Birmingham City University

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Applied Performance (Community and Education) program at Birmingham City University is designed to explore the transformative power of theatre in community settings. Through a combination of practical performance, facilitation, and devising skills, students will engage with the social, cultural, and educational dimensions of applied theatre.

• Level: Bachelor’s (Honours)
• Duration: 3 years (full-time)
• Credits: Typically 360 credits (subject to validation)
• Delivery: Full-time with studio-based learning and applied projects
• Programme focus: Applied theatre, community engagement, facilitation and devising
• Language of instruction: English
• Entry route: UCAS application (typical)

What you'll study

The curriculum emphasizes applied practice, with a focus on devising and facilitation, complemented by contextual studies and professional development. The program includes a blend of workshops, projects, and performance assessments throughout the three years.

Typical learning components

• Applied theatre and contextual studies: Understanding the history, ethics, and theory of applied performance
• Performance and devising: Cultivating skills in creating, writing, and presenting artistic work
• Drama for learning modules: Investigating how performance can enhance educational outcomes
• Community-focused projects: Collaborating with communities to develop practical engagement
• Facilitation and workshop delivery: Designing sessions, engaging participants, and assessing impact
• Professional practice: Acquiring industry skills, project management, and professional communication
• Personal and applied projects: Final works that showcase your practice and critical insights

Placement / professional experience

The program includes preparation for professional practice and a placement component to enhance applied learning and career opportunities.

Indicative module themes

• Applied Theatre
• Drama for Learning 1
• Community Stories
• Performance 1
• Professional Practice
• Drama for Learning 2
• Political Stories
• Performance 2
• Personal Project
• Drama for Learning 3
• Community Project
• Applied Theatre Festival

Entry requirements

Applicants typically enter the program via UCAS and should possess qualifications such as:

• Two A-Levels at grade C or above (including Drama)
• Two AS-Levels at grade C or above (including Drama or a related subject)
• Additional qualifications may be considered to support your application
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (Performing Arts or related subject)
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma (Performing Arts or related subject)
• BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (when studied alongside other qualifications)

Note: Specific grade requirements can vary based on applicant profiles and qualification combinations. It is essential to verify the latest entry criteria for your intended intake.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Applied Performance (Community and Education) program will be well-equipped for a variety of careers in the arts, education, and community sectors. Potential career paths include roles in community theatre, educational facilitation, arts administration, and project management within cultural organizations. The skills developed throughout the program also prepare students for further studies or training in specialized areas of applied performance and education.