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Undergraduate

Drama and Performance Practice (Level 6) BA (Hons)

University of Gloucestershire

What is Drama and Performance Practice (Level 6) BA (Hons)?

From creative drama to contemporary digital performance, you’ll experience a range of theatre practice on this performance focused and creative degree. Based in the purpose-built Performing Arts Centre, this course combines theory with practice in preparation for performance, incorporating sessions on:

  • stage combat
  • improvisation skills
  • acting for camera.

You’ll focus on the latest developments in Contemporary theatre and have the chance to work with professional directors and leading theatre companies. The academic programme includes some specialist workshops in areas like Commedia dell’ Arte mask performance and TV Drama, as well as regular opportunities to access professional performances at a reduced ticket price. You’ll be performing at professional venues such as Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre, as well as having some site-specific performance work opportunities.

During your year of study there will some opportunity for international study trips to New York or Berlin to see shows and undertake professional workshops/talks, and on alternative years there is the opportunity to perform at the Edinburgh Festival.

Study style

Your skills will be nurtured through working within a friendly and vibrant performance community. Practical classes run alongside accessible and interactive lectures where you will develop skills in presentation, debate and academic writing as well as growing your understanding of theatre’s rich history.

Lecturers are experienced actors and directors, bringing their extensive knowledge to exciting modules and you’ll have opportunities to gain professional experience through work placement experiences within theatres, schools, or companies, which will boost your employability and allow you to make valuable industry contacts.

Alongside your module-focused learning each week, you’ll benefit from opportunities in additional training such as improvisation, dance, and choral singing. There are opportunities to be involved with the work of the film students. You’ll also have intensive rehearsal weeks leading to performance weeks.

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Entry requirements

    • Applicants should possess an HND, Diploma of Higher Education or Foundation degree.

    • We welcome applicants with a pass in a relevant Foundation or Extended Diploma (Level 3 or 4).

    • We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.

Course modules

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Fees and costs

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.
Start date Location UCAS code Fee (UK)
per year
Fee (international)
per year
Sep 2024 Oxstalls, Gloucester W404 £9,250 £16,600
Sep 2025 Oxstalls, Gloucester W404 TBC TBC

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Possible careers

Graduates from this course can go on to work as:

  • Actor
  • Director
  • Teacher
  • Theatre Maker
  • Drama Practitioner.

Industry links

You’ll hear from visiting speakers that has recently included professionals from the performance companies, Frantic Assembly, Motion House and Sixth Sense, BBC TV director, Sean Gleeson, Sound Artist and Opera Director, Melanie Wilson and Film Director Mark Jobst.

We have excellent links with the Royal Shakespeare Company, British Actors Equity, the BBC, The Everyman Theatre, The Wilson Gallery, The National Trust, Gloucester Cathedral, Croome Park, Hailes Abbey, Strike a Light Festival, Tewkesbury’s Roses Theatre, plus local primary and secondary schools.

Learn from leading actors and directors

Recent guests include: Mark Powell, artistic director of Sixth Sense Theatre who focused on issue-based theatre; Paul Milton, creative director at the Everyman Theatre who shared acting expertise; and Sean Gleeson, BBC director, who coached acting techniques for television and film.

Gain experience through live theatre performances

Work within theatre settings including Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre and Gloucester’s King’s Theatre, with professional directors, designers and technicians. Present site-specific productions in venues like the Wilson Art Gallery, the historic Blackfriars Priory and the National Trust’s Croome Park.

Achieve a stage combat certificate

Under the tuition of Tom Jordan, fight director for film, TV and the Royal Shakespeare Company, you will build your skills for hand-to-hand and weapon combat using character and scripts to inform your process. You’ll achieve an industry-recognised British Academy Stage Combat Certificate.

Trips and experiences

During your year of study you’ll have opportunity for international study trips to New York or Berlin to see shows and undertake professional workshops/talks.

On alternative years you’ll be given the opportunity to perform at the Edinburgh Festival.

Placements

As part of your course you can gain valuable experience on an optional placement year.

  • Duration – 12 months, full-time (minimum 35 hours a week)
  • Location – popular destinations include the UK, USA, China and Europe
  • Visa – you may need a visa if you’re on placement abroad
  • Finance – your tuition fee is reduced for your placement year – and you can still apply for a maintenance loan and get money advice
  • Placement support – we’ll help you find a great placement and get the most out of the experience

"The lecturers have opened my mind"

“The lecturers have opened my mind to lots of different types of performance and given me the confidence to be a versatile actor.”

Bradley Sargeant, Drama & Performance Practice student

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