This practical, performance-based degree programme provides students with opportunities to acquire and develop acting skills and techniques which can be applied to three vocational areas: acting in theatre, acting in the community and acting in television. The emphasis is on creativity and expressiveness involving an exploration of the current mix of cultures and their different forms of theatre and analysing ways in which such intercultural exchanges enrich and influence the performing arts.

The course is developmental and promotes independent learning and self-management skills fostered through the creation of original dramatic works and the application of theatre practices in the community. In order to provide students with experience in a wide range of professional contexts in which they might seek employment, work placements play a key role in the degree programme. Upon successful completion of the two year course of study, students have the option to progress to a third year in higher education converting their Foundation degree qualification into a BA (Hons).

Level 1 provides a foundation for students to explore and acquire both traditional and contemporary acting skills which can be applied and modified accordingly across theatre, wider community and television in order to meet their specific requirements.

The courses covered in level 1 are:
The Speaking Voice
The Actor and the Singing Voice
Twentieth Century Actor Training
Chekhov Revisited
Body Praxis
Character Study
Acting for Television and Radio
Intercultural Performance for the Community

Level 2 involves further development and reinforcement of the skills acquired in Level 1, 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.

The courses covered in level 2 are:
Voice and Text in Action
Vocal Studies
Making Theatre of Twenty First Century
The Italian Comedy
Approaches to Physical Theatre
Script and Character Analysis
In Front of the Camera
Acting in and for the Wider Community

The development of this programme focuses on change: both the changing employment patterns, and the changing nature of theatre. Thus a major consideration is to offer a wide range of employment potential and to maximise the student's ability to compete successfully in the marketplace. Through this ethos career prospects for graduates are excellent. By the end of the course, graduates are ready to work in a wide range of theatre related outlets. These include acting in the theatre, the wider community and television, as well as touring in theatre companies. Through independent learning, graduates gain the knowledge and practical skills necessary to create, generate and direct their own work. With further study and experience within the creative industries graduates are able to maximise their career opportunities. Within the current social and artistic context the knowledge and skills in the field of creative industries together with the transferable and personal skills acquired within this programme make the graduates highly valued employees.

Students who successfully complete the Foundation Degree also have the opportunity to further their academic achievements by entering the third year of a related BA (Hons). The top up year currently available to students is Greenwich's BA (Hons) in Creative Industries. This is possible by the successful completion of two short bridging courses to be undertaken at the end of year two (Level 2).

Funding for the BA and the FD:
This programme is funded by HEFCE via the University of Greenwich. Student ‘top up’ contributions apply at the current rate, and students may access the student loan system. Full details can be given by the college on request.