BA (Hons) Theatre Arts

UCAS code: W440

Start date: September

Course length: full time: three years, part time: six years.

Campus: Derby Theatre

This course is available to international students

This vibrant and exciting programme is taught by practising professional artists with expertise in their own specialist fields. We'll encourage you to consider theatre from many perspectives and we'll offer you the opportunity to explore different elements of working practice related to Theatre Arts. During the course you will encounter a range of practices including acting, directing, applied drama, writing for performance, technical theatre and promotional/administration work in theatre production. You will also take part in public performances in the main house of Derby Theatre, in studio based productions and at off-site specialist community environments and schools (if you choose the Applied Drama modules). Public performance is an integral part of this course and there is also the opportunity to be involved in extra-curricular activity at the Theatre.

You will develop a broad range of skills and be able to follow your particular interests and specialise in related areas. The general pattern of your work during the course moves from intensive classwork during the first stage to public performance during stage two and on to autonomous public performance and research in the final stage.

Modules in stage one are compulsory and broad based to give you an essential understanding of the various elements that make up Theatre Arts. During stage two you will follow core performance practice and research modules and be able to choose pathways related to a diverse range of practice, such as Shakespeare, writing for performance, applied drama and stage management. During your final stage, as well as carrying out an Independent Study you can specialise in the areas you feel will be most useful to you in your future career.

You'll study a total of 120 credits per year. This will be made up of single or double modules.

Stage one

You'll study modules such as:

• Performance in Context 1 (20th Century Performance Practice)
• Performance Analysis
• Applied Drama
• Writing and Performance
• Production Management and Design
• Performance in Context 2 (Devised Theatre)

Stage two

You'll study modules such as:

• Voice in Performance
• Applied Drama 2
• Writing and Performance 2
• Complementary Studies Performance Practice
• Research Methodologies
• Shakespeare in Performance 1

Stage three

You'll study modules such as:

• Performance Project
• Independent Study
• Directors and Directing
• Writing and Performance 3
• Shakespeare in Performance 2
• Applied Drama 3

Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points, of which at least 220 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.

We'll accept up to 40 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.

We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.

We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.

Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.

The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.

General undergraduate entry requirements

This is a specialist course.

UK/EU students

• Full time: £8,800 (each year)

We'll be announcing our part time and international fees for 2013/14 later in the year.

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

How you'll learn

Lectures, seminars, practical workshops, tutorials, self-directed study.

How you're assessed

Coursework - written and practical.

Our recent graduates have gone on to jobs in a range of areas including acting, lighting design, directing, teaching, marketing, producing, casting, technical support and stage management.

Graduates have set up their own touring theatre companies (Fifth Word, Greenhorn, Define Theatre and Different Devices) and others have found work with other companies including Nottingham Playhouse, The Royal Shakespeare Company, Oxford Theatre Company, Contact Theatre and The Curve whilst Uncontained Arts, our graduate theatre company, go on national tours annually from their base at Derby Theatre.

We create many opportunities for you to showcase your work to a wider audience. By the time you finish your degree we will have introduced you to important agencies and support networks relevant to working in the arts industry and helped you to structure your CV and reflect on your employability. We will do our best to equip you to be able to successfully plot a course through the complex terrain of the creative industries and start your future career.

"The lecturers were inspirational and refreshing."

"The tutors are friendly and easily accessible."

"The combination of theory and practical work is excellent."

"The degree course at Derby provided me with the ideal grounding for a career in theatre."