Performing Arts — BA (Hons) Top-Up

The one-year, full-time BA (Hons) Performing Arts (Top-up) is suited to students who have studied at Level 5 (e.g. HND or Foundation Degree) and wish to achieve a full degree qualification.

The course offers students a unique opportunity to study in a small group and explores the core elements of theatre practice in the performing arts. The course allows students to immerse themselves in all aspects of training, exploring cutting edge performances and practitioners and enabling them to find their niche in the creative arts. Building upon their skills and knowledge, students are challenged to create something radically different using their own artistic vision, to become a bold and autonomous practitioner.

This programme produces graduates skilled in a range or specialist areas. Progression may be direct entry into the Performing Arts profession (Actor, Dancer or Musical Theatre performer), working as a freelance artists in a variety of settings (such as Director, Choreographer, Workshop Facilitator) or through further study at postgraduate level, including teacher training at the University Centre.

The BA (Hons) Performing Arts (Top-up) is subject to re-validation by The Open University.

The programme handbook for this course is available to applicants online:

BA (Hons) Performing Arts (Top-up) Programme Handbook (2024-25)

To access the OU Regulations and OU Students' Guide, please follow the links below:

OU Regulations

OU Students' Guide

Modules studied

Students study the following core modules:

• Art on Trial – The Fight or Flight Festival
• The Versatile Performer – Techniques & Practice
• The Mirror up to Nature – Reflecting the Radical Artist
• ...But With The Mind (Final Major Project)

In addition, one of the following optional modules:

• The Art of Self Expression through Performance – Physical Theatre
• The Art of Self Expression through Performance – Contemporary Performance
• The Art of Self Expression through Performance – Musical Theatre
• The Art of Self Expression through Performance – Dance in the Digital Age

How will I be taught?

Utilising state of the art studio facilities, including a theatre, rehearsal rooms, HD TV studio and Motion Capture Suite you will be taught by subject specialists in a variety of ways:

• Tutor led lectures and seminars
• Online/blended delivery using the VLE or other online resources
• Self-directed and independent learning with tutorial support, particularly for the Final Major Project module.

How will I be assessed?

The programme is assessed through project or performance based practical assessments, the submission of written essays, critical evaluations and logs/blogs, and a final project or the submission of a dissertation. Formative feedback will support student progression in both written work and practical outcomes. Self and/or peer assessment in convener/critique situations.

Who is the course intended for?

The BA (Hons) Top-up programme is suited to students who have studied at HNC/HND level and now wish to complete their studies or to those who have been out of education for some time but have industry experience. The course is designed to unleash your individual inner artist.

Additional Costs

Students may be required to purchase their own materials for any specialist projects they undertake as part of the course.

Please note: this course will only run when it has a sufficient number of applicants.

Qualifications

Why study with us?

We have an experienced faculty - all holding their own weight as educators, researchers and creative practitioners. We are proud of our high success rates, interesting methods of delivery and assessment and engaging workshop-style sessions. Our faculty have strong links to the creative industry and connect our students and courses with those links, providing opportunities for performance, development and learning as much as we can.

The delivery and assessment methods are contemporary, industry related and provide work-based scenarios close to that which you may experience in the industry. These fundamentals of industry knowledge and level of preparation provide an excellent foundation to your future as a creative practitioner.

Our engaging and facilitative sessions create autonomous, thinking performers and creatives; we encourage you to think about how you can enjoy the learning experience. What sparks your interest? What aspect of performing makes you most passionate? What aspect of the industry makes you intrigued? By asking you these questions, we can help you answer and present them in the research, work and academic writing that you are assessed on. This approach also allows you to build on your potential to succeed both in the industry and in education.

We have a variety of spaces in The Arts Centre; a theatre, rehearsal studios, music studios, HD television studio and new this year, a Video Motion Capture suite, all of which you have the opportunity to utilise. Regarding COVID19, we will be providing some engaging sessions online as well as face-to-face, ensuring that you can also build digital, online and camera skills on top of the training we provide.

Student Benefits

Academy Bakery

The Academy Bakery is located on the Duke Street campus, producing a range of first class baked goods daily. These include artisan breads, patisserie and biscuits, as well as special occasion/novelty cakes by award-winning master-bakers. Students are offered a range of discounts throughout the year.

The Academy Bakery

Academy Hair and Beauty Salons

Duke Street is also home to The Academy Hair and Beauty salons. They offer generous student discounts on a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, at a fraction of high-street prices. These include styling, cutting, perming, highlights, facials, manicures, electrolysis and traditional and homeopathic massage.

The Academy Salons

Academy Restaurant

Duke Street campus is also home to the College’s Academy Restaurant. Often referred to by it’s customers as Liverpool’s hidden gem, the restaurant serves top class cuisine, at highly competitive prices. Food is expertly prepared by professional chef/tutors and young chefs in training and offers students a range of discounts at different times of the year.

The Academy Restaurant

Microsoft Office 365 - Free

When you become a student of the College you’ll receive full access to Microsoft Office 365. This allows you to install the software on your own computer and other devices at home, completely free of charge.

Onsite Sports Facilities/Fitness Suite

The college has excellent sports and fitness facilities at its Roscoe Street campus. Students pay a one-off membership fee for all year round usage of weekly supervised gym sessions, as well as access to a number of sporting clubs and events.