Skip to main content

It looks like you have JavaScript turned off

Pretty much everything should work. But you may find some components look slightly off as a result. You can find out what JavaScript is here. If you don't have JavaScript turned off, or if something doesn't work that you think should do, please email hidden; JavaScript is required.

BA (Hons) Performing Arts Top-Up Degree (Level 6) — Full-time

Course outline

This BA (Hons) top-up course is dedicated to helping you to develop as an independent practitioner in the industry and is excellent preparation for a teaching career in the subject.

You’ll develop your professional practice in a chosen specialist area (acting or dance) in collaboration with different disciplines and work with professional practitioners whilst developing your own work.

Modules have at their core the practical work that helps you explore the nature of performance, and nurtures your growth as a creative artist. You’ll be given an overview of the theatre arts industry and be supported to operate effectively within it. You’ll develop an understanding of the industry within a broader economic, political, social and technological context.

The course is delivered by practitioners with strong academic backgrounds.

Modules include:

  • Industry practice
  • Small-scale theatre
  • Major performance
  • Negotiated project (acting)
  • The hired body (dance)

We have close links with local arts organisations such as Dance4, Nottingham Playhouse, LaPelle’s Factory and Dragon’s Breath Theatre Company. This leads to quality work experience opportunities in performance and facilitation. You will be encouraged to attend an international residency during the course. In previous years, the students have visited Budapest, New York City, Lisbon, Barcelona, Prague and Madrid.

Performing arts facilities

  • Our performing arts courses boast some of the best facilities of any performing arts degree provider in the country.
  • Our 200 capacity theatre built in 2019 is our showpiece but it’s the sprung floor dance studios, rehearsal rooms and intimate performance spaces that enhance our offer to our performing arts students.

Our show season attracts audiences from across the city and beyond and our rolling programme of visits and performance workshops from some of the industry’s most prominent and talented artists means our students get lots of hands-on training and a unique insight into the varying career pathways in performing arts.

You can view the full Course Specification here.

You can view the fantastic works of our Media, Photography & Performance students on our showcase website run by our media faculty team.

View showcase

How to apply for this course

Entry onto this course is via UCAS. Alternatively, if you are interested in applying directly to us, you can choose our fast track application option below.

Fast track application
  • Institution code: N30
  • UCAS code: W490
UCAS

Want to find out more first?

Would you like more information? Email our HE team.

Download a guide Browse careers Get in touch
Location Date Fees / reductions
111 Canal Street
Nottingham
NG1 7HB

Start: Monday 23rd September 2024

The tuition fee is per year.

Various bursaries are available for some Higher Education courses.

Tuition fee: £8,250

Course code: C000362 / Q002114

Qualification

BA (Hons) Degree in Performing Arts

Duration

1 year

Level Level 6
Entry requirements

You will need (or expect to achieve) one of the following:

  • Foundation degree (FdA)
  • Higher National Diploma (HND)
  • Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)

If you have a higher education award in another field of study and relevant industrial experience you are welcome to apply.

You’ll be invited to an interview and audition and asked to submit an example of academic writing.

Mature applicants with relevant professional experience and/or qualifications are welcome to apply.

Teaching & assessment

You’ll be assessed through written assignments and practical and creative coursework.

Progression

Previous graduates have progressed into:

  • Postgraduate education/training
  • Employment in the creative industries
  • Workshop leaders
  • Storytellers
  • Teaching
  • Youth and social work
  • Arts administration

This qualification is an excellent route towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), providing an adequate combination of practical experience and academic study to progress on to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Additional information

Company 12

Our dynamic in-house dance company provides a unique opportunity to gain skills in performance and arts administration. Graduates and BA students work alongside professional artists and respond to live briefs to create innovative new dance work.

The dance company is supported by professional patrons including regional dance agency Dance4, and leading choreographers Jem Treays and Glen Graham.

This course is validated by Nottingham Trent University.

Nottingham Trent University logo

About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

Learn more about the TEF