Certificate of Higher Education in Performing for Stage and Screen

For every 10 credits, students should engage with around 100 notional hours of learning. This will be approximately 30% direct learning contact and 70% independent student learning.

Year 1 (Level 4)

The Performing Arts Industry (15 credits, core)

This module develops students’ awareness of key areas of working in performing arts and allows for exploration and research in all matters related to surviving and thriving within the performing arts industry. Employability, self-maintenance, managing finances and the increasing importance of online and offline marketing are all areas that will be covered. Students will have a clear understanding of how the performing arts industry works and the steps that are required to access employment opportunities. (Report or Case Study, Presentation / Viva Voce, Academic Poster, Online Resource)

Professional development (15 credits, core)

In this module, you will explore the many potential avenues of employment that relate to your specialism, build an awareness of how to present yourself to the market place and embark on a journey of professional development. On completion of this module, students will have made decisions around their vocation and demonstrated the level of autonomy needed for success in the creative industry. (Report or Case Study, Presentation / Viva Voce, Professional Portfolio, Skills Audit, Personal Development Plans)

Acting 1 (15 credits, compulsory)

In this module students will develop the technical and interpretive skills required to perform in a range of performance contexts. Topics included in this module are; preparation for performance, analysis of text, rehearsal and performance technique, principles of the acting process and rehearsal methods. Students will learn how to develop a character as well as an appreciation of the complexity and challenge of creating truthful performances. (Practical Video, Actor's Log, Academic Poster)

Voice and Speech Actors (15 credits, compulsory)

This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of vocal performance and how sound is formed physiologically. Topics covered in the module are physiological sound formation, physical process of articulation, vocal health, voice production and vocal delivery. (Report or Case Study, Presentation / Viva Voce, Practical Video)

Acting for camera (15 credits, compulsory)

This module will introduce students to the practical and artistic demands of realising performance for the screen, including understanding the challenges of working on set, developing suitable acting techniques for camera, rehearsing material and performing in front of camera. (Presentation / Viva Voce, Practical Video, Actor's Log, Showreel)

Movement for Actors (15 credits, compulsory)

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the importance of developing an expressive body as an essential component of their performance toolkit. Students will acquire foundation skills in suppleness, strength and agility which will facilitate the development of movement capability and physical presence. The module covers identification of strengths and areas for improvement in terms of movement capabilities, exploration of movement methodologies, identifying a programme of exercises to develop somatic skills, and performing movement-based material. (Practical Video, Actor's Log, Personal Development Plans)

Auditioning (15 credits, compulsory)

This unit explores and prepares students for auditioning, whether it be professionally or for a higher-level course. Essential to the process is a considered and informed choice of material which is honed and polished to present the performer in the best possible light. This module addresses performance technique in audition situations to ensure that students stand the best chance of performing to the best of their ability. Finally, students will develop an understanding of the appropriate etiquette and conduct for the audition situation so that they know how to present themselves. (Practical Video, Actor's Log, Online Resource, Showreel)

Classical Acting (15 credits, compulsory)

This unit is designed to explore approaches to the realisation of classical texts and introduce the actor to the process of bringing alive heightened text. Topics included in this unit are combining understanding of context with practice to realise text, developing the actor’s instrumentimaginatively, vocally and physically to meet the dramatic challenge inherent in complex texts. (Presentation / Viva Voce, Practical Video, Actor's Log)

Specialist Field Study (Compulsory) During this module, students gain a good grasp of the history of their specialist area, learning more about its origins. By studying their chosen method academically, they will also develop skills in presenting and communicating information, refining their voice as artists, building confidence and gaining important historical knowledge that will be useful to them throughout their careers. (Practical Video, Case Study, Presentation / Viva Voce)

Devising Pieces for Theatre and Performance (Compulsory) The concept of devising performance has existed for many years. However, in the ever-changing and evolving field of performing arts, devising has become a broader collaborative process of which the whole creative team can be a part. It can include those who do many jobs in the theatre - directors, writers, performers, choreographers, composers, designers, technicians, the audience and even the performance space itself. Devised pieces are increasingly used as an important and effective means of communication to engage audiences in contemporary social issues; it has become a powerful tool. (Practical Video, Case Study, Presentation / Viva Voce, Actor Log)