Bradford College has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
The principal aims of the Foundation Degree in Arts is to: • provide an educational foundation for a range of creative careers in the Performing Arts • provide students with work-based experience that explores the performing arts • develop students' knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with their area(s) of study, and an ability for them to evaluate and engender a professional approach to performance • enable students to present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study • develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in professional working life • provide specialised studies directly relevant to pathways in which students intend to seek employment (Acting, Musical Theatre) Distinctive features of the programme: • The programme is delivered by experienced practicing Performing Arts professionals and academics, all of whom have a wide range of skills and relevant industry experience in TV, Film and Theatre. For example, working with ITV, BBC, Channel 4, Sky, The Bolton Octagon, The Royal Exchange in Manchester and The Lawrence Batley in Huddersfield. • The programme encompasses a broad range of learning and teaching opportunities in Performing Arts, including conceptual, technical and commercial areas. • The programme builds on your previous learning and experience, giving you the opportunity to produce work of a professional standard within your Performing Arts specialism. • The training prepares you for the reality of industry. It gives you a range of experiences and roles to fully prepare you for a portfolio career in the Performing Arts. • The department has significant partnerships with local venues, companies and organisations to ensure that professional experience is embedded within your programme. • Students will be given the opportunity to participate in projects with the Performing Arts Graduate Theatre Company, offering a bridge into the industry. • The programme provides the opportunity to work collaboratively across different disciplines, creating a professional and vocational experience. For example, this could include music students, as part of the annual Christmas Musical and Film, Media and Media Make-up students on film projects. • Students in their final year will perform in a ‘Showcase’ which they plan and organise and invite industry professionals. This potentially gives students the opportunity to meet and perform in front of agents and casting directors as well as other industry contacts, possibly in an external venue. • The College was the first FE/HE provider to be a Lead Associate school of The Royal Shakespeare Company which gives students the opportunity to work directly with the RSC and be involved in their projects and workshops and even deliver their content. • The department is fully equipped with industry standard equipment and facilities including two performance spaces. Both the Lister drama studio and The Spinning Shed Theatre space are equipped with a full lighting rig and PA. • The programme offers a range of opportunities to enhance your learning. For example, overseas trips, visiting guest lecturers, live performance opportunities and professional commissions. • The department offers you a high level of pastoral and academic support with accessible and helpful tutors. • The College is committed to working in partnership with students – recognising the importance of the student voice and providing regular and timely informal and formal feedback to all students to support their learning experience and development as a practitioner.
Modules
Level 4: Creative Industries Context; Teaching in the Creative Arts; Specialist Skill 1 (Acting); Specialist Skill 1 (Musical Theatre); Performance Project 1; Media Performance. Level 5: Creative Industries Professional Practice and Entrepreneurship; Work-based Experience; Content Creation; Specialist Skill 2 (Acting); Specialist Skill 2 (Musical Theatre); Performance Project 2.
Assessment method
The course encourages your learning through participation in a wide variety of activities including lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, rehearsals, blogs and journals, group discussion, collaborative learning and peer assessment. The course is vocational and as a result practical work will be intensive. However, there is also a need to prepare for these classes with research, text analysis, practice and preparation for rehearsal. This will be done both in theory classes and by students in their own time in-between sessions. Much of the learning in class is supported by considerable research, reflection and evaluation away from class. The course requires considerable stamina and continued application. The Work-Based experience unit will see you work with an external employer or with our graduate production company to produce a commission. This gives students a vital grounding in the reality of working in the performing arts industry. There will be a work placement (40 hours minimum) and this could be over a number of weeks, as part of day release, or in a block. Examples of placement opportunities include a runner on a TV set, an actor with the Graduate Company, an assistant director with at a theatre or a writer with a production company. As part of the Teaching in the Creative Arts module you will be required to undertake some teaching practice. The minimum requirement is 30 hours and this could be over a number of weeks, partial day release or in a block. The course emphasises the synthesis between theory and practice, therefore private study (research, reading, essay writing, etc.) is critical to your learning. However there is also practical work, some of which will be tutor led and some of which will be undertaken in your own time. Within each module handbook there is an assessment plan giving you information about when each assignment is handed out and submitted. This also allows you to plan your time and manage your workload effectively. The format of the work submitted for assessment should reflect what is stated in the module handbook. This could be in the form of an essay, presentation, performance, vlog, blog, viva voce or portfolio. Across the programme a range of assessment formats will be utilised that will reflect the nature of the unit (theory or practical) and to account for different learning styles. There will be collaborative work with students from your programme and from other areas of the School. The assessment methods for these projects will be in the form of a finished piece of work that is of a professional standard. This could be in the form of a collaborative performance with an accompanying vlog, a recorded performance or live show. Critical reflection forms a major part of the assessment for all the modules, with the development of portfolios, viva voces, blogs and vlogs providing much of the evidence for your reflection of learning and development. This project based work allows for formative assessment to be ongoing throughout a module. Your tutors will maintain close contact with you throughout these projects, giving evidence for both formative and summative assessment whilst the module progresses.
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 80 points
Non-standard applicants will be required to produce evidence of their ability to study at the Higher Education level. Short-course and relevant work experience may be taken into account. Non-standard applicants will be interviewed and may be required to complete a piece of written work as part of their application. Claims for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are welcomed by the College. Students should consult the admissions tutor if they wish to claim such recognition.
Additional entry requirements
Audition
Applicants will be invited to an audition and will be expected to perform a prepared piece, such as a classical or contemporary monologue, to ensure their performance work is at an appropriate level.
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
A DBS check and certificate will be required in order to complete the mandatory unit Teaching in the Creative Arts. This will allow students to work in a number of learning environments with both children and vulnerable adults.
Interview
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £8000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £8000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £8000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £8000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Bradford College is committed to delivering quality, affordable degrees. We work hard to cut the cost and not the corners on our undergraduate, postgraduate and professional courses. The tuition fee rate per year is fixed for the duration of the course providing there is no break in study.
You will not be asked to pay these fees up front, as you should be eligible for loans to cover the tuition fees and assist with living expenses from Student Finance England. However, please ensure that you have made your application and secured funding for your course prior to registration.
Provider information
Bradford College
Great Horton Road
Bradford
BD7 1AY