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University of Gloucestershire
Undergraduate

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

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Study type
Part Time
Course length
No Fixed Duration
Campus
Oxstalls, Gloucester
UCAS Code
N/A

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

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See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.
Start date Location Course code Fee (UK)
Fee per module
Fee (international)
Fee per module
Sep 2024 Oxstalls, Gloucester Variable* Variable*
Sep 2025 Oxstalls, Gloucester Variable* Variable*

*The fee for this course and study option will vary depending on which modules are taken during each year of study. View our current fees

Ready to apply?

UoG Career promise

At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.

96% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply**

Discover our promises

Careers

The Drama and Performance Practice course at UoG offers a dynamic gateway into the world of performing arts. You’ll gain insights from a host of visiting professionals, including renowned names from prestigious performance companies like Frantic Assembly and Motion House, as well as acclaimed directors from BBC TV and the film industry.

These experiences are further enhanced by our strong links with the Royal Shakespeare Company, British Actors Equity, the National Trust, and a variety of local cultural organisations and educational institutions.

Our graduates don’t just leave with a degree; they embark on diverse and exciting career paths. Many choose a career in acting, bringing stories to life on stage and screen. Others find their niche as directors or as teachers, passing on their passion for drama to the next generation.

Some become innovative theatre makers, while others excel as drama practitioners.

A degree in Drama and Performance Practice is the beginning of a journey into a world where every performance can make a lasting impact.

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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