If you’re looking to break into acting, this degree is an excellent launch pad. You’ll get to fine-tune and extend your acting skills, working on live briefs, networking with industry creatives, and taking part in diverse projects.

Unlike many acting degrees that focus primarily on the theatre, this course covers on-screen acting, too. With a lot of acting work coming from on-screen avenues, we’ll get you ready to capitalise on film, TV and online opportunities as well.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our

Academic Advice section

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This course has Opportunity modules.

Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules in both your first and second year from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers.

Find out more

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Foundation Year Core Modules Credits

Preparing for Success: Knowledge and Creativity

Credits

The module will prepare you for successful progression into academic study while allowing you to learn about and prepare yourself for employment in the twenty-first century through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.

Preparing for Success: Self Development and Responsibility

Credits

This module enables you to begin developing the Bucks Graduate Attributes associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work.

Introduction to Performing Arts

Credits

This module introduces you to a range of key practitioners and performance skills, enabling you to gain an understanding of the varied ways in which performance can communicate effectively with an audience on stage and screen. You’ll work practically, gaining an embodied understanding of how performance works. You’ll also be expected to research ke...

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Introduction to Performing Arts

Credits

This module introduces you to a range of key practitioners and performance skills, enabling you to gain an understanding of the varied ways in which performance can communicate effectively with an audience on stage and screen. You’ll work practically, gaining an embodied understanding of how performance works. You’ll also be expected to research key elements of performing arts theory and theoretical frames.

Inquiry Based Learning

Credits

Delivery of this module is based on ‘confirmation inquiry’ – a foundational level of inquiry geared for developing your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methodologies and approaches to academic work, relevant to your discipline. You’ll then have the opportunity to analyse a problem or question that relates to your subject a...

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Inquiry Based Learning

Credits

Delivery of this module is based on ‘confirmation inquiry’ – a foundational level of inquiry geared for developing your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methodologies and approaches to academic work, relevant to your discipline. You’ll then have the opportunity to analyse a problem or question that relates to your subject area.

Year 1 Core Modules Credits

Actor Training and Theory 20.00

Credits

20.00

This module introduces you to key concepts and methods relating to acting through a practical studio situation. A workshop series will deal with the basic processes of developing character and performing from text. You’ll engage with psychological, analytical and imaginative techniques and learn to apply them to physical expression, embodied in voi...

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Actor Training and Theory

Credits

20.00

This module introduces you to key concepts and methods relating to acting through a practical studio situation. A workshop series will deal with the basic processes of developing character and performing from text. You’ll engage with psychological, analytical and imaginative techniques and learn to apply them to physical expression, embodied in voice, movement, gesture.

Acting Techniques 1 and 2: Voice and Movement 20.00

Credits

20.00

This module is an introduction to core physical and vocal skills required for performance by exploring various performance-training methods. Throughout the movement strand, you’ll be introduced to physical expression for the stage, embodiment and abstract movement, progressing to a more structured, choreographed approach to movement.

Introduction to Production 20.00

Credits

20.00

This module provides an introduction to skills needed for staging scripted performances within a studio environment. You’ll engage in practical workshops that are teacher led. Scenes will be directed by either a tutor or potentially other students.  Learners will explore means of translating these workshops into performances for an audience.

Movement For Screen 20.00

Credits

20.00

This module engages learners in an in-depth inquiry into movement for camera and screen. You will be introduced to and encouraged to explore physical performance and dance making in which the body of the performer intersects with time, space, dynamics, speed, and spatial composition within the cinematic frame.

Performer Training for Stage and Screen 20.00

Credits

20.00

On this module you’ll acquaint yourself with a range of practical models, including their theoretical underpinning. You’ll examine key practitioners and study the wider context within which these practitioners operated and explore the work of the practitioners in practical sessions.

Opportunity Modules

You must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 4 Opportunity modules from the Opportunity module catalogue.

Year 2 Core Modules Credits

Acting Techniques 3 20.00

Credits

20.00

The module builds on L4 technique modules in voice and theatre production. You’ll apply existing and develop new skills within a technological context covering both audio and screen work. You will also encounter a range of commercially successful performance texts suited to the range of media platforms through which they are delivered.

The Body and Performance 20.00

Credits

20.00

The module focuses on engaging you with an in-depth inquiry into their own creative processes. It will encourage engagement in the fundamental processes involved in movement generation and its creative development within performance making.

Theatre and Film Production 40.00

Credits

40.00

This module builds upon the knowledge and skills gained at Level 4 in ‘Introduction to Production’ and enables you to engage with dramatic literature or devising processes through the development of two productions; the first is for stage, the second for film and both enable you to mirror contemporary working practices in the professional world.

Optional Modules Credits

Directing for Stage OR 20.00

Credits

20.00

This module explores the working processes of theatre and performance directors: their approaches to the script, work with actors and creative teams. You will gain knowledge on rehearsal techniques and different tools to help unlock the performance potential of scenes, with emphasis on the working relationship with the actors – how to get the best ...

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Directing for Stage OR

Credits

20.00

This module explores the working processes of theatre and performance directors: their approaches to the script, work with actors and creative teams. You will gain knowledge on rehearsal techniques and different tools to help unlock the performance potential of scenes, with emphasis on the wor

Buckinghamshire New University

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Overview:

Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) is a modern university with a focus on practical and job-related learning. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines. BNU is known for its high student satisfaction rates, excellent student support, and strong employability outcomes.

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Services Offered:

BNU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Student Success and Support:

This includes career guidance, health and wellbeing services, disability support, library resources, and a multi-faith chaplaincy.

Digital and Technical Services:

BNU offers access to IT facilities, software, and online learning platforms like Blackboard.

Accommodation:

BNU provides on-campus accommodation options at its High Wycombe campus, as well as guidance for finding private rented accommodation.

Financial Support:

BNU offers various financial aid options, including bursaries, scholarships, and hardship funds.

International Student Support:

BNU provides specific support for international students, including visa guidance, travel assistance, and integration programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

BNU offers a vibrant and inclusive campus experience with a strong focus on student engagement. Students can expect:

Active Students' Union:

BNU's Students' Union provides a range of social, cultural, and sporting activities.

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

BNU prides itself on its welcoming and diverse student body.

Modern Facilities:

BNU has modern facilities, including a gym, a human performance center, and a library.

Campus Tours:

BNU offers virtual and in-person campus tours to prospective students.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Student Satisfaction:

BNU consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.

Excellent Student Support:

BNU is known for its strong student support services.

Strong Employability Outcomes:

BNU graduates have a high rate of employment or further study after graduation.

Industry-Focused Courses:

BNU's courses are designed to equip students with the skills needed for the modern workplace.

Practical and Job-Related Learning:

BNU emphasizes practical learning through simulations and real-world projects.

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Academic Programs:

BNU offers a wide range of academic programs across various schools, including:

• School of Art, Design and Performance
• School of Aviation and Security
• School of Business and Law
• School of Creative and Digital Industries
• School of Engineering and the Built Environment
• School of Health and Social Care Professions
• School of Human and Social Sciences
• School of Nursing and Midwifery
• Missenden Abbey International Hotel and Hospitality School

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Other:

• BNU has a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• BNU is a TEF Silver-awarded institution, recognizing its high quality of teaching and learning.
• BNU has a strong focus on research and knowledge exchange.
• BNU has partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

• BNU has a dedicated alumni network.

• Academic Programs:

  While the context lists the schools within BNU, it does not provide a detailed outline of the key academic programs and strengths of the institution.