World Performance

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
World Performance
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
East 15 Acting School
Southend Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Dance, Drama and Performance
BA W495
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

    Applicants will need to be successful in an interview. Applicants should also have, or expect to have:

  • A-levels: DD/EEE, or 48 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
  • BTEC: MP, or 48 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 48 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
    Dr Almiro Andrade

    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  EA171-4-FY-SO  Theatre History in a Global Context  Compulsory  30  30 
02  EA172-4-FY-SO  Performance Skills  Compulsory  30  30 
03  EA173-4-FY-SO  World Theatre Studies  Core  30  30 
04  EA174-4-FY-SO  Music and World Performance  Core  30  30 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  EA271-5-AU-SO  Ritual and Religious Performance  Core  15  15 
02  EA277-5-AU-SO  Media and Theatre Production Skills  Core  15  15 
03  EA272-5-SP-SO  Visiting Artist  Core  30  30 
04  EA273-5-AP-SO  Mask  Core  15  15 
05  EA274-5-SP-SO  Storytelling  Core  15  15 
06  EA275-5-SU-SO  Comedy  Core  15  15 
07  EA276-5-SP-SO  Non-Western Character Acting  Core  15  15 

Year 3 - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  EA371-6-AU-SO  Applied and Political Theatres  Core  30  30 
02  EA372-6-SP-SO  Intercultural Performance Project  Core  30  30 
03  EA373-6-FY-SO  Professional Preparation  Core  30  30 
04  EA374-6-PS-SO  Devised Project  Core  30  30 

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 produce graduates with a broad understanding of the range of world performance, and the relationships between different cultural forms .
  • To produce graduates with the ability to write, devise and create work independently.
  • To equip students with an understanding of key theoretical and critical approaches to analysing performance in the world context .
  • To enable students to place and evaluate performance in its historical, geographical, and cultural context, and to compare work arising from different contexts .
  • To enable students to develop and apply performance and creative skills in their own work .
  • To equip students with skills in research and the communication of ideas through the use of written, presentation, and performance approaches and materials .
  • To prepare students for the world of work with a range of tools for planning, organising, and promoting their creative projects.


  • 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 a diverse range of World Performance forms, their history and distinctive features

    A2: Knowledge and understanding of a range of significant theoretical, critical or interpretative approaches to the creation of performances from different cultures

    A3: Knowledge and understanding of a range of methods, techniques and disciplines used in creating performance, encountered in differing cultural or artistic contexts

    A4: Knowledge and understanding of the artistic skills and techniques used in selected performance forms

    A5: Knowledge and understanding of techniques and attitudes to support the creative, safe and healthy use of the voice and body in performance

    Learning methods

    A1-A5 studio-based practical classes, workshops and rehearsals A1-A2 lectures and seminars A4 group practical classes, individual tutorials to support performance preparation.

    Assessment methods

    A1-A5 research papers, presentations, reflective evaluation written or video diary), live and recorded performance, practical projects.

    A3-A5 continuous practical assessment of work in class.

    B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

    B1: The ability to work autonomously as well as in a collaborative group

    B2: The ability to conduct independent research and apply its results to a practice-based project (whether as director, writer, performer, or in another creative role)

    B3: The ability to select and use critical and/or theoretical ideas to articulate interpretation of or response to performance

    B4: Knowledge and understanding of a range of methods, techniques and disciplines used in creating performance, encountered in differing cultural or artistic contexts

    B5: The ability to recognise, identify, select and adapt material for use in original devised performance

    B6: The ability to formulate and communicate ideas or interpretations

    B7: The ability to reflect constructively and critically on own work

    Learning methods

    B1-B7 studio-based practical classes, workshops, rehearsals and performances B2 independent study, writing workshops.

    B3-B4, B6 lectures, seminars and tutorials

    Assessment methods

    B1-B7 presentations, practical projects, performances, continuous assessment of class work B2-B4, B6-B7 research papers, reflective evaluation (written or video diary) B2, B6 Construction of narrative and comedic scripts, creation of prompt copy.

    C: Practical skills

    C1: The ability to devise and realise a performance project

    C2: The ability to plan, organise and achieve projects both individually and as part of a group

    C3: The ability to select and apply appropriate performance, devising, and artistic skills in the creation of original work

    C4: The ability to use the body and voice as a performer safely, healthily, and confidently

    C5: The ability to use IT, PR or business skills relevant to a creative professional in the contemporary market

    Learning methods

    C1-C4 studio based practical classes, rehearsals, workshops, performances C4 individual tutorials to support performance preparation C2 and C5 production preparation and process, study skills tutorials, professional preparation seminars

    Assessment methods

    C1-C4 continuous assessment of class work and production process, presentations, performance C1-C3 and C5 reflective evaluation (written or video diary)

    D: Key skills

    D1: Students will be able to demonstrate ability to communicate effectively and confidently with peers or to external audiences through performance, presentations or the written word.

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

    D4: The ability to analyse and find effective solutions to problems encountered in research or creative tasks

    D5: Students will be able to participate effectively as a member of a group in practice based projects and productions

    D6: The ability to use feedback from tutors, peers or spectators to reflect systematically and critically on own work

    Learning methods

    D1 -D6 studio-based practical classes, workshops, lectures, seminars and tutorials, rehearsals, performance, independent study D2 and D4 study skills tutorials

    Assessment methods

    D1-D6 continuous assessment of class work, rehearsals and production process, research papers, presentations, reflective evaluations (written or video diary), performances.


    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.