Acting BA (Hons)

This module explores core performance skills with a focus on key practitioners through various mediums.  

You will explore cutting-edge technologies used in the performing arts, including dynamic lighting, immersive sound, and video alongside enhancing their development and understanding of professional practices in the performing arts.

You will engage with a comprehensive overview of performance theory and key practitioners emphasising the importance of understanding storytelling, the art of performing and its contextual background, empowering students to apply their developing skills in diverse performance-making contexts.

By delving into the world of performance you will expand their creative expression and technical prowess, preparing them for a dynamic future in the performing arts.

Performers must not only master the art of performance but also understand the context in which they perform. This introductory production module offers you a comprehensive exploration of performance-making, providing them with the opportunity to apply the performance skills they have been developing.

Through staff-led sessions, you will cultivate their abilities as performers while gaining a thorough understanding of the theoretical and historical contexts of your work. This dual focus ensures that they are well-rounded and informed artists.

The module is designed to nurture individual professional discipline, enhancing your knowledge of rehearsal and performance strategies. This foundation will support them in responding positively to direction, fostering their growth as intelligent, creative, and engaged performers.

This module enables students with A-Level German or equivalent to further develop their grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations.You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

This module is designed for students that have completed A-Level or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

This module is designed for students that have completed a A-Level or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE in Chinese or equivalent. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

This module is designed for students that have completed GCSE or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

This module provides the opportunity to study a new language from scratch and introduces you to basic grammar, vocabulary and cultural contexts. You will apply the language to practical situations using both oral and written skills. 

This module invites you to develop essential technical and artistic skills required to grow as a musical theatre performer, artist, or practitioner, increasing your awareness and appreciation of Musical Theatre.

It enables you to explore the cultural, social and historical significance of Musical Theatre in the history of 20th/21st century performance and to apply what you have learnt in a performance context.

In this very practically focussed module, you have the opportunity to rehearse and perform with one or more of the triple threat skills of Acting, Singing and Dancing. 

Unlock your full potential with this advanced performance module, designed to elevate your technical knowledge and practical abilities to new heights. Building on your foundational skills, this module offers a holistic approach to maximise your learning experience.

Develop the physical intelligence, rigor, and mental confidence essential for outstanding performance. Our integrated curriculum will refine your critical, practical, and reflective skills, preparing you for diverse performance contexts.

Discover the full potential of your body as an instrument. This comprehensive and cohesive learning journey will empower you to excel in your performance skills, making you a versatile and confident performer ready to shine on any stage.

This module aims to enhance your critical skills, knowledge, and practices in screen performance that were introduced at Level 4.

Through a combination of staff-led lectures, workshops, and independent projects, you will engage with advanced concepts and practices within the discipline. You will engage with selected screen practitioners, participate in scripted exercises, and develop your improvisation skills for screen, thereby refining the fundamental techniques essential for the film and television industry.

Additionally, you will deepen your technical understanding of film recording and editing

Dive into the transformative world of applied theatre, where your performance skills can make a real difference in people’s lives. This module offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of performing arts disciplinesall aimed at creating positive change in educational, social, recreational, and community settings.

This module develops the requisite skills and strategies to facilitate and lead inclusive, participatory workshops. When appropriate, it also incorporates a performative element to enhance workshop delivery and perform with confidence and understanding.

The module content includes theoretical frameworks to contextualise the practice, achieved through the exploration and analysis of case studies, practitioners, and their methodologies within the fields of education, participatory arts, therapy, and politics.

Additionally, the module aims to examine the historical contexts of community-based work and the evolving definitions of community. It encourages students to develop and practice workshop facilitation and leadership, with a nuanced understanding of the needs of diverse client groups.

This module is perfect for actors who want to expand their horizons and use their talents to make a meaningful impact.

The module provides you with an opportunity to undertake a 140-hour work placement. This placement is complemented by a number of school-delivered sessions designed to develop your employability, professional practice, and understanding of career options. Students learn to reflect on the nature of creativity within their studies, as well as other transferable skills and competencies developed on their programmes, and gain awareness of how this is valued and relevant in modern workplaces. 

This will be a university-level work placement of up to 7 weeks of 140 hours with a placement provider(s) (e.g. an employer from the private, public, or charitable sector). The placement(s) should be relevant to your area of study and wider career goals, and can either be organised by you, or with support from university staff. All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means: Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc).

Placement may potentially take place with more than one employer, reflecting the nature of freelance suppliers in the creative industries. To further reflect the diverse nature of employment in the creative industries, some- or all- of your hours may be spent working remotely on activities such as copy-writing, preparation, post-production and presentation.

This module will provide you with the practical and theoretical underpinning of professional practice in your specific subject, enabling you to identify and develop key employability attributes and skills in preparation for your future career.  

You will spend several weeks working collaboratively with other students across the School for the Creative Industries on one major project or several smaller projects in a professional ‘simulated real world’ working environment.  Projects will be contemporary, topical, externally focussed and often involve partnership with outside agencies. The module will provide you with opportunities for immersive learning and the chance to apply your knowledge in real-world contexts. 

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at advanced level. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a sustainability issue in a target language country. The first half of the module will prepare you for placements abroad where appropriate as well as a deeper understanding of sustainability in target language contexts. Students of more than one language may take one language in the first half of the module and spend their time abroad developing a different language. 

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at intermediate level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes an placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a business or tourism issue in a target language country. Students of more than one language may take one language in the first half of the module and spend their time abroad developing a different language. 

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at beginner level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a cultural issue in a target language country. Students of more than one language may take one language in the first half of the module and spend their time abroad developing a different language. 

• The multiple facets of global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication
• Culture shock
• Cultural adjustment
• Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess-with a strong focus on understanding the intercultural competencies (ICC) needed to live and work abroad.
• Critical analysis/evaluation of individual requirements in relation to culture/cultural adjustment/culture shock/visas/medical.
• Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired in relation to key skills related to ICC.
• Devising strategies to improve one’s own prospects of working abroad in the future.
• Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.

Part A:      

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the University of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

• The multiple facets of Global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication

Theories, models and strategies of learning

• Theories and models Intercultural competence
• Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
• Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection

• Experiential learning models
• Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

• Enhanced independence
• Improved command of multicultural behaviour
• Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development
• Team building and team work

Part B:            Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 

Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:

• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
• Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world

Theories, models and strategies of learning

• Critical thinking skills, experiential learning and models of reflection

Personal and placement-related transversal skills

• Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development

Whilst abroad:

You will undertake study at one of the University of Chester's partner universities or undertake and approved work placement or virtual placement. If you are a student,  it is expected that you will choose a series of modules at the university abroad which must be agreed by the host institution and the Module Leader. you must supply details of you modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university.

This module offers students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and practice in stage and screen performance and production. It also provides a platform to exhibit the performance and technical skills they have developed throughout their studies.

Students will curate and select performance material to showcase their skillset and professional practice in a showcase event. This event will serve as a practical demonstration of their abilities and readiness for professional work in the performing arts industry.

Additionally, students will develop a comprehensive portfolio, preparing them for entry into the industry and their chosen career paths. This portfolio will include evidence of their professional practice, technical competencies, and creative achievements, equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate the professional landscape of the performing arts.

This module invites you to dive deep into the world of performance, where you’ll explore the powerful concepts of authorship and agency in relation to your personal artistry, research methodologies, and creative processes.

Through critical engagement and dissemination, you’ll uncover how creative practice connects with philosophical, political, and embodied motivations.

You’ll document and develop your emerging practices, articulating your creative journey in and through performance. You will engage in a variety of creative practices that seamlessly blend research methodologies, practice, and performance.

Participate in contexts where the exchange between research and practice is clear and dynamic, enhancing your understanding and application of both. Sharpen your critical thinking skills as you delve into artistic processes and knowledge production. You’ll learn to identify and articulate your authoritative voice through performance.

This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to actively engage in and reflect on your creative processes. You’ll be encouraged to think critically about your work and its impact, helping you to grow as an actor, performer and a thinker.

This exciting module allows students and staff to work together to engage in a substantial piece of practical work. You will undertake research to inform their process and will showcase the skills developed over the course of the programmes studied.

In undertaking this work, you will be encouraged to focus on your own chosen performance specialisms and apply these to this major piece of artistic endeavour. You will further develop their knowledge of professional performance making, which will be a great asset to you in their career after graduating.

This self-directed module provides you with an opportunity to undertake an extended project on a chosen and approved topic within your subject discipline.  The project enables you to develop and evidence specialist subject knowledge and understanding, engagement with academic literature and theory and exhibit a range of skills including independent research and project management.

You are encouraged to choose a project topic which reflects your particular interests in your subject area/career aspirations and can be written or practice-based.  In the initial stages of the module, you will engage with a series of sessions focused on research practice including research methodologies and ethical practice.  You will then formatively present your project idea, gaining feedback to hone the focus and title.  You will conduct individual research and will be strongly encouraged to collaborate with others if you are undertaking a practice-based project.

Whether the project outcome is an artefact (eg film, music recording or series of articles/features), a practice-based outcome (eg performance or presentation) or a written dissertation, extensive research needs to be conducted to inform and develop the project topic and offer an appropriate framework for study.  Regular meetings with your supervisor will give you the opportunity to gain ongoing feedback on your research project.

The project culminates in the submission of the written dissertation or practice-based outcome.  Those assessed on a practice-based outcome must also submit an individual contextualising document.  

The specialist, transferable and soft skills developed in this module will help you to prepare for your chosen profession or next step in your 'graduate trajectory'.