Drama, Applied Theatre & Performance Final award Intermediate awards available BA (Hons) Cert HE, Dip HE, BA UCAS code W442 - Level Four Entry (3 Year full time route) Details of professional body accreditation N/A Relevant QAA Benchmark statements Dance, Drama & Performance 2007 Date specification last up-dated July 2014 The summary - UCAS programme profile BANNER BOX: This degree engages with the practice and study of drama, applied theatre and performance in relation to culture, politics and the practice of performance-making in different contexts. Community engagement and the rich interplay between local and global practices make this programme a unique and different course of its kind. Students will develop competency at facilitating drama and performance practices in artistic, community and educational settings, and gain a critical understanding of performance in terms of politics, intention, and impact in relation to their own creative and intellectual work and to the work of artists and practitioners ENTRY REQUIREMENTS The minimum requirements for entry is 240 UCAS tariff points from: A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma or Relevant Access Course. Applicants will be invited for interview and will be asked to participate in a drama workshop with other candidates. We also welcome applicants from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Students applying to this programme will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with socially engaged performance and applied theatre.. In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, the University s English Language requirements as detailed on the website at time of application must be met see http://www.uel.ac.uk/international/application/english-language-requirements/
At UEL we are committed to working together to build a learning community founded on equality of opportunity - a learning community which celebrates the rich diversity of our student and staff populations. Discriminatory behaviour has no place in our community and will not be tolerated. Within a spirit of respecting difference, our equality and diversity policies promise fair treatment and equality of opportunity for all. In pursuing this aim, we want people applying for a place at UEL to feel valued and know that the process and experience will be transparent and fair and no one will be refused access on the grounds of any protected characteristic stated in the Equality Act 2010 ABOUT THE PROGRAMME What is Drama, Applied Theatre & Performance? Drama and Performance refer to the study of dramatic, performative and theatrical forms that are both historical and contemporary. The programme combines intensive studio based work at the brand new and purpose built Performance Arts building at Stratford Square Campus with a strong commitment to community engaged and urban practices. Intercultural performance, globalisation and the impact of performance theory through practical applications are integral to this programme. Equally, the practice of using drama in a range of community and educational settings with diverse groups of people is another important part of this programme and refers to Applied Theatre. The purpose of applied theatre is varied and causes much debate but might be simply expressed in the following ways: using theatre and performance to bring about a new way of thinking about the world; creating and devising theatre and performance in order to communicate or shed new light; or to enable access to the arts to those who might not normally have this opportunity. The study of applied theatre investigates the purposes, efficacies, politics and intentions behind the different activities and performances that happen. Along with this interest comes an emphasis on understanding the forms and aesthetics which are employed, and the cultural contexts where they happen. Our programme builds on strong links with key professional partners such as Stratford Circus, LIFT (London International Festival of Theatre), Hackney Empire, Half Moon Young People s Theatre, Theatre Royal Stratford East, and Hoxton Hall. In second year, you can take an international exchange option and study part of your degree in one of our partner institutions, including: Columbia College (Chicago, USA), University of Colorado (Boulder, USA), and University of the Fraser Valley (Abbotsford, Canada). Drama, Performance and Applied Theatre promote considerable engagement with practice-as-research as a critical mode of enquiry and develop a vast understanding of theories, philosophies, approaches of reading, writing and thinking in performance, drama and theatre. Drama, Applied Theatre & Performance at UEL This programme offers: A unique study into theatre, drama and socially engaged performance that is grounded in its urban setting with strong connection between the local and global contexts. Opportunity to work on and develop community projects throughout the degree enabling you to leave with skills in facilitating and developing your practice as an emerging facilitator/artist and reflective practitioner. Opportunities for placement and work-based learning with professional industries, communities and/or schools Strong links with local theatres, such as, Stratford Circus, Theatre Royal Stratford
East, Hackney Empire, Half Moon Theatre Company & True Heart Theatre Company A brand new provision in the cultural quarter, Stratford, in University Square: an entire floor dedicated to Performing Arts provision, including specialist, professionally equipped teaching, rehearsal and performance spaces, multi-media labs, staff offices, Mac Computers, and meeting rooms. Programme structure This programme is available on a full-time basis lasting for three years. Students take a core programme throughout their degree which has been carefully designed to facilitate your progression of learning and the development of skills. Within modules there are a range of choices. BA Drama, Applied Theatre & Performance Level 4 PA4401 World Performance PA4402 Reading & Writing Performance PA4103 Participatory Performance Practices PA4104 Performing the City Level 5 PA5401 Politics of Performance & Memory PA5102 Cultural Entrepreneurship: Staging Events PA5403 Urban Interventions PA5404 Applied Performance Level 6 PA6000 Research Project: Dissertation PA6001 Staging Philosophies PA6403 Final Practical Project PA6002 Professional Practice (Placement)
Learning environment The programme is taught through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and independent study. The student population at UEL is diverse in terms of ethnicity, age, international links and social background. This creates an interesting and stimulating learning environment to which students are encouraged to bring their own ideas and experiences. We pride ourselves on a relaxed, informed, supportive and respectful setting that encourages students to develop their own views on the basis of various perspectives, studies and debates. Our pioneering International Exchange Scheme offers students the opportunity to work alongside students from the USA and embraces our internationalist perspective on theatre. These international exchange partnerships include: Columbia College (Chicago, USA), University of Colorado (Boulder, USA), and University of the Fraser Valley (Abbotsford, Canada). Students have access to the excellent facilities at the brand new Stratford Square Building including the fully equipped Multimedia Production Centre with three digital recording studios, specialist Macintosh labs and the Learning Resource Centre. Stratford Circus which is used for the delivery of some modules and the development of two student festivals has three high quality performance and rehearsal spaces and is a major regional centre for music, dance and theatre of all kinds. All sites are fully accessible to people with disabilities. Visiting theatre practitioners and specialists are an integral part of the programme delivery. Assessment Approximately 50% of the programme is assessed through practical rehearsals, presentations and performances. The remainder is assessed through essays and workbooks/study journals/blogs reflecting on a critical understanding of theatre studies and its application to performance. Level five and six module grades contribute to final degree award classification. The final year of the programme contains a compulsory written dissertation and a placement in a theatre or arts institution. Work experience/placement opportunities Relationships with industry and professional engagements with a range of organizations feature across this programme. There are opportunities for work-based learning throughout the course. At level five, students will either work on a community based drama project which involves working off-site or they will be devising a piece of theatre for a young audience. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to develop their entrepreneur, management skills in organising an event or art festival which takes place in a professional venue, usually at our partner theatre Stratford Circus. Key industry engagement and work-based learning include: Work placement, Internship,
Project-based activity (such as workshop delivery, project proposals, impact assessments, or evaluations) with and for industry, Business and/or a community-based organization which happens over the course of level six. Students will gain the opportunity to develop relevant entrepreneurial skills and attributes by operating as a peer professional in, with, or for an organization. The programme fosters close collaborative links with a number of partners working in the profession which, among others, include Hackney Empire and the London International Festival of Theatre. Students benefit from both the input of arts practitioners on the programme and from studying in working environment of professional venues. The study abroad option at level five for a term provides students with a unique experience in their artistic and intellectual development, enhancing their study in the UK on their return. DISCLOSURE & BARRING SCHEME AND INDEPENDENT SAFEGUARDING AUTHORITY This course requires students to apply for Disclosure and Barring Scheme clearance (formerly known as a Criminal Records Bureau [CRB]) for registration on the course. Students who are or become barred from engaging with children or vulnerable adults will not be able to enrol or remain enrolled on the course. Project work At all of the three levels of the programme students will have the opportunity to work on community projects and practical performance projects. At level six, students will work with a member of staff to research and write a dissertation on a topic of their choice, giving them the opportunity to develop their own ideas and interests. The dissertation demonstrates graduate skills in research and analysis, project development and management and independent work. Added value Students will be able to draw on the resources of the Writing Centre, which offers support in both creative and academic writing, along with a regular programme of readings by guest authors and other events. Students have the opportunity to participate in an international exchange in the second year of study. UEL s Going Global Bursary allows students to design their own short-term study or research abroad. The application process is competitive. UEL s Research Internships are an excellent way to both gain work experience and broaden academic knowledge as well as expertise. A range of internships are offered across the university each year; the application process is competitive and requires an interview. IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME? If you are interested in...
Developing your skills at facilitating and running workshops with different groups. Theatre and making/devising performance Theatre from around the world Working in diverse community contexts An interdisciplinary and experimental approach to performance A socially engaged, participatory approach to performance Developing excellent performance skills in a diverse and demanding urban setting If you enjoy... Being challenged to think critically Working in an innovative and stimulating environment ï Engaging with new ideas and concepts ï The creativity of group working. Thinking about theatre from around the world Developing your skills in performance making and sharing this with others If you want... To sharpen your skills as a theatre practitioner and/or drama facilitator To develop your knowledge and understanding of different cultures through theatre To develop your ability to think critically, analyse arguments and write intelligently To study in a lively community of students To engage with your local area, its geography and communities. Your future career Graduates from Drama, Applied Theatre & Performance programmes have typically gone on to employment in diverse careers such as: freelance drama practitioners, directors, actors, applied theatre and community facilitators, teaching in primary and secondary schools, setting up their own theatre companies, working as arts administrators, arts education officers, or arts inclusion officers for theatre companies and councils, arts managers of event planning, community outreach, youth work, international development work, further training in drama-related fields such as postgraduate studies in acting, development work, performance, politics, applied theatre practitioners. How we support you Personal support from personal tutors, programme tutors and module leaders Individual and small group tutorials from module leaders and seminar tutors Skills development in academic research and writing, including IT and learning resources A university-wide support network, including residential, student finance and careers advice Students in receipt of Disabled Students Allowance are allocated a specialist Learning Support Assistant and additional ICT support dependent upon an assessment of their needs. Location: A modern new campus with professionally equipped studios in east London right next door to working arts professional venues Resident professional artists working on campus Guest lectures from professional actors, directors and writers
Tutors are practising professionals in their field Support for graduate theatre companies Good staff-student ratio ensuring personal attention and support Exciting new campus in a rapidly developing area of east London, with excellent links to both central London and outlying areas Opportunities for international exchange in the second year of study, Going Global Bursary, research internships Access to a range of bursaries throughout your studies including Arts pass offering substantial discounts on theatre and cinema tickets in local venues. Bonus factors Programme aims and learning outcomes What is this programme designed to achieve? This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to: Develop your knowledge of the role and function of Drama, Applied Theatre & Performance and its theatrical forms, contexts, politics, philosophies and histories. Understanding of theories relevant to the fields of Drama, Applied theatre & Performance and to be able to critically evaluate their meanings in differing social and cultural contexts. An authoritative overview of Drama, Applied theatre & Performance in local and global contexts. Opportunities to gain performance and facilitation experience with a variety of theatrical media and social /cultural contexts. Opportunities to gain experience of working in a theatre / theatre - related institutions and/or in community and educational settings. What will you learn? Knowledge Detailed knowledge of theories and practices of drama, performance/theatre and applied theatre in their multifarious manifestations and relationships to each other. A critical view of contemporary discourses such as; intercultural, global, environmental, philosophical and urban practices; and their relationships to drama, applied theatre and performance. Thinking skills ï The ability to apply theory to the analysis of drama and performance practices in a diverse range of performative, theatrical and community contexts. Subject-Based Practical skills
Skills of expression and analysis, synthesis, evaluation and argument in written assignments and in oral, performative forms of expression. Skills in devising, rehearsing and performing, and /or facilitating theatre practices in arts/or non arts settings. The ability to work independently and collaboration with others,demonstrating skill in leadership, negotiation, listening, critical self-awareness, teamwork, organisation of group work and autonomous research and creative activity, decision making. High level of competence in performance-related Information & Communication Technologies. The programme structure Introduction All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed. One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study). Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels: 3 equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme 4 equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme 5 equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme 6 equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme 7 equivalent in standard to a Masters degree Credit rating The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits. Typical duration The programme is offered on a full-time basis only over a typical duration of three years. A student cannot normally continue study on a programme after 4 years of study in full-time mode unless exceptional circumstances apply and extenuation has been granted. How the teaching year is divided The teaching year begins in September and ends in June.
A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. What you will study when A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take 120 credits per year. Typically this will be comprised of four 30 credit modules. The exact number may differ if the programme is comprised of 15, 45 or 60 credits modules. An honours degree student will complete modules totalling 120 credits at level four, modules totalling 120 credits at level five and modules totalling 120 credits at level six. Module Level Code Module Title Distance learning Credits Status* Y/N 4 PA4401 World Performance 30 Core 4 PA4402 Reading & Writing Performance 30 Core 4 PA4103 Participatory Performance Practices 45 Core 4 PA4104 Performing the City 15 Core 5 PA5401 Politics of Performance & Memory 30 Core 5 PA5102 Cultural Entrepreneurship: Staging Events 15 Core 5 Urban Interventions: Community Engagement PA5403 &Performance 30 Core 5 PA5404 Applied Performance 45 Core 6 PA6001 Staging Philosophies 15 Core 6 PA6000 Research Project (Dissertation) 45 Core 6 PA6002 Professional Practice (Placement) 30 Core PA6403 Final Practical Project Either 6 PA6403 Solo Performance OR Site Specific Performance OR Student- Led Project OR Script-Writing Project 30 Core
Requirements for gaining an award In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including: A minimum of 120 credits at level four or higher A minimum of 120 credits at level five or higher A minimum of 120 credits at level six or higher In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including: A minimum of 120 credits at level four or higher A minimum of 120 credits at level five or higher A minimum of 60 credits at level six or higher In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level four or higher and 120 credits at level five or higher In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level four or higher. Degree Classification Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 5 or level 6 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 6, the award classification is determined by calculating: The arithmetic mean of the best 90 credits at level 6 The arithmetic mean of the next best 90 credits x0.8+ x0.2 at levels 5 and/or 6 The following are the classification: 70% - 100%First Class Honours 60% - 69% Second Class Honours, First Division 50% - 59% Second Class Honours, Second Division 40% - 49% Third Class Honours 0% - 39% Not passed 70% - 100% Distinction 55% - 69% Merit 40% - 54% Pass 0% - 39% Not passed
Teaching, learning and assessment Teaching and learning Knowledge is developed through Independent and guided reading and practical workshops, rehearsals Independent and guided research in various media (including electronic) Lectures, seminars and practical workshops Exploring creative possibilities through theatrical performance Learning about different modes and forms of theatre, performance and applied practices Engaging with the conventions and styles of different genres of theatre, drama and performance Developing a critical vocabulary through which to articulate an examination and evaluation of performance Essay-writing, blog-writing, including tutorial guidance and feedback on assignments Critically informed analysis of texts and theories Seminar discussion Self-evaluation Practical work and rehearsals Group discussion and performative presentations (oral communication skills) Preparation for seminars and assignments and the dissertation (independent research skills) Essay and dissertation writing, and presentation summaries and evaluations (writing skills, including the ability to organise and explain points clearly and accurately) The process of research for seminars and assignments (IT skills, including the use of search engines, databases and other tools) Independent research, reading and writing Range of collaborative devising games Performance strategies and rehearsals Drafting and editing processes Production work and performances Group work Collaborative research and communication skills The programme will encourage the development of time management and planning skills, both in relation to assignments and seminar preparation Group work Presenting ideas accurately and effectively Written work Assessment The following forms of assessment are used on this programme: 1. Performances 2. Workshops 3. Group presentations
4. Textual Analyses 5. Research Exercises 6. Essays 7. Blogs, journals 8. Dissertations Students will demonstrate knowledge in these assessments through their ability to identify, assimilate and communicate and apply in practice relevant information; to summarise different arguments; and to understand and compare different intellectual positions and their implications. Students will demonstrate thinking skills in these assessments through their ability to evaluate and analyse a range of information and material, and to organise and present it coherently. Practical skills developed and demonstrated in these assessments are through performance and production work as well as through group or individual presentations. General skills are assessed by: Working to deadlines Punctuality to rehearsals Effective application of performance skills Presentation and communication of ideas Working in small groups and autonomously Analytical thinking Information handling and processing How we assure the quality of this programme Before this programme started Before the programme started, the following was checked: There would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme; Adequate resources would be in place; The overall aims and objectives were appropriate; The content of the programme met national benchmark requirements; The programme met any professional/statutory body requirements; The proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms. This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions. How we monitor the quality of this programme The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
ï External examiner reports (considering quality and standards); ï Statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate); ï Student feedback. Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the University's Quality Standing Committee. Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed. The role of the programme committee This programme has a course committee made up of all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (such as library or technical staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the University's quality assurance procedures. The role of external examiners The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities: To ensure the standard of the programme; To ensure that justice is done to individual students. External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including: Approving exam papers/assignments; Attending assessment boards; Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks; Ensuring that regulations are followed; Providing feedback to our university through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future. Listening to the views of students The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme: Module evaluations Student/Staff consultative committee (meeting twice each year) Students are notified of the action taken through: Circulating the minutes of the programme committee
Making available the Annual Quality Improvement Report Listening to the views of others The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties: Annual student satisfaction questionnaire Questionnaires to former student Questionnaires to target programme leaders Further Information Further information about this programme is available from: The UEL web site Arts and Digital Industries web page http://www.uel.ac.uk/adi/index.htm UEL Manual of Regulations and Policies http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/ UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/ Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/ Visit our gallery of student work here:http://www.uel.ac.uk/adi/showcase/studentwork/ Current Externalexaminers External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle)) Click here to download word version