| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Performance program at QMU is a two-year program designed for students with an HND in Acting and Performance. It focuses on contemporary performance practices, equipping students with the knowledge and skills for careers in the field. The program offers a blended learning approach, industry-based placements, and exchange opportunities, preparing graduates for success as drama teachers, community outreach leaders, freelance performance makers, directors, and producers.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
BA (Hons) Performance
is a two-year program for students who have already achieved an HND in Acting and Performance. The program focuses on contemporary performance practices and prepares students for careers in this field.
Objectives:
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills to create innovative and engaging performance work for contemporary audiences and communities.
- Develop a deeper understanding of the field of performance.
- Provide practical skills essential for a career in performance.
- Offer a tailored route to a degree-level qualification.
Program Description:
The program adopts a blended learning approach, including workshops, lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical projects.
Facilities:
- Fully-resourced studio theatre and smaller studio with sound, lighting, and projection equipment.
- Scenic workshop for building sets and props.
- Scenography studio for set design.
- Costume studio and store.
- Five bookable rehearsal studios, dance studio, and gym hall.
- Edit and post-production suites, infinity green screen studio, VR and motion capture equipment.
Placements:
- Industry-based learning opportunities through placements in various areas, including community and youth theatre organisations, schools, arts organisations, charities, and community groups.
Exchange Opportunities:
- Semester-long study abroad programs available.
Other:
- The program is ranked 1st in Scotland and 9th in the UK for Drama by the Guardian University Guide 2024.
- QMU has a strong reputation for preparing students for careers in professional performance, with graduates working in major theatre institutions and companies in Scotland and beyond.
Outline:
Year Three:
- Contemporary Scottish Theatre in Context: Understanding the current theatrical landscape in Scotland.
- Devising Practices: Developing performance works through practical exercises.
- Drama in Education: Theories and methods of using drama in educational settings.
- Performance Project: Creating an original performance piece.
- Designing a Research Project: Learning to develop research-based performance projects.
- Optional Module: Choose from a variety of options, such as Playwriting, Site-Specific Performance, or Site & Sound.
Year Four:
- Creative Practice & Enterprise: Developing skills and knowledge for entrepreneurial careers in the arts.
- Honours Study: Creating an original group performance work and conducting research for a performance-based dissertation.
- Creative Learning and the Community: Engaging with specific communities to create performance projects.
- Optional Module: Choose from a variety of options, such as Experiential Learning Placement, Devised Physical Theatre, or Performance Art Practices.
Assessment: Assessment methods may include:
- Essays
- Critiques
- Presentations
- Performances
- Dissertations
- Portfolios
Teaching: The program features a mix of teaching and learning methods, including:
- Workshops: The primary form of student-staff contact, facilitating practical exploration of concepts.
- Lectures and seminars: Providing theoretical knowledge and facilitating discussion.
- Tutorials: Individualized support and guidance.
- Field trips: Experiencing professional performance events.
Careers: Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers as:
- Drama teachers
- Community outreach workshop leaders
- Freelance performance makers
- Directors
- Producers The program also provides opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers as professional actors.
Other:
- The program emphasizes the development of transferable skills such as research, communication, and independent learning.
- Students are encouraged to utilize QMU's careers service and the on-campus Business Gateway and Business Innovation Zone (BIZ) for career development and entrepreneurial opportunities.
