UCAS Code: W410
2 years full-time / 3 years part-time

This exciting, practical, performance-based programme aims to provide opportunities to acquire and develop acting skills and techniques which can be applied to acting in theatre and television. The programme has a strong vocational element, and focuses on the study and acquisition of acting devices and skills. The emphasis is on creativity and expressiveness through the exploration of different forms of theatre, and ways in which these intercultural exchanges in turn enrich and influence the performing arts.

The programme methodologies promote independent learning and self-management skills. The students’ development is also fostered through the creation of original work and the application of theatre practices to the wider community, all of which are supported by a significant theoretical underpinning. Courses within the set programme of studies allow for personal choice in terms of the material or repertoire needed to demonstrate the required learning outcomes. Key skills such as communication, working with others and problem solving are integrated within the different courses.

Level 4 provides a foundation for students to explore and acquire both traditional and contemporary acting skills which can be applied and modified accordingly across theatre and television in order to meet their specific requirements.

Level 5 involves further development and reinforcement of the skills acquired in Level 4, and provides new opportunities for students to improve their skills as performers and creators. It continues to develop independent learning skills and prepares students for their professional career through further acquisition of self-management skills.

Work-based learning is a key element of this programme and ensures real purpose and provision for a wide range of professional contexts.

LEVEL 4 Courses

The Speaking Voice
The Actor and The Singing Voice
Twentieth Century Actor Training
Musical Theatre One
The Articulate and Rhythmic Body
Character and Script Analysis
In Front of the Camera
Theatre for the Wider Community

LEVEL 5 Courses

VoVoice and Text in Action
Vocal Studies
Making Theatre of The Twenty First Century
Musical Theatre Two
The Rhythmic Body
From Script to Performance
for Television and Radio
Approaches to Physical Theatre

All courses at Level 4 & 5 are 15 credits each.

Entry Requirements

Applicants seeking entry to the Foundation Degree programme are predominantly performers, most of whom normally hold traditional qualifications in the form of English GCSE, minimum grade C, 180 points at AS/A Level, with a minimum grade “C” in two A Level subjects; or a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts with a high profile; or GNVQ Advanced in Performing Arts. However, candidates who have relevant attainments in the theatre context they wish to pursue can apply without the full range of academic qualifications normally required for a programme in higher education. Care is taken to ensure that only those students with a successful profile of performance/creative work and who show aptitude for the programme are offered places. All applicants must have some drama experience. Applications are welcome from mature entrants, those from overseas, and those currently working in the arts or related areas and who are able to demonstrate that they have relevant experience and the potential to succeed on the course. Applicants attend an audition and an interview.

Applicants are encouraged to disclose any impairment or condition (for example a physical, sensory or mental health condition) at the earliest opportunity so that we can endeavour to meet individual needs during the audition process and during the course. We can for example make adjustments to sight reading for dyslexic applicants at the audition or bring in a qualified member of staff to aid the panel in the audition process in order to ensure that every applicant is given an equal opportunity.

Audition procedures involve candidates taking part in:

Vocal Warm-up
Performance of Prepared Monologues
Performance of Prepared Song
Interview with the Panel

Candidates are informed in writing of the Audition’s Panel decision by Bird College’s Registrar within one to two working weeks.

Modes of Assessment

These are wide-ranging and include:

• Studio Performance. These are formal modes of assessment and take place within a College studio, although it may include an invited audience where appropriate. Students perform rehearsed work solo and in groups specified by the assessment brief. Students are required to execute and demonstrate a number of technical requirements outlined in the specific assessment criteria for each assessment. These range from singing and acting solo to more collaborative work where the emphasis is on both individual and group outcomes.
• Theatre Performance. All of the theatre performances are a formal mode of assessment. They involve a public audience, therefore students’ involvement and communication with the audience is a more prominent feature of the performance assessment. Like in the Studio Performances, students are assessed both for their work within the group and individually, as is the attainment of the performance brief in relation to the target audience.
• Coursework. This is a summative mode of assessment in the form of a practical assignment within the classroom or studio. Students are given a brief by the tutor to perform the task informally.
• Practical Project. This is a formative assessment. Students are given an assignment which involves a performance element as well as production team work.
• Portfolio. This assessment requires students to produce a document that includes evidence of the learning process and demonstrates the students’ reflective, analytical and evaluative skills. Specified portfolios require the writing of a reflective log and an evaluative essay, as well as the inclusion of production notes where specified.
• Essay. This mode of written assessment focuses on the students’ contextual skills such as research, academic writing, debating and forming an argument.
• Seminar Presentation. This mode of assessment takes place in a studio. Students are set a task by the tutor and present their findings to their peers and examiners demonstrating their research, analytical and delivery skills. The presentation includes a brief question and answer session.
• Work-based Learning. Students are given a brief which culminates in a performance. This form of assessment is both formative and summative: employers, when appropriate, and tutors assess and monitor the continuous development of the student within the work-based context, and students’ final performance is also assessed.
• Professional Conduct. This mode of assessment is intended to assess the student’s professional etiquette and self led skills within their training. Process, attendance, psychophysical engagement, levels of commitment and motivation will also form part of the assessment criteria.