(MA) Master of Arts
Acting
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
East 15 Acting School
East15 (Loughton) Campus
Masters
Full-time
None
MA W41012
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
Our applicants need to undertake a successful audition or video audition, plus have a first degree with an overall 2.2, or equivalent or suitable life and/or professional expertise.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5
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.
Additional Notes
The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.
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
Prof Anthony Dean
Emeritus Professor
University of Winchester
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
- To provide a sound foundation for a professional career in theatre and related professions
- To enhance students' vocational education and training
- To encourage students' personal and intellectual development
- To provide opportunities for students to create performance using a range of skills and source materials
- To develop students' ability to use textual and contextual research as preparation for performance.
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 transformation in challenging roles
A2: Knowledge and understanding of advanced improvisation skills
A3: Knowledge and understanding of character development using a variety of techniques
A4: Knowledge and understanding of approaches to acting for film, television and radio
A5: Knowledge and understanding of the processes of technical theatre eg. stage management, costume, sound, lighting
A6: Knowledge and understanding of the uses of a range of performance styles, methods and spaces
Learning methods
A1 to A3 are taught in small group practical classes, rehearsals, workshops and performance.
A4 to A6 are taught in studio-based practical projects, rehearsals and production work for performance.
A5 and A6 are also taught in contextual studies lectures and seminars.
Assessment methods
A1 to A6 are continuously assessed through observation of contribution to classwork, rehearsals and performance.
A4 is additionally assessed through observation of students' contribution to applied recorded media projects.
A5 and A6 are additionally assessed through written assignments, essays, presentations and students' written Personal Development Portfolios and Journals.
A1 to A3 and A5 to A6 are assessed through performance and written commentary for students who opt for the Practical Project and through a 12,000 word Dissertation for students who choose that option.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Students will be able to take risks in exploration of self
B2: Students will be able to create performance from a range of source materials
B3: Students will be able to reflect objectively on the acting process
B4: Students will be able to respond creatively to others
B5: Students will be able to identify and exploit their physical and vocal potential
B6: Students will be able to undertake independent research as preparation for performance
Learning methods
B1 to B6 learning takes place in small group practical classes, workshops, rehearsals and performance.
B2, B3 and B6 are additionally learned in lectures, seminars and independent study.
B1 and B5 are also learned in one-to-one tutorials
Assessment methods
B1 to B6 are continuously assessed through observation of contribution to classwork, rehearsals and performance and the Practical Project for students who take that option.
B2, B3 and B6 are also assessed through written assignments, essays, presentations, students' written Personal Development Portfolios and Journals and the 12,000 word written dissertation for students who choose that option.
C: Practical skills
C1: Students will be able to perform a range of roles to a professional standard
C2: Students will be able to express interpretation and analysis with confidence
C3: The ability to devise time-management schedules and manage own and others' time efficiently according to those schedules
C4: Students will be able to approach singing and movement with confidence
C5: Students will be able to communicate effectively with a range of audiences in written and oral form
Learning methods
C1 to C5 are learned in small group classes, rehearsal and performance.
C3 is also learned through independent study.
C2 and C5 are learned additionally in seminars and workshops.
C2, C3 and C5 are learned through preparation of written essays and assignments.
C1, C2, C4 and C5 are also learned through one-to-one tutorials.
Assessment methods
C1 to C5 are continuously assessed through observation of contribution to classwork, rehearsals and performance and the Practical Project for students who take that option.
C2, C3 and C5 are also assessed through written assignments, essays, presentations, students' written Personal Development Portfolios and Journals and the 12,000 word written dissertation for students who choose that option.
D: Key skills
D1: Students will be able to present ideas and arguments, both orally and in writing, effectively and clearly
D2: Ability to apply relevant IT resources to research, present or communicate original work
D4: Students will be able to identify problems and propose creative solutions
D5: Students will be able to participate effectively as a member of a group in practice based projects and productions
D6: Students will be able to work independently, using self-organisation and time-management; be receptive to written and oral feedback; and reflect on their own work.
Learning methods
D1 and D4 to D6 are learned in small group practical classes, seminars, workshops, rehearsals and performances.
D2 and D4 learned through preparation of written assignments, essays, presentations, independent study and production preparation.
D1 also learned through independent study.
Assessment methods
D1, D4, D5 and D6 are continuously assessed through observation of students' contributions to classwork, rehearsals and performances.
D1, D2, D4 and D6 are additionally assessed through written assignments, essays and students' Personal Development Portfolios and Journals.
D1, D2, D4, D5 and D6 are assessed in both the 12,000 word Dissertation option and the Practical project option.