(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Acting and Stage Combat
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
East 15 Acting School
Southend Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Dance, Drama and Performance
BA W412
10/05/2023
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: CDD, or the equivalent in UCAS tariff points, to include 2 full A Levels
BTEC: MMP
T-levels: Pass with C in core
IB: 25 points or three Higher Level certificates with 433.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
If you do not require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK then we will assess your English language proficiency/ability at your interview or audition.
If your first language is not English and you are an international student that requires a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK then you will need IELTS 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications.
Please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English course that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
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
Mr Matthew Henry Millington Bell
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.
Programme aims
A range of skills in stage combat and physical disciplines
A holistic training in acting theory and practice
The competence and basic safety awareness to apply stage combat skills to performance
An understanding of relevant theatre history and context
Academic skills necessary to research, analyse and present ideas and arguments orally and in writing.
Perform self directed work safely and effectively
Preparation for a range of professional work including theatre and on film.
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: Knowledge and understanding of the application of acting, stage combat and physical disciplines to a range of performance styles, forms and techniques
The application of acting, stage combat and physical disciplines to a range of performance styles, forms and techniques
Knowledge and understanding of the application of acting, stage combat and physical disciplines to a range of performance styles, forms and techniques
A2: Knowledge and understanding of a range of established acting theories and methodology
A3: Knowledge and understanding of the processes of making, directing and staging a production involving stage combat scenes
A4: Knowledge and understanding of anatomical form and function in the creation of effective stage combat scenes
A5: Knowledge and understanding of the application of health and safety principles to the safe creation of complex physical and stage combat scenes
A6: Knowledge and understanding of theatre history and context in a range of periods relevant to the development of stage combat
A7: Knowledge and understanding of the use of research, presentation and communication skills in practical and written projects
Learning methods
A1 to A7 are learned in small group practical classes, workshops, rehearsals and performance and independent study.
Additionally, A4 to A7 learning takes place in lectures and seminars.
A1 is also learned in one to one tutorials as part of individual students performance preparation.
Students will progress through focus on building specific skills in year one to the ability to combine stage combat training, acting skills and enhanced creativity and finally to apply them to a range of performance projects, some of which will be self directed.
Assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding of A1to A7 are continuously assessed through observation of course work, rehearsals, practice based projects and performance and through the written analytical work of the Personal Record of Analysis and Reflection.
A4 to A7 are additionally assessed by written assignments.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Ability to select from a range of established stage combat principles and techniques for performance
B2: Ability to evaluate the potential physical effects on the body of a range of stage combat techniques
B3: Ability to sustain truthful character within the demands of a technical production
B4: Ability to analyse critically own and others performance
B5: Ability to communicate confidently with and respond to audiences in a range of performance styles and forms
B6: Ability to identify problems and produce practical solutions within a given framework
B7: Ability to apply research and learned skills to the creation of self-directed work
Learning methods
B1to B7 are taught in small group practical classes, workshops, seminars, supervised and unsupervised rehearsal and independent study.
Learning additionally takes place in group discussions and through directorial feedback and instruction during the production process.
B1 learning is supported by one to one tutorials as part of performance preparation.
B1, B3 and B4 are learned additionally through tutor, directorial and group feedback on performances.
Assessment methods
B1 to B7 are continuously assessed through observation of students course work, rehearsals and performance.
B1 to B4 are additionally assessed through practice-based presentations, written assignments and essays.
B1 to B7 are additionally assessed through the analytical written work of the Personal Record of Analysis and Reflection.
Assessment of cognitive skills in the first year and partly in second year would be based primarily on processes.
In the latter part of the second year and in final year assessment becomes more focussed on the quality of the work produced.
C: Practical skills
C1: Ability to carry out risk assessments and evaluate appropriate action
C2: Ability to apply knowledge of physiology and anatomy, body maintenance and warm ups
C3: Ability to utilise a range of training skills eg First Aid, dramatic combat, stage and screen combat
C4: Ability to demonstrate competence in a range of physical skills eg gymnastics and acrobatics
C5: Ability to work effectively as one part of a complex production team
C6: Ability to demonstrate an appropriate level of skill and weapon control in performance
C7: Ability to use learned skills for the safe creation of theatrical violence in performance
Learning methods
C2 to C7 are learned in small group practical classes, workshops, guest lectures and seminars given by industry professionals, rehearsals and performance and independent study, including unsupervised rehearsals.
C1 is learned in rehearsals and performances as well as in classes and workshops.
C5 is additionally taught in practical workshop sessions and through technical advice surgeries for students preparing for performances.
Assessment methods
C1 to C7 are continuously assessed through observation of students course work, rehearsals and performance.
C5 is additionally assessed through practice based presentations, written assignments and the Personal Record of Analysis and Reflection.
In the early years of the course assessment is based on students ability to demonstrate practical skills competence whereas in final year assessment is based more on their ability to apply practical skills to support the development of performances.
D: Key skills
D1: Ability to respond to the needs of a range of audiences in various performance venues
In the early years of the course assessment is based on students ability to demonstrate competence in key skills whereas in final year assessment is based more on their ability to apply key skills to support the development of performances.
Ability to respond to the needs of a range of audiences in various performance venues
D2: Ability to Use appropriate IT to research and present substantial written analytical work
D3: Not applicable.
D4: Ability to evaluate health and safety risks and propose performance solutions in complex stage combat scenarios
D5: Ability to work creatively, safely and collaboratively with others in ensemble performance
D6: Ability to reflect on own practice critically and honestly, accept direction and criticism and use it to improve performance.
Learning methods
Assessment methods