Acting BA (Hons)

This module explores core performance skills with a focus on key practitioners through various mediums.  

You will explore cutting-edge technologies used in the performing arts, including dynamic lighting, immersive sound, and video alongside enhancing their development and understanding of professional practices in the performing arts.

You will engage with a comprehensive overview of performance theory and key practitioners emphasising the importance of understanding storytelling, the art of performing and its contextual background, empowering students to apply their developing skills in diverse performance-making contexts.

By delving into the world of performance you will expand their creative expression and technical prowess, preparing them for a dynamic future in the performing arts.

Performers must not only master the art of performance but also understand the context in which they perform. This introductory production module offers you a comprehensive exploration of performance-making, providing them with the opportunity to apply the performance skills they have been developing.

Through staff-led sessions, you will cultivate their abilities as performers while gaining a thorough understanding of the theoretical and historical contexts of your work. This dual focus ensures that they are well-rounded and informed artists.

The module is designed to nurture individual professional discipline, enhancing your knowledge of rehearsal and performance strategies. This foundation will support them in responding positively to direction, fostering their growth as intelligent, creative, and engaged performers.

Chinese: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE in Chinese or equivalent. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

French: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed A-Level or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

French: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

German: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module enables students with A-Level German or equivalent to further develop their grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

Spanish: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed a A-Level or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

Spanish: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed GCSE or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

Subsidiary Language for Beginners (20 Credits) Option

This module provides the opportunity to study a new language from scratch and introduces you to basic grammar, vocabulary and cultural contexts. You will apply the language to practical situations using both oral and written skills. 

Dive into the transformative world of applied theatre, where your performance skills can make a real difference in people’s lives. This module offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of performing arts disciplinesall aimed at creating positive change in educational, social, recreational, and community settings.

This module develops the requisite skills and strategies to facilitate and lead inclusive, participatory workshops. When appropriate, it also incorporates a performative element to enhance workshop delivery and perform with confidence and understanding.

The module content includes theoretical frameworks to contextualise the practice, achieved through the exploration and analysis of case studies, practitioners, and their methodologies within the fields of education, participatory arts, therapy, and politics.

Additionally, the module aims to examine the historical contexts of community-based work and the evolving definitions of community. It encourages students to develop and practice workshop facilitation and leadership, with a nuanced understanding of the needs of diverse client groups.

This module is perfect for actors who want to expand their horizons and use their talents to make a meaningful impact.

This module aims to enhance your critical skills, knowledge, and practices in screen performance that were introduced at Level 4.

Through a combination of staff-led lectures, workshops, and independent projects, you will engage with advanced concepts and practices within the discipline. You will engage with selected screen practitioners, participate in scripted exercises, and develop your improvisation skills for screen, thereby refining the fundamental techniques essential for the film and television industry.

Additionally, you will deepen your technical understanding of film recording and editing

This module will provide opportunities for you to develop and define your 'choreography toolkit' by working with compositional scores and choreographic approaches, equipping you with strategies for rigorous experimentation and craftsmanship in dance-making.

Through exploration and enquiry, you will be expected to engage with a variety of approaches and motivations for composing movement-based dance and performance. You will continue to develop methods for documenting choreography alongside ways of critically reflecting on contemporary choreographic practice.

This module aims to enable you to develop and apply nuanced compositional approaches to creative and performance processes. 

This module provides students with the opportunity to explore and engage in the process of adaptation. It critically examines the field of adaptation and storytelling studies, focusing on how issues such as fidelity to the original source and the unique affordances of different media impact the act of adapting one type of text into another transforming novels into stage plays, screenplays, interactive media experiences, and vice versa; converting the written word into the spoken word (e.g., novels into radio); or adapting the spoken word into audio-visual media.

Additionally, the module introduces students to a diverse range of stories and folktales from around the world, which they will analyse and adapt. Students will apply adaptation and storytelling theories and practices to support their creative endeavors as they work towards producing an adapted.

Applied practice embraces a wide-range of performing arts practices in dance, drama and music that share a common purpose, to make a difference or change in peoples’ lives. Whether it is in education, a social or recreational setting or other community environment, the module develops the skills and strategies required to be able to facilitate and lead inclusive, participatory workshops and where appropriate, include a performative element to accompany a workshop with understanding and confidence.

Content will include theoretical frameworks within which to contextualise the practice by exploring and studying case studies, practitioners and their processes in the fields of education, participatory arts, therapy, and politics. 

Unlock your full potential with this advanced performance module, designed to elevate your technical knowledge and practical abilities to new heights. Building on your foundational skills, this module offers a holistic approach to maximise your learning experience.

Develop the physical intelligence, rigor, and mental confidence essential for outstanding performance. Our integrated curriculum will refine your critical, practical, and reflective skills, preparing you for diverse performance contexts.

Discover the full potential of your body as an instrument. This comprehensive and cohesive learning journey will empower you to excel in your performance skills, making you a versatile and confident performer ready to shine on any stage.

The module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a 140-hour work placement*. This placement is complemented by a number of school-delivered sessions designed to develop their employability, professional practice, and students' understanding of their career options. Students learn to reflect on the nature of creativity within their studies, and gain awareness of how this is valued and relevant in modern workplaces. 

*in some cases, evidence of considerable relevant graduate-level work experience may be accepted as an alternative to completion of the stipulated placement.

This module will provide you with the practical and theoretical underpinning of professional practice in your specific subject, enabling you to identify and develop key employability attributes and skills in preparation for your future career.  

You will spend several weeks working collaboratively with other students across the School for the Creative Industries on one major project or several smaller projects in a professional ‘simulated real world’ working environment.  Projects will be contemporary, topical, externally focussed and often involve partnership with outside agencies. The module will provide you with opportunities for immersive learning and the chance to apply your knowledge in real-world contexts.

Choose one of the following:

1. Professional Placement (40 Credits) Optional
2. Term abroad (40 Credits) Optional
3. One of the following Language options

Advanced Language Development and Global Sustainability (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at advanced level. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a sustainability issue in a target language country. The first half of the module will prepare you for placements abroad where appropriate as well as a deeper understanding of sustainability in target language contexts. 

Developing Intercultural Literacy and Cross-Cultural Skills (40 Credits) Optional

• The multiple facets of global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication
• Culture shock
• Cultural adjustment
• Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess-with a strong focus on understanding the intercultural competencies (ICC) needed to live and work abroad.
• Critical analysis/evaluation of individual requirements in relation to culture/cultural adjustment/culture shock/visas/medical.
• Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired in relation to key skills related to ICC.
• Devising strategies to improve one’s own prospects of working abroad in the future.
• Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.

Experiential Overseas Learning (40 Credits) Optional

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the University of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

• The multiple facets of Global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication
• Theories, models and strategies of learning

Theories and models Intercultural competence

• Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
• Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
• Experiential learning models
• Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

• Enhanced independence
• Improved command of multicultural behaviour
• Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development
• Team building and team work

Part B: Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 

Post Beginner Language Development and Global Cultures (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at beginner level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a cultural issue in a target language country. 

Upper Intermediate Language Development and Global Employability (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at intermediate level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes an placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a business or tourism issue in a target language country. 

Or you can choose ONE of the following:

• University Placement Year Optional
• Subject Placement Year Optional
• International University Placement Year Optional

This module invites you to dive deep into the world of performance, where you’ll explore the powerful concepts of authorship and agency in relation to your personal artistry, research methodologies, and creative processes.

Through critical engagement and dissemination, you’ll uncover how creative practice connects with philosophical, political, and embodied motivations.

You’ll document and develop your emerging practices, articulating your creative journey in and through performance. You will engage in a variety of creative practices that seamlessly blend research methodologies, practice, and performance.

Participate in contexts where the exchange between research and practice is clear and dynamic, enhancing your understanding and application of both. Sharpen your critical thinking skills as you delve into artistic processes and knowledge production. You’ll learn to identify and articulate your authoritative voice through performance.

This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to actively engage in and reflect on your creative processes. You’ll be encouraged to think critically about your work and its impact, helping you to grow as an actor, performer and a thinker.

This exciting module allows students and staff to work together to engage in a substantial piece of practical work. You will undertake research to inform their process and will showcase the skills developed over the course of the programmes studied.

In undertaking this work, you will be encouraged to focus on your own chosen performance specialisms and apply these to this major piece of artistic endeavour. You will further develop their knowledge of professional performance making, which will be a great asset to you in their career after graduating.

This module manifests, through critical engagement and dissemination, the notions of authorship and agency in relation to personal artistry, research methodologies and creative processes.

The potential of creative practice and the remit of relations connecting motivation (philosophical, political and/or embodied) to creative processes in and through dance-making is articulated though documentation and emerging practice. 

The module aims to provide students with the opportunity to engage in interconnected creative practices and to offer contexts where the fluid exchange between research methodologies, practice and performance is lucid.  The module encourages students to actively engage in critical thinking for artistic processes and knowledge production as students identify and process an authoritative voice and articulate practice through dance-making processes. 

This module invites you to dive deep into the world of performance, where you’ll explore the powerful concepts of authorship and agency in relation to your personal artistry, research methodologies, and creative processes.

Through critical engagement and dissemination, you’ll uncover how creative practice connects with philosophical, political, and embodied motivations.

You’ll document and develop your emerging practices, articulating your creative journey in and through performance. You will engage in a variety of creative practices that seamlessly blend research methodologies, practice, and performance.

Participate in contexts where the exchange between research and practice is clear and dynamic, enhancing your understanding and application of both. Sharpen your critical thinking skills as you delve into artistic processes and knowledge production. You’ll learn to identify and articulate your authoritative voice through performance.

This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to actively engage in and reflect on your creative processes. You’ll be encouraged to think critically about your work and its impact, helping you to grow as an actor, performer and a thinker.

This module offers students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and practice in stage and screen performance and production. It also provides a platform to exhibit the performance and technical skills they have developed throughout their studies.

Students will curate and select performance material to showcase their skillset and professional practice in a showcase event. This event will serve as a practical demonstration of their abilities and readiness for professional work in the performing arts industry.

Additionally, students will develop a comprehensive portfolio, preparing them for entry into the industry and their chosen career paths. This portfolio will include evidence of their professional practice, technical competencies, and creative achievements, equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate the professional landscape of the performing arts.

This self-directed module allows students to initiate and develop their own major project ideas appropriate to their discipline of study. Students at this point in their studies are often very focussed on their ultimate work aspirations, and this module helps them to gain 'graduate trajectory' to enable them to better move into their chosen profession as seamlessly as possible when they have finished their studies.