Performance - BA (Hons)

On this course you will:

• develop your knowledge of the field of performance and be equipped with the practical skills that are essential for developing a career in this sector;
• experience a tailored route to a degree level qualification;
• learn through physical exploration of the subject;
• experience a combination of learning and teaching methods including workshops, lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, demonstrations, simulation exercises, embedded skills training, field trips and projects; and
• gain valuable placement experience through our growing links with external stakeholders. 

Structure

You can opt to study for an ordinary degree, completing one year of this course or an honours degree, completing two. You will complete a range of modules each year as outlined below.

Teaching, learning and assessment

The course adopts a blended learning approach and workshops are the primary form of student-staff contact, with students engaging in practical activities facilitated or supervised by the lecturers, either individually or in groups. Peer teaching is enabled through the use of seminar presentations, and collaborative devising or workshop generation processes. Students are encouraged to be enquiring, critical and innovative. In addition, students also initiate and lead individual tutorials/workshops with members of staff related to coursework or dissertation supervision.

Placements

Students are offered the opportunity for industry-based learning through placement opportunities in modules marked ‘*’ (see 'What will I learn in each year' tab) and also if they elect to take Experiential Learning Placement.

Industry-based learning can occur in a diversity of areas (community and youth theatre organisations, schools, arts organisations, charities and community groups). Our links with external stakeholders continue to grow and develop. Examples of placement opportunities range from the Edinburgh International Festival to working with independent theatre companies or the Brunton or Lyceum theatres as well as a range of local primary and secondary schools. The mix of student placements is very diverse and we aim to accommodate all student aspirations.

Teaching staff, class sizes and timetables

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

For more information, please also visit ‘How we teach and how you’ll learn’.

Year Three

You will:

• extend your understanding of performance through practice, learning the principles of contemporary devising practices in semester one, and adapting existing texts to create an original ensemble piece in semester two;
• develop an awareness of the contexts within which theatre currently operates in Scotland, in order to understand potential career trajectories, and develop key academic skills;
• learn how to research through performance, to create a basis for your practice-based dissertation; and
• gain valuable placement experience in the Drama in Education module and/or the optional module 'Experiential Learning Placement'.

Modules

• Contemporary Scottish Theatre in Context
• Devising Practices
• Drama in Education
• Performance Project
• Designing a Research Project
• Optional module

Year Four

You will:

• create an original group performance work and understand how to make it an entrepreneurial activity, as a basis for an independent career in the arts;
• research and produce a practice-based dissertation, in an area of study of your choice (for example education, contemporary performance, textual interpretation, community practice, playwriting, directing); and
• develop a performance project with and for a specific community in the Creative Learning and the Community module.

Modules

• Creative Practice & Enterprise
• Honours Study
• Creative Learning and the Community
• Optional module

Year Three and Four module options may include:

• Playwriting
• Site-Specific Performance
• Site & Sound
• Experiential Learning Placement
• Devised Physical Theatre
• Performance Art Practices
• Theatre Laboratory Practices
• Directing, Designing and Performing Shakespeare
• Directing
• Designing and Performing Contemporary Plays
• Student Initiated Module

NB The modules listed here are correct at time of posting (Feb 2023) but may differ slightly to those offered in 2024. Please check back here for any updates.

This course is particularly suited to those who wish to pursue a career through applied performance practice (education, community outreach, independent performance making, directing, producing etc). For those interested in pursuing a career as a professional actor, we would instead recommend our BA/BA (Hons) Acting and Performance course.

Employability is built into the course through modules like Creative Practice and Enterprise, as well as through the practical skills taught to students and the transferable skills of research, communication and independent learning that are delivered across the curriculum. Students are encouraged to liaise with QMU’s careers service to identify further opportunities for professional and personal development.

During the course, students are introduced to the on-campus Business Gateway and Business Innovation Zone (BIZ). The BIZ provides business incubation space for any student or graduate led start-up companies. 

You can find career stories of QMU's various drama and performing arts courses on our dedicated website.

Entry requirements

Standard entry

• HND in Acting and Performance OR Musical Theatre OR Performing Arts with CB in the graded unit.
• Successful completion of years one and two of a undergraduate performing arts degree in a relevant subject area.

International: IELTS of 6.0 with no element lower than 5.5.

Non-standard entry

Our admissions team will manage applications for standard entry, to ensure consistency of decision making the programme leader or admissions officer will assess applications for non-standard entry. An interview with the applicant may be arranged in order to gather evidence.

Entry would normally be based on the following criteria:

• Evidence of aptitude in written English, which is essential for ensuring applicants will be able to cope with the written assessments required.
• A personal statement demonstrating a realistic anticipation of the challenges presented by the degree and a sense of their potential to meet these.
• Experience of/enthusiasm for drama whether as an audience member or as a theatre-maker that is gauged within what was accessible to the candidate. In some parts of Scotland there is little youth theatre, little offer of drama within secondary education and limited access to professional theatre performances.
• Qualifications demonstrating the ability to engage in sustained, systematic study even if this is not within the standard entry requirements (see below for the recognition of prior learning).

Applications for entry with general advanced standing (ie credit for previous study) are referred to the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning Panel. Credit may be given for prior experiential learning. Normally, credit given will be specific rather than general (ie on a subject for subject basis).

International: IELTS of 6.0 with no element lower than 5.5

Other requirements

A satisfactory criminal records check from the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme will be required for the module 'Drama in Education'.

Other costs

The cost of the PVG check is £18 or £59 (depending on the level of clearance required) and is the responsibility of the student. Please note that the cost is subject to change.

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Terms and Conditions

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2024/25 Entry Terms and Conditions (Undergraduate).

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