Awarding body:
Leeds Metropolitan University
Qualification type:
Foundation Degree (FdA)
What's the Contemporary Theatre Practice course about?
Contemporary Theatre Practice is a fast-paced, exciting and experimental course that encourages students to form their own company whilst studying to showcase their work professionally. It gives students the skills needed to engage as theatre practitioners across a range of contemporary settings, so if you are interested in something a bit different and want to be part of the new generation of performers, then this is the course for you!
The programme is suitable for those with drama performance skills and a desire for a career in the performing arts, entertainment and cultural industries. It develops the confidence and motivation needed to produce high quality and innovative performances and the business and marketing skills needed to start up a theatre company.
The programme features taught elements to support the essential theoretical content; but also experience in the work place. The focus is on project based work provided in conjunction with several external partners, including Manchester Art Gallery and Zion Arts. In the past, students have also worked in European destinations, including workshop leading in Switzerland, performing at a festival in Holland and street theatre in Sweden!
The course aims to produce practitioners who are self-reliant and have a robust understanding and knowledge of the processes involved in making theatre. It harnesses existing good practice within The Arden and meets the needs and demands of contemporary forms of theatre and the industry. In response to extensive consultation, the programme creates a real interface with the industry both in teaching and learning and in the professional environment.
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The Manchester College's average tuition fees are lower than many universities
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Subjects covered include:
- Script writing
- Film making and acting to camera
- Prison theatre
- Site specific performance
- Physical theatre and dance
- Devising performance
Assessment is by coursework. Students are assessed on their practical project work both individually and collectively. They are also expected to develop the traditional skills of academic analysis and writing for essay assignments and other documentation. It is anticipated that elements of study and assessment will be undertaken using a virtual learning environment to enable students to continue their studies whilst working on placements and production activities.
What will I be able to do after I've completed this course?
Students can top-up the foundation degree to a full BA degree with one more year of study in their chosen specialism. Past students have gone on to the following top-up degrees:
- BA (Hons) Contemporary Performance Practices at Leeds Metropolitan University
- BA (Hons) Contemporary Theatre Studies at the University of Salford
- BA (Hons) Performance and Production (script writing) at the University of Cumbria
- BA (Hons) Musical Theatre at the University of Hull
- BA (Hons) Contemporary Directing at Newcastle College
Alternatively many students choose to start their own theatre company using the practical and business skills they've gained on the course to showcase their work and secure funding. It could also lead to employment in the industry, particularly in marketing, technician work, workshop leading, and acting - the opportunities are endless! The course strives to integrate as many work-related projects as possible, to give you the experience and make work connections in the industry.
What qualifications or experience do I need to do this course?
Applicants must have two A levels at grade C or above and a third qualification or a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Merit or a BTEC Level 3 National Certificate/Extended Certificate with Distinction, Distinction in a related subject area, or an equivalent level 3 qualification with appropriate content. Minimum UCAS tariff points required: 240.
Where the student is a mature applicant, the college may choose to reduce the required UCAS tariff points if the applicant can demonstrate appropriate experience of their chosen specialism. However, this will be subject to the agreement of the head of department. For overseas applicants or for those for whom English is a second language, a proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is essential. The college requires such students to demonstrate an IELTS score of 6.0.
Hours per week
18
As the definition of full time and part time can vary from course to course, please check with the tutor as to the exact number of hours study each week this course will entail.
How much will the course cost me?
For information on HE course fees, please contact our Course Enquiry Team on FREECALL 0800 068 8585.
How do I apply?
Applications for full-time study should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All full-time applications from students in the UK and from overseas should be made using the online application system on the UCAS website www.ucas.ac.uk.
Please note, the course information on this website is provided as a reference guide only and is subject to change. It is therefore important that you check all course details, including location, timetable, fee, etc, at enrolment as the college operates a no refund policy.
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