Unit code: 11591

Unit description: This unit introduces students to the diverse opportunities in the world of creative and digital design industries. Aspects that will be considered include: contemporary demands of the industry including social responsibility, ethical and sustainability issues. Through engagement with industry and community, students will gain an understanding of global discipline knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform as responsible, capable creative industry and digital design professionals. Students will start their career awareness and planning through approaches such as five year plans and ePortfolios.

Unit code: 10432 

Unit description: Through both practical and theoretical study the student will develop foundational performance skills and knowledge in acting, voice and body at an introductory level. The students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of contemporary acting practice, as well as the history and development of acting and performance styles. The students will be introduced to acting vocal technique. An overview of the teachings of a variety of internationally recognised voice teachers will be provided in this course, but specific training will be provided exploring the approach known as ‘Freeing the Natural voice’ developed by Kristin Linklater. The students will engage in physical performance training to study the use of the body as an instrument of expression and power for performance, and will be introduced to the history of performer training and various key theatre practitioners.

Unit code: OEU

Unit code: 11595

Unit description: This project-based unit provides students with a unique opportunity, working in small cross-disciplinary teams, to explore courageous or experimental projects, without the pressure of having to produce something that is objectively 'successful'. Assessment in this unit will focus not upon the quality or otherwise of the group-driven creative outputs, but rather upon the reflective, individual exegetical and reflective components that accompany them.

Unit code: 9709

Unit description: This subject serves as an introduction to musical skills, including beginner/intermediate music theory and singing voice development. Students will explore the building blocks of music, including pulse, rhythm, notation, melody and harmony through theory and practice, in individual and group settings. Students will learn about the singing voice as instrument, based on current voice science. Students will explore structure and function, and will also learn to co-ordinate the core components of technique, and their relation to artistry, confidence, and competence in performance. Students will have the opportunity to draw from a wide range of repertoire - Classical, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM). This subject will focus on developing communication skills in academic and creative contexts.

Unit code: 9719

Unit description: This subject introduces first year students to the key theatrical, cultural and historical events, ideas and practices that have influenced and enabled the development of the theatre and performing arts culture from the foundations of civilisations to the current era, specifically by reference to significant plays. The unit also seeks to contextualise how the history of theatre and theory impacts on the contemporary actor/performer and aims to develop students’ individual skills for critiquing and analysing dramatic texts, productions and relevant performance theories. This subject also focuses on developing communication skills in academic and creative contexts.

Unit code: OEU

Unit code: 11596

Unit description: This unit challenges the notions of truth and knowledge. It will explore the idea of cultural relativity and challenge our own way of thinking. Knowledge generation will be examined by exploring fictional and historical worlds that establish their own truths and ideations.

Unit code: 9710

Unit description: This unit deepens the second year student’s creative practice by challenging them to develop a short experimental solo piece of physical theatre for a public audience, providing them with the opportunity to take vital steps towards finding their distinct creative 'voice'. Under teacher facilitation the students will undertake a process wherein they are responsible for initiating, developing, shaping and refining their individual performance pieces. Students will also be required to employ critical and reflective skills in the creative practice as an emerging creative artist or creative professional. This unit will also focus on developing communication skills in academic and creative contexts. This is a practical unit and requires compulsory attendance.

Unit code: 11593

Unit description: Creative Project 1 focuses on the independent conceptualisation, planning and realisation of a student-generated work in the creative field. The unit aims to introduce the student to working independently as a freelance creative, applying all principles and skills gained from other core units.

Unit code: OEU

Unit code: 11017

Unit description: In this unit students will work with academics, peers and industry partners to apply their learning in real-world contexts, develop employability skills and strengthen the disciplinary skills and knowledge needed to contribute to and excel in their professions. Authentic learning experiences will include simulated workplace experiences, industry collaborations, competitions, internships, exhibitions or studio work.

Unit code: 9708

Unit description: This unit introduces students to the discipline of dramaturgy and performance writing and to key principles of critical reflection and text development in contemporary performance. Students will analyse key performance texts and employ critical literacy and reflective skills in their emerging practice. Students will also analyse key performance texts and explore form, mythic structure, storytelling, character, symbol, metaphor and theatrical language to write their own work for performance.

Unit code: OEU

Unit code: OEU

Unit code: 11018

Unit description: In this unit students will further develop their abilities as agile professionals with the transferable employability skills and critical and creative abilities to work across industries and sectors and craft diverse employment paths. They will integrate disciplinary knowledge with the professional skills required in their industry through authentic simulated or real workplace experiences, international exchanges or industry collaborations or projects.

Unit code: 10434

Unit description: The unit provides an overview of the history and development of the director’s role in modern and contemporary theatre practice. Students will study key directors and their innovations and methodologies. Students will engage with the conceptual and practical processes of bringing texts to the stage, identifying the key areas of knowledge and technique associated with working in theatrical contexts. Students will be able to conceptualise and respond creatively to a text in the form of a directorial proposal. Students will formulate an individual approach and aesthetic within a theatrical context. This subject will also focus on developing communication skills in academic and creative contexts.

Unit code: OEU

Unit code: OEU

Unit code: 11592

Unit description: This unit prepares students for professional work in the cultural sector and finalises and reviews your ePortfolio. Through practical activities, such as preparing a grant application, developing a team-based project proposal, and researching a cultural organisation, students learn to relate their discipline specific knowledge to a range of professional contexts. The unit will emphasise the significance of multiculturalism, cultural consumption and globalisation as key influences shaping cultural work in the twenty first century.

Unit code: 10433

Unit description: This capstone unit is the definitive moment in the Drama and Performance degree when students will apply the skills they have acquired during the course. This will be done in a practical way through projects enacted across the community in partnership with invited individuals, organisations, and communities. Students will be tasked through these projects with creating, leading, and facilitating, events and activities that are designed to have social, economic, and cultural benefits for those participating partners. These projects will emphasise the core roles of the animateur including maker, performer, initiating artist, collaborative artist, ensemble artist, and community facilitator.

Unit code: 11594

Unit description: This unit focuses on the independent conceptualisation, planning and realisation of a student-generated major work in their creative field. The unit emphasises consultation/collaboration as part of the creative process, skill refinement and the consideration of publication. This unit is based on a model of academic supervision and is intended to pave the way towards independent modes of learning crucial in the industry and at postgraduate levels of study.

Unit code: OEU