?
Throughout the five modules you will cover:

• Professional Practice and Performance
• Directing and Devising (Theatre)/Creative Project (Dance),
• Research
• Facilitation
• Professional Portfolio

How many hours a week is the course?
The course is full-time so you will be studying for 21 hours per week contact time, with additional self-study/rehearsals and research in addition to this.

Is there an opportunity to work with theatre/dance professionals in the industry?
Yes. Throughout your studies, you will be linking with industry professionals and making connections with the world of theatre and dance.

Will there be a showcase event?
Yes, if this is a shared focus for the group. We aim to be responsive to our students via class representatives and aim to arrange extra-curricular activity that is suggested.

Will there be productions throughout the year?
Throughout the year you will have the opportunity to share your work both live and in digital form, as well as perform within created work.

Is there a lot of written work?
Overall, the course design is very practice-based, so there is minimal written work. Where it does exist, examples include lesson plans, creative journals, and evaluations. The Research Project is an optional practical and written component.

Is there support available for written work?
Yes, we have support available for those who need it when studying and various short courses and study guides to assist you.

What can I do after the course?
You will be able to enter the world of work as a professional theatre or dance artist or continue your education to post-grad diploma/master degree etc. level. You will have the skills and tools to make your own work, perform, facilitate, and promote yourself and continue your education to a higher level.