Overview

Have you got an HND, foundation degree or equivalent qualification in a performing arts or events production subject? Have you thought about topping it up to a full degree?

With an extra year of study, you can gain a BA (Hons) qualification and develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of contexts in which performance and production have developed and are practised. Today’s production industries demand highly trained, professional practitioners who can demonstrate a clear understanding of contemporary creative performance and production techniques. If you want a career in performing arts and the wider industry, this is the course for you.This is an award of Teesside University delivered in partnership with Stockton Riverside College

Course structure

Core modules

In recent years this module has produced accomplished stage managers, lighting designers, tap dancers, guitarists and jugglers to name a few examples. It is a great opportunity for you to extend established skills or learn a new one with an eye on the career path you intend to follow.

Final Major Project

A hugely popular and successful module in which you take full production responsibility for sourcing, preparing and presenting work brought to public performance as part of a Final Major Project Festival held at the end of the academic year. This module is a wonderful preparation for you as you embark on the beginning of your career as an artist or educator, and in previous years has been the first step for students setting up production companies and businesses of their own.

Performance Investigation

Your opportunity to scrutinise the operations of a major company operating within the Performing Arts and present your findings in a professional presentation to your peers. Understanding the motivations of the company and drawing educated conclusions concerning the quality of their artistic output make this an interesting and challenging module.

Researching The Arts

This is the biggest academic project you will undertake within your degree. Once you have agreed a subject for research with your supervisor, you begin the process of investigation. You work will be disseminated in one of two ways: either as a 5,000-word written dissertation; or as a live lecture / presentation. There is scope for a performance element within the latter.

How you learn

We adopt various teaching methods in order to challenge and stimulate. These include lectures on critical theory, learner-developed seminars, practical classes for putting theory into practice, project-based work including final major performance projects, tutorials, masterclasses from visiting professionals and independent research activities.

How you are assessed

Assessment activities include a combination of assignments, presentations, practical workshops and the completion of a personal development portfolio. You also take part in a number of public performances, designed to assess both your rehearsal process and live performance.

Career opportunities

Employers recognise the benefits of an arts-production training background and when you leave the course you bring to the workplace a wide range of highly valued skills. The ability to communicate effectively and with confidence, work independently to meet deadlines, and shape and use industry-standard materials and equipment creatively and with imagination are just a few of the qualities you can offer prospective employers.