Acting and Physical Theatre

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Acting and Physical Theatre
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
East 15 Acting School
Southend Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Dance, Drama and Performance
BA W494
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
    Mr STRUAN LESLIE

    HEAD OF MOVEMENT

    Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

    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  EA190-4-FY-SO  Skills I  Core  30  30 
02  EA191-4-SP-SO  Mime  Core  15  15 
03  EA192-4-PS-SO  Narrative and Story Theatre  Core  15  15 
04  EA193-4-FY-SO  Mask  Core  15  15 
05  EA194-4-AU-SO  Poor Theatre: At Work on Grotowski  Core  15  15 
06  EA196-4-FY-SO  Contextual Studies I  Core  15  15 
07  EA197-4-AU-SO  Character  Core  15  15 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  EA290-5-FY-SO  Skills II  Core  30  30 
02  EA298-5-FY-SO  Human Comedy; Human Drama  Core  30  30 
03  EA293-5-SP-SO  Object Theatre  Core  15  15 
04  EA294-5-SP-SO  Meyerhold and Biomechanics  Core  15  15 
05  EA295-5-FY-SO  Circus in a Suitcase  Core  15  15 
06  EA296-5-AP-SO  Contextual Studies II  Core  15  15 

Year 3 - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  EA390-6-FY-SO  Skills III  Core  15  15 
02  EA397-6-SP-SO  Final Performance Project  Core  30  30 
03  EA396-6-AU-SO  Ensemble Performance Project  Core  30  30 
04  EA394-6-SU-SO  Performance of a Text  Core  30  30 
05  EA395-6-AP-SO  Professional Preparation  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 equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for a professional career performing and/or making physical theatre, i.e. theatre that is not primarily text-based.
  • To enable students to acquire a broad-based understanding of performance arts such as theatre, dance and circus.
  • To enable students to acquire skills across a range of fields and to equip them to use different performance vocabularies appropriately and creatively in their own work.
  • To enable students to discern and develop individual specialist skills to a professional standard.
  • To encourage students to adopt an investigative approach and to develop autonomous research and study skills to assist their continuing professional development.
  • To prepare students for professional work by embedding their learning in a knowledge and understanding of existing professional practice.
    To develop students' ability to make effective contributions to team and group-based activity.


  • 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 be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of character and situation in physical theatre performance

    A2: Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of narrative processes in a range of performance forms

    A3: Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories and principles of a range of physical theatre forms

    A4: Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of conceptual, historical or material contexts of physical theatre

    A5: Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology of voice and movement

    Learning methods

    A1-A5 Studio-based practical classes, workshops, one-to-one tutorials, collaborative and group practical projects, staff/student discussions of practice, written and oral feedback on assignments and project work, lectures and seminars.

    Assessment methods

    A1-A5 Continuous assessment of class work.
    A1-A4 rehearsals and performances, presentations, written assignments.

    B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

    B1: Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology of voice and movement

    B2: Students will be able to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

    B3: Students will be able to apply objective critical analysis to own and others performance

    B4: Students will be able to create performances using a range of physical theatre techniques

    B5: Students will be able to use appropriate critical vocabulary or subject specific terminology

    B6: Students will be able to apply appropriate research to performance preparation or written work

    Learning methods

    B1-B4 Studio-based practical classes, workshops, one-to-one tutorials, rehearsal, performance, masterclasses, lectures and seminars.

    Assessment methods

    B1 to B6 Continuous assessment of class work, rehearsals and performance.

    B2 to B3 and B5 to B6 written assignments and presentations

    C: Practical skills

    C1: Students will be able to demonstrate ability to select and use specific skills appropriate for physical performance

    C2: Students will be able to demonstrate ability to apply a range of practical skills to performance

    C3: Students will be able to demonstrate ability to work effectively individually and as a member of an ensemble

    C4: Students will be able to demonstrate ability to communicate relevant information effectively in oral, written or visual form

    C5: Students will able to demonstrate ability to identify and select appropriate safe working practices

    Learning methods

    B1 to B4 Studio-based practical classes, B1 to B4 Studio-based practical classes, workshops, one-to-one tutorials, rehearsal, performance, masterclasses, lectures and seminars.

    Assessment methods


    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

    D4: Students will able to demonstrate ability to identify and select appropriate safe working practices

    D5: Students will be able to demonstrate ability to work effectively individually and as a member of an ensemble

    D6: Students will be able to apply objective critical analysis to own and others performance

    Learning methods

    D1 to D6 Group and collaborative practical projects, workshops and tutorials, staff/student feedback discussions, written assignments, portfolios, street theatre project, final production.

    Assessment methods

    D1, D4 to D6 Continuous assessment of contributions in class, project and production work.

    D1 to D4, D6 Essays and written assignments D1 to D6 Final production and associated written portfolio.


    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.