BA (Hons) Media and Performance

Program Overview

Media and Performance

Overview

The Media and Performance degree at the University of Salford is designed to provide students with the tools and skills necessary to achieve their professional goals in the media and performance industry. The program offers a unique range of contexts, from radio production and performance to scriptwriting, directing, producing, and screen acting.

Course Details

All About the Course

The Media and Performance degree examines the development of performance in the context of television, film, and radio drama. Students will gain an awareness of the technical aspects of media production, including camera work, editing, lighting, and sound.

Year One

• Critical and Textual Studies: This seminar-based module focuses on textual analysis and critical approaches to live and mediated performance texts.
• Acting for Recorded Media: This module acquaints students with the range and scope of television and radio drama and involves an exploration of techniques for performing on camera or for the microphone.
• Acting Methods 1: This primarily practical module focuses on the creative practices essential to build characterizations for live performance in a naturalistic context.
• Production Skills: The module combines both technical and creative aspects of media production, developing a broad awareness of the range of skills required for video production.
• Production Workshop: Students learn how to produce a short video drama from script to screen.
• Analysing Screen Fiction: This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the theories that underpin the creation, interpretation, and impact of film and television.

Year Two

• Performance Studies: This module further develops the approaches to textual critical analysis introduced in the first year and examines artistic movements of the 20th and 21st centuries.
• Optional Modules:
  • Radio Performance and Production
  • Directing and Producing
  • Integrated Production Skills
  • Presenting
  • Comedy Writing and Performance
  • Acting for the Camera
  • Page to Stage: Drama Texts in Translation
  • Introduction to Screenwriting
  • Playwriting
  • Shakespeare In Performance
  • Programme Production Techniques
  • Theatre and Communities
  • Voice and Text
  • Introduction to Theatre Directing
  • Introduction to Multimedia Performance
  • Theatre Acting
  • Music Video Production
  • Radio Comedy Project
  • Video Project

Year Three

• Performance Research Project: Students undertake an individually tailored project, building on all they have learned on the degree program.
• Careers and Professional Pathways: Students engage with industry-led masterclasses and workshops, equipping them with knowledge of industry practices and career destinations.
• Video Project: Students expand their knowledge and creativity in crewing roles and performing for camera.
• Optional Modules:
  • Scriptwriting for TV and Film
  • Creative Techniques for Video Drama Production
  • Gender and Sexuality in Performance
  • Radio Acting
  • TV Acting
  • Documentary to Mockumentary
  • Theatre Directing
  • Making Performance for Social Media
  • Making Contemporary Performance
  • Acting for Motion Capture
  • Classical Theatre Acting
  • TV Comedy: Sitcom Writing and Performance
  • Variety, Stand Up and Solo Comedy

Assessment

• Practical and performance work
• Presentations
• Essays

Teaching

• Practical classes develop approaches to performance creation and strengthen production skills.
• Lectures and seminars apply critical theory to live and mediated performance forms and methodologies.
• Project-based work brings skills to life and includes major performance projects.
• Workshops provide the opportunity for professional practitioners to share their experiences and give advice.

Performance Facilities

• New Adelphi Theatre: A 350-seat venue for staging shows in front of live audiences.
• Studio Theatre: A classic black-box performance space with flexible seating and staging.
• Voice Acting Studio: A facility for producing audio for projects, including podcasting, video game dialogue, radio drama, and foley sound effects.
• Screen Acting Studio: Two studios featuring fixed and flexible sets for learning to hone new skills.

Employment and Stats

• Many graduates have progressed to employment in arts, entertainment, and media organizations, working as writers, researchers, production managers, producers, directors, actors, presenters, comedy writers, and performers.
• 100% of students are in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

Requirements

• GCSE English Language at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent).
• Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) is preferred but not essential.
• UCAS tariff points: 104-112 points.
• A level: 104-112 points.
• T level: Merit.
• BTEC National Diploma: DMM including Performing Arts or similar subject.
• Access to HE: 112 UCAS Tariff Points from a Level 3 QAA approved Access program. Must include Media/Performance.
• International Baccalaureate: 29 points, 5 or 6 (Higher level) in a relevant subject.
• European Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 72% overall.
• International students: IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5.

Tuition Fees

• Full-time home: £9,535 per year (2025/26), £9,535 per year (2026/27).
• Full-time international: £17,650 per year (2025/26), £18,120 per year (2026/27).

Scholarships for International Students

• High-achieving international students may be eligible for one of the university's scholarships.

Program Outline

The University of Salford's BA (Hons) Media and Performance program equips students with the tools to become successful practitioners in today's rapidly evolving media landscape.

Degree Overview:

• Objectives: To equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a professional career in the media and performance industry.
• Target Audience: Aspiring media professionals, actors, writers, directors, and those interested in exploring the intersection of performance and media.
• Structure: A three-year program with a focus on practical application and project-based learning.
• Highlights:
• Individualized learning through the Performance Research Project in the final year.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the 350-seat New Adelphi Theatre.
• Opportunity to work on professional-grade projects in the MediaCityUK campus.
• Strong industry connections and career support through masterclasses and workshops.

Outline:

Years 1 & 2:

• Year 1: Develop foundational skills and knowledge in media production, acting, and performance theory through modules like Acting for Recorded Media, Performance in Context, and Production Skills.
• Year 2: Choose from a wide range of optional modules to specialize in your desired area.
Options include Radio Performance and Production, Directing and Producing, Acting for the Camera, Scriptwriting, and Renaissance Theatre Acting.

Year 3:

• Performance Research Project: Conduct an independent research project focused on a specific area of interest.
• Choose two optional modules from a diverse range, including:
• Scriptwriting for TV and Film
• Creative Techniques for Video Drama Production
• Gender and Sexuality in Performance
• New Trends in Theatre and Performance
• Programme Production
• Radio Acting
• Stand-up Comedy
• TV Acting
• TV Comedy: Writing and Performance
• Documentary to Mockumentary
• Theatre Directing
• Making Performance for Social Media

Assessment:

• Practical and performance work: Projects, presentations, rehearsals, performances, and screen acting exercises.
• Essays: Critical analysis of texts, theories, and performance practices.
• Presentations: Sharing research findings and project ideas.

Teaching:

• Lectures and seminars: Exploring critical theory and industry practices.
• Workshops: Led by industry professionals for practical skill development.
• Individual tutorials: Personalized guidance and feedback on projects.
• Project-based learning: Applying skills and knowledge through practical projects.
• Performance opportunities: Staged productions in professional theatre and studio settings.

Careers:

• Potential career paths: Scriptwriter, actor, director, producer, presenter, researcher, community worker, teacher, creative workshop leader.
• Industry connections: Partnerships with leading film, television, and theatre companies.

Other:

• Focus on creative and supportive learning environment.

• State-of-the-art facilities: New Adelphi Theatre, Studio Theatre, Voice Acting Studio, Screen Acting Studio.
• Faculty of experienced and passionate practitioners.

• Opportunity to be part of a thriving alumni network.

Additional Notes:

• The exact modules offered may vary slightly each year.
• Students are encouraged to consult their tutors for specific module availability information.
• Fees and admission requirements are not covered in this response.
With its focus on individual expression, project-based learning, and strong industry connections, this program provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen career path.

| Type of study | Year | Fees | |---|---|---| | Full-time home | 2024/25 | £9,250.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2024/25 | £17,040.00 per year | | Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,250.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,650.00 per year |