Acting

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course Details Course Structure Aims and Learning Outcomes
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Acting
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
East 15 Acting School
East15 (Loughton) Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Dance, Drama and Performance
BA W411
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

    Applicants will need to submit a video audition and, if successful, complete a recall audition/workshop. Applicants should also have, or expect to have:

  • A-levels: EE, or 32 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
  • BTEC: PP, or 32 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 32 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • T-levels: Pass with E in core .
  • IB: two Higher Level certificates with 33
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications.

    • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

    If you do not require a student visa to study in the UK then we will assess your English language proficiency/ability at your interview or audition.

    English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

    Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

    If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

    English language shelf-life

    Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

    If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

    Pre-sessional English courses

    If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

    Pending English language qualifications

    You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

    If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

    Additional Notes

    If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

    Course qualifiers

    A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

    None

    Rules of assessment

    Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

    Additional notes

    None

    External examiners

    Staff photo
    Prof Anthony Dean

    Emeritus Professor

    University of Winchester

    Ms Lucy Skilbeck


    Mr Michael Andrew Hayden

    External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 27 January 2025 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  EA111-4-FY-LO  Introduction to Acting Theory, Methods and Practice, and Development From Self to Character  Core  15  15 
02  EA112-4-SP-LO  Verbatim Theatre and Contemporary Scene Study  Core  15  15 
03  EA113-4-SU-LO  Actor and Text  Core  15  15 
04  EA114-4-SU-LO  Improvised Living History  Core  15  15 
05  EA115-4-FY-LO  Voice I  Core  15  15 
06  EA116-4-FY-LO  Movement I  Core  15  15 
07  EA117-4-FY-LO  Music and Singing I  Core  15  15 
08  EA118-4-FY-LO  Contextual Studies I  Core  15  15 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  EA218-5-FY-LO  Contextual Studies II  Core  15  15 
02  EA212-5-SP-LO  Extension of Acting Methodology  Core  15  15 
03  EA213-5-FY-LO  Acting Techniques and Styles  Core  30  30 
04  EA214-5-SU-LO  Shakespeare and Elizabethan Verse Drama  Core  15  15 
05  EA215-5-FY-LO  Voice II  Core  15  15 
06  EA216-5-FY-LO  Movement II  Core  15  15 
07  EA217-5-FY-LO  Music and Singing II  Core  15  15 

Year 3 - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  EA311-6-SU-LO  Production - Text and Technique  Core  15  15 
02  EA319-6-FY-LO  Professional Preparation and Audition Technique  Core  15  15 
03  EA313-6-SP-LO  Notions of Realism  Core  15  15 
04  EA314-6-AP-LO  Screen and Radio  Core  15  15 
05  EA315-6-SU-LO  Final Productions  Core  30  30 
06  EA316-6-AP-LO  Voice, Movement, Music and Singing  Core  15  15 
07  EA317-6-FY-LO  Contextual Studies III  Core  15  15 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

  • To train students for a professional career in acting.
  • To provide students with an understanding of theatre context.
  • To equip students with the ability to communicate creatively with a range of audiences .
  • To stimulate students' creativity and imagination.


    • Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

    On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

    A: Knowledge and understanding

    A1: Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of theatre history and context.

    A2: Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of theories and methods of acting

    A3: Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of a range of performance styles and texts

    A4: Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of the technical demands of theatre performance

    A5: Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of a range of vocal techniques and theories

    A6: Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of a range of movement theories and techniques

    Learning methods

    A1-A3 are taught through lectures and seminars.

    A2, A3, A5 and A6 are taught in small group practical classes, rehearsals, presentations/demonstrations and workshops.

    A1-A3 Students undertake independent research on character work and contextual study of plays.

    A4 Rehearsals, practical projects and assignments, performances.

    A1-A6 Written and oral formative feedback on written and practical work, including term reports and directors' notes.

    In first year students will begin to acquire the knowledge and understanding indicated in thenlearning outcomes which they will apply throughout second and third year to create character and performance of increasing depth and complexity.

    In performance students will progress from in-housae showings of scenes in first year to full scale productions for ticketed public audiences in a variety of different venues in final year.

    Assessment methods

    A2 - A6 Continuous assessment of specific course learning outcomes through observation of practical projects, presentations, shows and performance.

    Live performances are video-recorded and made available to External Examiners.

    A1- A3 Students are required to produce essays, written assignments, portfolios and reflective diaries for assessment.

    B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

    B1: Students will be able to create truthful and complex roles and characters

    B2: Students will be able to use research and imagination to create the world of the play

    B3: Students will be able to express themselves objectively in oral or written form

    B4: Students will be able to devise and improvise original work

    B5: Students will be able to apply objective critical awareness in practical and written work

    Learning methods

    B1-B5 Small group practical classes, workshops, rehearsals, practical projects and performance.
    Written and oral formative feedback on written and practical work, including term reports and Director's notes.

    B2-B3, B5 Lectures, seminars, presentations/demonstrations.

    Students present/ perform their work to peers and staff and receive regular written and oral feedback from them.

    First year begins with the study of self, encouraging students to open up and begin the process of creating truthful character and performance.

    This process is developed through second and third year in increasingly challenging and diverse practical work.

    Assessment methods

    B1- B5 Continuous assessment through observation of practical projects, presentations, shows and performance.

    Live performances are video-recorded and made available to External Examiners.

    B2, B3, B5 essays, written assignments, portfolios and reflective diaries.

    C: Practical skills

    C1: Students will be able to demonstrate safe, confident and expressive use of the body

    C2: Students will be able to demonstrate musicality and rhythm

    C3: Students will be able to demonstrate a broad range of speech patterns, accents and dialects

    C4: Students will be able to demonstrate practical musicianship in a range of repertoires

    C5: Students will be able to demonstrate body maintenance and warm-ups

    Learning methods

    C1-C5 Small group practical classes, workshops, rehearsals and performance.

    C1 - C5 Written and oral formative feedback on written and practical work and classwork, including term reports and Director's notes.

    Assessment methods

    C1-C5 Continuous assessment through observation of contribution to class work, practical proects and performance.

    C5 Essays, written assignments, portfolios and reflective diaries.

    D: Key skills

    D1: Students will be able to communicate complex ideas or arguments confidently and effectively in oral, written or visual form.

    D2: Ability to apply relevant IT resources to research, present or communicate original work

    D3: Ability to work within available resources: human, financial or physical

    D4: Students will be able to work creatively in ensemble rehearsal and performance

    D5: Students will be able to take responsibility for own creative development

    D6: Students will be able to undertake independent research for performance preparation

    Learning methods

    D1, D4 - D6 Small group practical classes, workshops, presentation/demonstrations, rehearsals and performance.

    D2, D6 Essays and written assignments, research for class and rehearsal preparation, research for personal portfolios and reflective diaries.

    Students are given opportunities to work collectively on devising, improvising and creating work from a number of sources.

    This work is carried out with increasing independence through the course.

    By final year students have the skills necessary to devise and perform full-scale productions.

    Assessment methods

    D1, D4 - D6 Continuous assessment through observation of practical projects, presentations, shows and performance.

    D2, D6 Essays, written assignments, portfolios and reflective diaries.

    Note

    The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

    The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

    Contact

    If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

    If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

    If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.