Performing Arts (Film, TV and Stage) BA (Hons)

Buckinghamshire New University

This exciting interdisciplinary degree programme fuses theatre, film, television and audio media placing the performer at the heart of the creative process. So, if you're a self-motivated and enthusiastic performing arts lover, this course could be the perfect path for you.

During your time on this course you'll develop a broad understanding of the industry and spend time focusing on all aspects of production. As well as this you’ll have the opportunity to write, create and perform group and independent productions.

Why study this subject? Whether you specialise in Film, TV or Stage, with this degree you'll be able to play a key role in storytelling. Become the protagonist of your career and help create inspiring characters for your audience to fall in love with.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University? On this course you'll learn that there are many ways to be a performer. We'll give you hands-on experience with the latest technology allowing you to explore the full range of screen, audio and inter-media possibilities, whilst having access to industry professionals who'll help you shape your work.

With London’s theatre world only a short train journey away, we're perfectly placed for acting and performing arts opportunities, placements and theatre visits. There’ll be lots of other performance opportunities open to you, during and after you graduate.

We frequently draw on our strong industry links, including:

• Swan Theatre, High Wycombe – students from each year perform in this professional theatre every year.

• Courtyard Theatre, London – this leading fringe venue hosts our final year showcases as well as our second-year productions.

• Court Theatre Training Company – this leading drama school is a partner institution of the University, and we share industry practice with them.

• Out of Joint – this leading UK theatre company has hosted workshops and talks with our students, and Catriona Craig, a permanent member of BNU, also works as Literary Manager for the company.

• Paines Plough – James Grieve, Artistic Director of the company was awarded an honorary MA in 2016 for his work with our students, helping advise lecturers on texts and organising opportunities for our students to interview leading playwright Alistair McDowall.

Students regularly perform beyond their time with BNU, with several going on to join the National Youth Theatre.

What will I study? Our team of experienced academic-practitioners has a wealth of industry and academic experience and will nurture your learning and professional development throughout your time with us. We place performance making at the centre of this course so you'll get a much better understanding of the practices that surround film, stage and television performances.

During this course you'll study a number of practical modules and learn physical and vocal performance skills.

How will I be taught and assessed? We know the importance of catering for different learning styles and enabling our students to develop a wide range of academic and performance skills. We don't have any written exams and we encourage you to develop your own response to open briefs, giving you independence and creative control over your work.

In the theoretical and practical perspectives modules, you’ll look at the various ways that performance can be conceived and consider its importance in society through conducting research into different areas that interest you.

Throughout this degree you’ll create a series of shows, films, short scenes and devised performances. In your third year, you’ll set up your own theatre company and devise a production that you'll manage from conception through to venue booking, marketing and performance.

What facilities can I use? You’ll use our drama studio on site, with moving lights and fully-equipped sound system and projection. We also use the professional venue at Wycombe Town Hall, which is less than two minutes from our campus.