Perfect performance for TV and film. Equip yourself with a range of performance skills. Gain experience that will launch your media career in front of the camera.
Course overview
Explore the practical, theoretical and contextual aspects of the highly specialist areas of screen performance with this exciting course. Learn skills and techniques for television and film; and prepare for a career in the screen industry.
Gain professional practice in screen performance, including: multi-camera acting and directing, scriptwriting, production skills, and multi-platform performance.
Throughout your studies you’ll be guided and supported by our experts, all of whom are working or researching in media and performance. You’ll study alongside actors, directors, agents, casting directors and independent film makers who will share their experience and encourage you to build your network.
Successful completion of this course will qualify you for Spotlight adult performer membership.
- Acclaimed independent production company Fulwell 73 – makers of Netflix show ‘Sunderland ‘Til I Die’ – has launched a new regional office in our David Puttnam Media Centre. Get direct experience and insight into a leading production company and how it operates. Read more about Fulwell 73's new regional office, Fulwell North.
- Our Drama and Dance courses are 13th in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2023)
- Get hands-on in our high-quality TV studios, using industry standard TV drama sets
- Learn from experts who are professionals in their fields, from actors, to directors, and film makers. Participate in regular masterclasses.
- Film hard-hitting, gripping content for our award-winning film projects in collaboration with Northumbria Police
- Enter your work into the Royal Television Society Awards
- Successful completion of this course will qualify you for Spotlight adult performer membership
Course structure
Alongside your practical work, teaching methods include lectures, demonstrations, workshops, seminars, screenings, group and individual projects, and independent learning. The course has been designed to include a number of employability initiatives and links to industry, which are embedded throughout the course.
In the first two years, you’ll develop the core skills in screen performance. The course culminates in a major screen project that supports your individual preference and/or career interests.
You will be assessed in a variety of different forms, with learning outputs mirroring industry outputs in terms of showreels, audition and on-set standards and etiquette, video essays, adverts, as well as developing essay writing, research and presentation skills.
Facilities
The David Puttnam Media Centre is a thriving place to study and experience media. Rub shoulders with BBC Newcastle and Made in Tyne & Wear, who are both based in the building. Volunteer with award winning Spark Sunderland, write for one of our suite of websites or edit Spark Magazine in our mediaHUB. Get hands on in TV and Radio Studios, Journalism and Digital editing suites. Learn from experts in this centre of excellence for training.
Career ready
This degree prepares you for a career in front of the camera. You will gain highly transferable skills in communication, presentation and collaboration with others which will be very relevant to roles in TV, new media and performance.
Work experience
We actively encourage you to gain relevant work experience while at university. In every year of your course, you'll be guided and encouraged to gain meaningful experience that will fit around your studies.
You'll undertake a number of practice modules throughout your course, which can include live briefs from clients from outside the University. Get the opportunity to gain production experience with independent production company Fulwell 73 and build up a portfolio of work to show future employers.
Industry links
We frequently invite guest speakers to run workshops and master classes, allowing you to relate your learning to real-life experience. Previous masterclasses have been delivered by: Lord David Puttnam; Leo Pearlman (Fulwell 73); Bhasker Patel (Emmerdale, Thunderbirds, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom); Liam Fox (Emmerdale, Dinnerladies); Coronation Street’s first disabled actress, Cherylee Houston; Terence Maynard (Coronation Street, Edge of Tomorrow, Revolver, Reign of Fire); Principal Costume Coordinator in film and TV, Carol Machin (The Hitman's Bodyguard, 13 Hours, Judy, Dune); Director, Ian Bevitt (Coronation Street and Emmerdale); Senior Production Manager, Lee Rayner (Coronation Street); and Bessie Williams, who set up casting recruitment agency NE1 4.TV, (Vera, Beowulf and CCBC’s The Dumping Ground).
We have excellent links with national employers such as the BBC and ITV, and strong links with regional productions like Vera and the Dumping Ground.
Creative Industries Week
Creative Industries Week gives everyone in the Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries the opportunity to participate in a range of projects, workshops, talks, industry visits and career events. This exciting week encourages interdisciplinary working, broadens your experience, to build your confidence and help develop your career path.
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