Overview
The Theatre and Professional Practice BA is a practical course, exploring the creative potential of collaborative processes alongside the development of the individual actor and theatre practitioner.
With multiple opportunities to invent and create your own style of live theatre, this course equips you with the knowledge and experience needed, if you choose to work towards entering theatre and creative industries following successful completion of your course.
You will gain hands-on experience of a variety of different and exciting approaches to making and performing live theatre – from scripted, collaboratively devised work and improvisational approaches to performance, to mask work and puppetry, acrobatics and stilt work, physical theatre and digital performance. You’ll also create a professional scale work as a final project.
You’ll be taught by our experienced faculty, some of whom are theatre directors and applied theatre practitioners, as well as invited professional guest practitioners who have previously included Frantic Assembly, the RSC, Théâtre Sans Frontières, Mandala Theatre, Theatre Absolute, Big Brum The Desperate Men, Acrojou, and The Fabularium.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra cost
Related Links
Building Redevelopment
We are currently in the process of a major redevelopment of our Faculty of Arts and Humanities buildings. The building will be open to the public as well as students, and will feature an expansive gallery space.
Creative Community Hub
We hope that you are all staying safe in these uncertain times. Creative activities can really help fill the days, while we are spending more time at home and we have some ideas to keep you busy.
Virtual experience
Visit our online degree show where we have brought together the work of over 500 students.
What our students say
The course allows me to experiment and become more creative, enhancing skills in the various roles within the industry, whether that be acting upon the stage or focused backstage on creating the most professional production possible. The lecturers also have such extensive backgrounds to their careers that their advice to us, as we head towards working in the performing arts, is invaluable.
Course information
We offer you a vibrant, multicultural creative learning community with a focus on vocational and professional practice.
On this course, you will learn skills of theatre making to help develop a strong portfolio of practice through the use of practical exercises, which will enable you to develop a reflective awareness of your own discipline and practice.
100%
of our students are satisfied by the quality of the course
NSS, 2016
Course specification
Download PDF
Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
We have been ranked joint first amongst Modern Universities in England for career prospects - Guardian University Guide 2021
In more detail...
You will learn from our experienced creative practitioners, some who have worked as theatre directors, movement directors, educational programme developers, freelance actors, designers, mask-makers and applied theatre specialists for organisations ranging from Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), The Globe, Théâtre Sans Frontières, Trestle, Spike Theatre, The Lion’s Part and The Fabularium. Teaching staff have significant experience in major project events, such as Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008 programme, international touring with the British Council, co-productions with the National Theatre and performances at the Sydney Opera House. A number of Staff members are also founders and directors of organisations that have been within the Arts Council of England National Portfolio.
These experiences have harvested a range of accolades and awards for our teaching staff, from Fringe Firsts at the Edinburgh Festival to Arts Marketing and Business Awards or Annual Arts awards from the likes of Manchester Evening News, Liverpool Echo and Daily Post, and the Brighton Festival.
The teaching team has a vast array of international research expertise with exciting collaborations including examples, such as a site-specific project on the use of Pico pocket projectors during field trips with Das Institut für Alles Mögliche, Berlin, as well as long-form improvisation research with alumni of Chicago’s Second City and teachers from The Hothouse Los Angeles.
You will have the opportunity to participate in the Telepresence in Theatre initiative which is an ongoing project between Coventry and the actor training degree at the University of Tampere, Finland. Using repurposed technologies such as videoconferencing, rear projection, directional sound, Adobe Connect and Facebook an immersive rehearsal space is created in both locations to enable students to rehearse and explore a variety of classic plays. The project, which has now received multiple international awards (Gold in Arts and Humanities Reimagine education 2016, Gold in Arts and Humanities and Hybrid Learning Reimagine Education 2018 and Highly Commended at the Times Higher Education Awards 2018) is now in its fifth year and is continuing to develop new ways of teaching and learning at a distance. The project has conducted performances in Hong Kong, Finland and Miami and in 2019 collaborated with Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan and Purdue University in the US.
You will be introduced to the international research findings in the performing arts, which will improve and enhance your performance and performance making. This will take place within practical workshop settings, performance visits, lectures, seminars and field trips, which may include participation within research activity alongside tutors as project leads.
The course is predominantly practice-based with workshops and classes exploring a wide range of different styles and forms from character building methodologies, chorus and ensemble work, mime, object animation and puppetry, the development of musicianship and approaches to music theatre, intermediality (the integration of digital elements within the live performance space), applied techniques such as verbatim theatre, forum practices and process drama.
We offer opportunities to our students to apply to collaborate with our professional partners, both locally and globally. For example, students and recent graduates have performed at the RSC in collaboration with Kiln Theatre, Just So festival in Staffordshire with The Fabularium, Festival of Imagineers in Coventry with Imagineer Productions, and in Oxford with Mandala Theatre Co.
- Exceptionally high levels of overall student satisfaction- 100% in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2016.
- Strong track record of graduate employability with 95% of graduates in work or further study after six months (DLHE 2014/15).
- Dedicated technical support for theatre and dance performance, wardrobe needs and music technology, as well as a range of equipment available on loan, such as video, recording, sound and lighting.
- Taught by staff with a broad range of experience and expertise with staff members still engaging in professional development activities and continuing to perform, create or contribute to the wider theatre research culture through publications and performances.
- Excellent links with industry, some of whom provide placements as well as collaborating with professional partners to create, tour and facilitate live applied theatre projects, both locally and globally. Current partners include The Belgrade Theatre, Theatre Absolute, Strangeface Theatre Co, Midlands Arts Centre and Warwick Arts Centre.
- Access to facilities, including: a dance performance space with lighting/sound control rooms and comprehensive and up-to-date technical equipment, two dance studios, theatre workshop space, wardrobe facilities and storage with around 3,500 costume items and 1,500 accessories, dressing rooms and box office facilities. Booking may be required for some facilities.
Our main study themes are:
- Professional theatre skills and performance: We explore the devising process and the mixture and balance of roles needed to create performance. This is considered practically and theoretically, relating performance practice to its global, historical and cultural context. Skills areas investigated include voice, movement and methods of actor training, including script work, improvisation, acrobatics, equilibristic and acro-balance, mime, games, mask work and puppetry. You will also explore technical aspects of production including lighting, sound, projection, costume and prop making, and digital and experimental theatre practices.
- History and Theory: Teaching covers skills in historical/critical analysis and cultural awareness; focusing on the history and development of theatre from Ancient Greece to the present day and investigates theatre practices from across the globe exploring how elements of theatre practice from other cultures can relate to performance in terms of concepts, cultural awareness and stylistic presentation.
- Professional practice and industry preparation: Each year our students will engage with a number of performance projects which mirror the performance industries beyond, and in this way professional practice is at the heart of the degree. Through documenting their own practice, researching contemporary companies, coupled with career preparation and planning, students will develop an action plan for career paths and life after university.
The course normally lasts three years when studied full-time and four to six years part-time. Students successfully completing the first two years of the course can apply to take a Professional Placement or Study Abroad module, spending a year out between the second and third years. Past students have spent a year studying at Valencia in Spain, Berlin, Nicosia in Cyprus, and Long Beach, California. Your personal tutor will review and discuss your progress with you and will be available for advice.
As well as having the option of a year-long work placement following second year, in your final year, you will have the chance to form a company and create an applied theatre project as part of the performing arts degree show festival.
Teaching methods include: practical classes and workshops with associated lectures and seminars.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include practical or project work, coursework and essays.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: histories, forms and traditions of performance within a global context, and theoretical explanations of those histories and traditions; and the processes by which performance is created, realised and managed, such as the processes of rehearsal, writing, scoring, devising, scenography, improvisation, choreography, performer training techniques and production arts.
- Demonstrate awareness of key practitioners and practices; theorists, which may include writers, actors, composers, critics, dancers, performance artists, directors, choreographers, designers and producers; and applied and community theatre practice.
- Analyse and critically examine diverse forms of cultural and artistic discourses and their effects on representation in the arts in an international context.
- Critically analyse your own performance, and that of others, in a range of creative contexts.
- Demonstrate a keen critical awareness of the main research methods used to collect and analyse data.
- Apply a range of key components of performance within the disciplines: text, movement, aural and visual environment, and the performer as resource.
- Engage creatively and critically with the creation and/or production of performance through a developed and sensitive understanding of appropriate performance vocabularies, techniques, crafts, new technologies, structures and working methods.
- Engage creatively and critically with the skills and processes of production, design and rehearsal by which performance is created, and have an ability to select, refine and present these in performance.
- Engage creatively and critically with the possibilities for performance implied by a text, movement, notation or score and, as appropriate, to realise these sources sensitively through design and performance.
95%
of our graduates are in work or further study six months after the course
DLHE 2014/15
In a typical teaching week, you will have up to 18 ‘contact’ hours of teaching.
This generally breaks down as:
- Personal tutorial/small group teaching: a 1-hour smaller tutorial each week.
- Medium group teaching: 12 hours of practical classes, workshops or seminars each week.
- Large group teaching: 5 hours of lectures each week.
The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
In addition, you will be expected to undertake a further 17 hours per week of self-directed studying, coursework and revising in your own time.
There is a strong focus on international influences to this degree course and we offer opportunities to apply for an international placement.* In the past, students have secured placements with organisations in Italy, North America, Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Poland and Portugal. Residency opportunities may require students to submit a successful investigation project or idea proposal.
The content of the course includes modules addressing a range of international contexts, diverse cultural practices and traditions. For example, international trends in theatre and theatre practices are examined through the ‘Global Theatres: Research Enquiry’ module and students regularly explore and publicly perform plays by international playwrights. We run a range of international field trips (additional costs and availability may apply), which in recent years have included visits to see Brecht’s ‘Mother Courage’ at the Berliner Ensemble, Robert Wilson’s ‘The Black Rider’ at the Betty Nansen Theatre in Copenhagen, Woyzeck at the Russian Theatre in Tallinn, Estonia. Our field trips to Paris, France, to performances at the Comédie Francaise (Cyrano de Bergerac), Theatre De La Ville (James Thiérrée’s Tabac Rouge) Odéon-Théâtre de l'Europe (La Trilogie de la Vengeance) and Théâtre de l'Œuvre included backstage tours and masterclasses from international directors and producers.
*Please note that placement opportunities and field trips may be subject to obtaining appropriate visas, additional fees, competitive application processes and/or may be subject to availability or limited in number
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we provided a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our students say
The productions are the best part about my course, they are so rewarding, and you get to be a part of every aspect of the production until performance. You also get the chance to run the lighting, sound or projection for any of the other performances happening.
Entry Requirements
What our students say
The course allows me to experiment and become more creative, enhancing skills in the various roles within the industry, whether that be acting upon the stage or focused backstage on creating the most professional production possible. The lecturers also have such extensive backgrounds to their careers that their advice to us, as we head towards working in the performing arts, is invaluable.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
This course may also incur additional costs associated with any international opportunities, field trips, placements, work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunities. The costs could include (but are not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.
As well as covering UK field trips, key materials and laser print, the fees for this course also include:
- Specified workshops
The following are additional costs not included in the fees:
- Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our students say
The course allows me to experiment and become more creative, enhancing skills in the various roles within the industry, whether that be acting upon the stage or focused backstage on creating the most professional production possible. The lecturers also have such extensive backgrounds to their careers that their advice to us, as we head towards working in the performing arts, is invaluable.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
There is a strong emphasis within the course on your future career path, to help you to explore what your chosen career path might be, but also to help build a professional level of business skills and knowledge.
The ‘Business Matters’ module in particular is designed to encourage you to develop an appreciation of the nature of professionalism in the context of the performing arts industry and to recognise the relationship between professional arts practice, critical reflection and personal planning. You will have the opportunity to consider career structures relevant for your field, including companies, free-lance, small businesses and sole trader, and the commercial structures within which you may eventually work. We will also look at the possible market places for different skills and creations, which includes areas such as self-promotion, marketing and publicity.
The university's Talent Team is on hand to offer tailored career and enterprise advice to support if you wish to gain employment or take advantage of professional practice opportunities within course specific industries. Our dedicated enterprise officers also offer valuable assistance on how to begin as a freelancer/entrepreneur.
On successful graduation, there are many options you could possibly pursue including careers in teaching following further training, socially engaged and community arts organisations and theatre in education contexts.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and aims to give you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university's Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
95%
of our graduates are in work or further study six months after the course
DLHE 2014/15
Where our graduates work
Recent graduates have secured work in the education departments of theatres including The Belgrade Theatre, The Birmingham Rep, Old Vic Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, The Roundhouse in London. Others have found roles with a range of organisations, such as supporting national community cohesion at The Challenge, managing TEFL (Teaching of English as a Foreign Language) programmes with Dramatic English in Hong Kong, working alongside schools at specialist SEN agencies or with Live and Local promoting arts in rural Warwickshire.
Our graduates earn an average salary of £18,000 six months after the course (DLHE 2014/15)
What our alumni say
Acting is where my heart is and this course helped me to see what the acting industry is really like. The staff are really helpful and try to bring out your best, they really care.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
