BA (Hons) Screen Performance with Integrated Foundation Year
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-15 | - |
Program Overview
BA (Hons) Screen Performance with Integrated Foundation Year
Overview
This four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Screen Performance course includes an integrated foundation year. Perfect for those who want to equip themselves with a range of performance skills and gain experience that will launch their media career in front of the camera.
Course Structure
The course is divided into four years, with the first year being the foundation year. The foundation year includes five modules:
- Foundations of Art, Design, Performance and Media Production (40 credits)
- Essential Study Skills (20 credits)
- Foundation Project (20 credits)
- Practical Numeracy Skills (20 credits)
- Introduction to Creative Practice (20 credits)
The remaining three years of the course are divided into core and optional modules, with a focus on screen performance, production, and theoretical knowledge.
Core Modules
- Single Camera Production (20 credits)
- Narrative Scriptwriting (20 credits)
- Acting for Screen 1 (40 credits)
- Studio Practice: TV and Virtual Production (20 credits)
- Live Drama for TV Studio
Optional Modules
- Audio Drama (20 credits)
- High End Video Project (20 credits)
- Independent Study (20 credits)
- Screenwriting for Film and TV 2 (20 credits)
Facilities
The University's facilities for Performing Arts include:
- A 200-seat cinema with 7.1 surround sound facility
- Two production studios with 4.6k camera system complete with green room and changing facilities
- Eight Steadicam rigs plus dolly, track, drone, and mini crane
- Field camera systems, comprising 4.6k Blackmagic Ursa, Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro, and Canon EOS 5D Mark III, with associated location kits, lighting, field monitors, and audio mixers
- Five radio studios, including a Radio Drama Studio and transmission suite for Spark Sunderland
- Avid Learning Partner (ALP)
- Avid Certified Instructors (ACI) on staff for Avid Media Composer and ProTools
- 60 post-production workstations all with Avid Media Composer, Avid Protools, Adobe CC, DaVinci Resolve, and Baselight
- Designated colour grading rooms and Avid S6 audio mixing room
- Digital audio post-production area with voiceover booths
- Local TV channel, a BBC reporter, and a University-owned community radio station on campus
- Engagement with enterprise teams to encourage entrepreneurship
Entry Requirements
We don't currently display entry requirements for Ireland. Please contact the Student Admin team on or .
Eligible entry qualifications:
- If you're unsure of whether you think you might be suitable for the course, please contact us.
Fees and Finance
The annual fee for this course is £9,535 if you're from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled.
Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £9,535. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.
If you're a full-time UK/Irish/EU settled/EU pre-settled student, you may be eligible to receive financial support to cover your fees for the full four years. UK and EU settled students may also be eligible to receive a maintenance loan.
Please note, this course isn't available to international students.
Career Ready
This degree prepares you for a career in front of the camera. You'll gain highly transferable skills in communication, presentation, and collaboration with others which will be very relevant to roles in TV, new media, and performance.
Work Experience
We actively encourage you to gain relevant work experience while at university. On every year of your course, you'll be guided and encouraged to gain meaningful experience that'll fit around your studies.
You'll undertake a number of practice modules throughout your course, which can include live briefs from clients from outside the University. Get the opportunity to gain production experience with independent production company Fulwell 73 and build up a portfolio of work to show future employers.
Industry Links
We frequently invite guest speakers to run workshops and masterclasses, allowing you to relate your learning to real-life experience. Previous masterclasses have been delivered by:
- Lord David Puttnam
- Leo Pearlman (Fulwell 73)
- Bhasker Patel (Emmerdale, Thunderbirds, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom)
- Liam Fox (Emmerdale, Dinnerladies)
- Coronation Street's first disabled actress, Cherylee Houston
- Terence Maynard (Coronation Street, Edge of Tomorrow, Revolver, Reign of Fire)
- Principal costume coordinator in film and TV, Carol Machin (The Hitman's Bodyguard, 13 Hours, Judy, Dune)
- Director, Ian Bevitt (Coronation Street and Emmerdale)
- Senior production manager, Lee Rayner (Coronation Street)
- Bessie Williams, who set up casting recruitment agency NE1 4.TV, (Vera, Beowulf and CBBC's The Dumping Ground)
We have excellent links with national employers such as the BBC and ITV, and strong links with regional productions like Vera and The Dumping Ground.
Creative Industries Week
Creative Industries Week gives everyone in the Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries the opportunity to participate in a range of projects, workshops, talks, industry visits, and career events. This exciting week encourages interdisciplinary working and broadens your experience to build your confidence and help develop your career path.
Program Outline
Program Overview: BA (Hons) Screen Performance with Integrated Foundation Year at Sunderland
Degree Overview:
This four-year program equips students with the skills and techniques necessary to excel as performers in television and film. The program emphasizes learning through practical experience, with students participating in workshops, screenings, group and individual projects, and industry placements. The program also provides a strong foundation in the theoretical and contextual aspects of screen performance.
Objectives:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of screen acting techniques and methodologies.
- Gain experience in multi-camera production and directing.
- Refine writing skills for scriptwriting and treatment development.
- Develop professional skills in performance, production, and scriptwriting.
- Build a strong network of industry professionals through collaborations and workshops.
Program Description:
The BA (Hons) Screen Performance with Integrated Foundation Year is a four-year program designed to prepare students for careers in the screen industry. The program is divided into four stages:
- Foundation Year: This year provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed for success in the degree program. Students will explore the key concepts of the arts, design, performance, and media production.
- Year 1: This year focuses on developing core skills in screen performance, including acting, voice and movement, script analysis, and character development. Students will also learn about the basics of television and film production.
- Year 2: This year builds upon the skills learned in Year 1 and introduces students to more advanced topics such as guerilla filmmaking, television studio production, and screenwriting. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a live TV studio production.
- Final Year: This year focuses on refining students' skills and preparing them for the professional world. Students will complete a major screen project, participate in industry placements, and work on their professional portfolio.
Outline:
- Year 1:
- Single Camera Production: Introduction to the procedures and techniques of single camera video production.
- Narrative Scriptwriting: Learn the key skills of storytelling and how to develop a script from concept to completion.
- Acting for Screen 1: Develop practical and theoretical understanding of techniques and skills relevant to the screen actor.
- Studio Practice: TV and Virtual Production: Learn the concepts, procedures, and techniques of a modern television studio and explore virtual production techniques.
- Live Drama for TV Studio: Develop practical and theoretical understanding of live TV studio performance.
- Year 2:
- Acting for Screen 2: Progress understanding of techniques relevant to film and TV, develop skills as an emerging artist.
- Guerilla Filmmaking: Develop theoretical and practical knowledge of Guerrilla filmmaking.
- TV Studio Drama 2: Engage in live TV studio production, delve into multi-camera production and participate in workshops.
- Virtual Studio Production: Explore virtual production techniques and the critical issues around film distribution and marketing.
- Screenwriting: Understand the concepts and techniques employed in writing drama or comedy for television or streaming services.
- Final Year:
- Multi-Platform Performance: Progress understanding of techniques and skills relevant to different styles and genres of performance for the screen actor.
- Creative Enterprise Project: Gain a broad overview of developments in the creative industries and develop a professional portfolio.
- Television Drama Project: Collaborate with Northumbria Police and produce an awareness and training film that addresses crime.
- Screen Showcase: Explore the opportunity to audition for and perform in a final practical major project for screen.
- Optional Modules:
- Audio Drama: Gain an understanding of the development of audio drama within the industry.
- High End Video Project: Work in small groups to create a high-end corporate video project.
- Independent Study: Study an aspect of creative practice or other area of research interest.
- Screenwriting for Film and TV 2: Adapt existing narratives and develop them into a screenplay.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including individual and group projects, coursework, practical performance, presentations, and written examinations. The assessment methods will mirror industry outputs and will focus on developing the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the screen industry.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced and passionate professionals who are working or researching in media and performance. The teaching methods include lectures, demonstrations, workshops, seminars, screenings, group and individual projects, and independent learning. The program also has a strong industry focus, with regular masterclasses and workshops delivered by industry professionals.
Careers:
The BA (Hons) Screen Performance with Integrated Foundation Year prepares students for a variety of careers in the screen industry, including:
- Actor
- Director
- Producer
- Writer
- Scriptwriter
- Filmmaker
- Television presenter
- Casting director
- Media researcher
- Arts administrator
Other:
- The program is accredited by the ScreenSkills Select accreditation scheme.
- The program is based in the David Puttnam Media Centre, which is a state-of-the-art facility with industry-standard equipment.
- The program has strong links with industry employers such as the BBC and ITV.
- The program offers a number of opportunities for students to gain practical experience, including internships and placements.
- The program is open to students from all backgrounds and experiences.
Additional Notes:
- The program is full-time and takes four years to complete.
- The annual fee for the program is £9,250 for UK/EU students.
- The program is not available to international students.
- The program is offered at the University of Sunderland.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
The annual fee for this course is £9,250 if you're from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled. If you're a full-time UK/Irish/EU settled/EU pre-settled student, you may be eligible to receive financial support to cover your fees for the full four years. UK and EU settled students may also be eligible to receive a maintenance loan. Please note, this course isn't available to international students.
University of Sunderland
Overview:
The University of Sunderland is a public university located in Sunderland, England. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university has a strong focus on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.
Services Offered:
The University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Access to libraries, learning resources, and academic advisors.Student Support:
Counseling, mental health services, and disability support.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options.Career Services:
Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.Student Life:
A vibrant student union, clubs, societies, and social events.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university boasts a diverse and inclusive campus community where students can connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Students can participate in extracurricular activities, engage in personal and professional development opportunities, and enjoy a vibrant social scene.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Quality Facilities:
The university has modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, sports facilities, and dedicated learning spaces.Inclusive Culture:
The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.Vibrant City:
Sunderland is a dynamic city with a rich history and a low cost of living.Strong Industry Links:
The university has strong connections with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable career opportunities.Academic Programs:
The University of Sunderland offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Arts and Design:
Fashion, Photography, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.Sciences:
Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and Biology.Business and Law:
Business Management, Finance, Law, and Tourism.Computing and Engineering:
Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.Education and Social Sciences:
Education, Psychology, and Social Work.Other:
The university has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, offering students a global learning experience. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Entry Requirements:
UK/EU Home Students:
- A-levels: BBC
- BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM (minimum) in a related subject
- Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 45 credits at Merit or Distinction.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma: 28 points overall, including 15 points at Higher Level
- Level 3 National Diploma: DDM in a performing arts subject plus three A-levels at grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications.
- T-Levels: Pass with a grade of Merit or Distinction in a relevant T-Level qualification.
Mature Students (21+ years old):
- Applicants with non-standard qualifications or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.
- Mature students may be required to complete an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work.
International Overseas Students:
- Academic Qualifications: Equivalent to UK qualifications, such as a high school diploma with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- English Language Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band, or equivalent qualification.
Additional Requirements:
- All applicants must demonstrate a passion for performance and a strong interest in screen acting.
- Applicants should have experience in acting or performing arts.
- Applicants may be required to attend an audition.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- UK/EU Home students are not required to meet any specific English language proficiency requirements.
- International Overseas students must meet the English language proficiency requirements outlined above.
Please note:
- Entry requirements may vary depending on the specific qualifications offered by the student.
- The University may consider offering places to students who do not meet the standard entry requirements if they have relevant experience or demonstrate exceptional potential.
- Additional information about entry requirements can be found on the University of Sunderland website.
Additional Notes:
- The University of Sunderland does not currently offer the BA (Hons) Screen Performance with Integrated Foundation Year course to international students.
- This information was accurate at the time of publication, but it is always best to check the University website for the most up-to-date information.
