LCC 8.13.2 Current Programme Specification

Programme Specification Template

Please see Guidance Notes in the Programme Approval Guidance for Programme Teams to assist in the completion of this template.

Awarding Institution/Body / Teesside University [TU]
Teaching Institution / Leeds City College
Collaborating Organisations
(include type) / n/a
Delivery Location(s)
[if different from TU] / Leeds City College – Park Lane Campus
West Yorkshire Playhouse - First Floor
Red Eric Studios
Programme Externally Accredited by (e.g. PSRB) / n/a
Award Title(s) / BA (Hons)Performance Practice
LeadSchool / School of Arts and Media
Additional Contributing Schools / n/a
FHEQ Level
[see guidance] / FHEQ Level 6
Bologna Cycle
[see guidance] / First cycle
JACS Code and JACS Description / W400 Drama
The study of and/or training in acting and stagecraft. May include the study of theatre management and the
supervision and production of scenery, costume, lighting, etc.
Mode of Attendance
[full-time or part-time] / Full time and Part time
Relevant QAA Subject Benchmarking Group(s) / Dance, drama and performance
2007
Relevant Additional External Reference Points
(e.g. National Occupational Standards, PSRB Standards) / National Occupational Standards – Community Arts
Date of Production/Revision / March 2013
Criteria for Admission to the Programme
(if different from standard University criteria) / A typical offer is likely to be 55% average at Foundation Degree or a Merit profile in a relevant HND, together with GCSE grades at C or above in English and Maths. Alternative qualifications at an appropriate level may be considered.
In the absence of formal learning qualifications applications are welcomed from persons who can demonstrate relevant work experience, including work in a voluntary capacity. The course structure actively supports claims for Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).We welcome applications from mature candidates who may not have met the academic criteria, but can demonstrate a range of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category will be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and asked to attend a workshop / audition, which is standard procedure for all candidates. Suitability for the course based on prior experience will be assessed at this stage. During the course, students may be asked to work with children so a DBS certificate will be beneficial. However, this can be organised during the course.
International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria. Speakers of other languages need to have an IELTS score of at least 6.0 or a recognised level 2 English qualification. All students must be able to demonstrate either by qualifications or testing that they have the required literacy skills to complete the course.
In semester one, students will be required to complete an industry placement so successful applicants are required to source their own work based placement to be conducted between October and December of year 1.
Educational Aims of the Programme
The overall aims of the programme are to:

Provide a comprehensive and challenging vocational programme in performance, including core and specialist modules, which facilitate access and progression for a wide range of students from diverse backgrounds into various community practice contexts.
Offer a robust BA hons programme that is relevant to current performance practice in the creative industries, that will allow students to be autonomous and progress into their chosen trajectory
Produce graduates who have the ability to critically reflect and learn from their workplace experience in a performance context and relate this experience to relevant theory and practical projects
Produce graduates who have both subject specific skills (expressive, creative, technical) and transferable skills (communication, teamwork, project management) which are key to being employable as a performance practitioner in the creative industries
Produce graduates who have an analytical and reflective understanding of performance in the context of the workplace today and in relation to the wider social and cultural environment

Learning Outcomes
The programme will enable students to develop the knowledge and skills listed below. On successful completion of the programme, the student will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding(insert additional rows as necessary)
K1 / Plan, undertake and evaluate a negotiated, self-managed major project
K2 / Demonstrate detailed and comprehensive knowledge of the skills and artistry required to realise performances
K3 / Demonstrate a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of chosen aspect of performance, whilst proving able to synthesise and critically appraise
K4 / Be able to analyse and evaluate the impact of ethical and legal issues relevant to the generation of knowledge within the context of performance
K5 / Evaluate appropriate knowledge as an aid to problem-solving whilst working creatively
Cognitive/Intellectual Skills(insert additional rows as necessary)
C1 / Present independent judgements about a chosen aspect of performance through synthesis, appraisal and evaluation of appropriate sources
C2 / Discuss accepted views / techniques of performance using balanced, logical and supported argument
C3 / Demonstrate intellectual flexibility and openness to new ideas in a creative context.
C4 / Be confident and flexible in identifying and defining complex creative problems and the application of appropriate knowledge, tools/methods to their solution
Practical/Professional Skills(insert additional rows as necessary)
P1 / Demonstrate the ability to operate ethically in complex and unpredictable contexts
P2 / Be able to operate autonomously with limited supervision or direction within agreed guidelines and/or constraints
P3 / Be able to apply safe practice autonomously to practical working situations within performance practice.
P4 / Be able to apply a full range of performance skills with autonomy
Key Transferable Skills(insert additional rows as necessary)
T1 / Plan, manage and evaluate the acquisition of new knowledge and skills as part of a lifelong learning strategy
T2 / Demonstrate both employment potential and ability to manage future professional development within a performance context
T3 / Communicate clearly, fluently and effectively in a range of styles appropriate to the context
T4 / Select and apply appropriate numerical and statistical methods for complex tasks
T5 / Employ software applications for different tasks within the context of performance
T6 / Recognise and evaluate factors which enhance group processes and team-working, and modify and evaluate own personal effectiveness within a team
Key Learning & Teaching Methods

There is an emphasis on tailored learning to the individual
Practical skills-based delivery underpins further autonomous practice
The lecture programme and technical performance delivery will impart the necessary principles and concepts
The seminars will be a mixture of student and tutor led sessions considering practical examples of the principles and concepts introduced in the lecture programme, which will support learning through an experiential approach
Group work will allow students to develop their research, communication and teamwork skills
Tutor and peer led reflective feedback form the basis of student learning programmes in the form of personal and professional action planning embedded in practical modules
Tutorials will support independent research enquiry
Opportunities will be provided to work within the creative industries using our strong links with working professionals and industry partners

Key Assessment Methods
Practical Assessments are key to the student development including:

Technique classes
in-class observation monitoring sustained practical engagement
(public) performances

Students need to be able to apply this practical knowledge to the management of others through similar processes as well as developing new choreographic skills. This is assessed through:

Choreographed performance

Reflective practices are key to supporting practical assessments:

Reflective journal: reflecting on elements of learning by applying theories and concepts
Reflective portfolio: documenting a process from initial research to outcome

Academic underpinning is identified through:

Dissertation
Presentation to a panel of a research proposal
Practice based lecture-demonstrations (optional part of the Negotiated Dissertation module)

BA (Hons) Performance Practice – Version 2 – Aug 2015

LCC 8.13.2 Current Programme Specification

Programme Modules
(additional copies to be completed for each named pathway)
Level 6
Code / Title / Credits / Status / Non-Compensatable / Compensatable
Negotiated Dissertation / 30 / Pathway core / 
Actors Workshop / 30 / Programme Core / 
Alternative Studio Practice / 20 / Pathway core / 
Creativity and Critical Awareness / 20 / Pathway core / 
Industry Placement / 20 / Programme Core / 

LCC 8.13.2 Current Programme Specification

Programme Structure
Overview of structure of the modules across the Academic Year.
Level 6 / Academic / Practical / Work related
Semester 1 / Negotiated Dissertation
30 Credits / Alternative Studio Practice
20 Credits / Actors Workshop
30 Credits / Industry Placement
20 Credits / Tutorials – Career planning / enterprise support
Semester 2 / Creativity and Critical Awareness
20 Credits
Full-time route:
Level 6:
This course will build on technical performance skills gained during the foundation degree, focusing in Actors Workshop on how to apply these skills to the creation of performance. Alongside this will be holistic and philosophical alternative studio practices to create a more rounded and self-aware performer.
Individual engagement with industry professionals and working companies will be explored in the Industry Placement module, giving the student a real experience of work in the Creative Industries.
Group creativity will be explored through the Creativity and Critical Awareness module, allowing students the opportunity to realise their own socially aware performances; and their attached workshop provision. They will also be challenged to critically reflect on their own work as well as that of their peer group.
Negotiated dissertation will allow the student to select and guide their own independent and autonomous research enquiry. The presentation of which can be negotiated to be either all written or part written and part lecture-demonstration. It is recognised that there is a step up in the level of complexity between L5 and L6, and this is prepared for by a process of knowledge and skills consolidation during the beginning of each semester 1 module. This is to ensure that the requisite skills are in place for the student to achieve.
It is essential that the student’s prior learning is assessed and then built upon to facilitate a smooth transition from level 5 to level 6. To achieve this, a process of recapping core level 5 skills and information will be provided to set a framework for the new skills required and delivered for working at level 6.

Negotiated Dissertation, 30 credits
Actors Workshop, 30 credits
Alternative Studio Practice, 20 credits
Creativity and Critical Awareness, 20 credits
Industry Placement, 20 credits

A part-time route can be negotiated up to a maximum of five years of study, as in the example below. A Typical offer of part time would be two years:
Year 1:

Actors Workshop, 30 credits
Industry Placement, 20 credits
Creativity and Critical Awareness, 20 credits

Year 2:

Negotiated Dissertation, 30 credits
Alternative Studio Practice, 20 credits

Level 6 / Year 1
Semester 1 / Negotiated Dissertation
30 Credits / Actors Workshop
30 Credits / Tutorials
Semester 2
Level 6 / Year 2
Semester 1 / Alternative Studio Practice
20 Credits / Industry Placement
20 Credits / Tutorials
Semester 2 / Creativity and Critical Awareness
20 Credits
Support for Students and Their Learning

Tailored induction support begins before students arrive with the admissions team, and is reinforced at the detailed induction programme

A robust communications system functions to give students access to lecturers and management; this includes e-mail, the VLE and notice boards in studios.

All necessary information about the programme is provided by means of the student handbook, module handbooks and the VLE.

Each student is allocated a tutor for regular tutorials and personal development planning. This is implemented in the first term and continued throughout the course timeframe

There is an extensive range of learning resources in the Library, supported by specialist staff who provide bespoke study skills sessions for students.

The University provides an extensive range of services for students, including support for those with special needs

There is a range of student services such as welfare, counselling, financial and careers advice

LCC 8.13.2 Current Programme Specification

Distinctive Features

An emphasis on the balance between continuing with core performancetraining, whilst allowing the individual to explore their creative trajectory and context within the industry.

Students have access to an excellent range of facilities including: professional rehearsal buildings, HE base room, Mac suite, a purpose built theatre and bookable rehearsal space in the evenings

The double pathways of Dance and Performance offer the opportunity to work across disciplines. This provides an innovative and contemporary exploration of creative approaches

Strong links with West Yorkshire Playhouse and various local theatre companies including Red Ladder Theatre, Proper Job Theatre Company, Leeds Theatre In Education, I.O.U. Theatre, Northern Creative, Alive and Kicking Theatre Company, KPM (Kingdom Performance Ministries), Opera North, Righthook Physical Theatre, Monkeyheads, Duende, and New Chapter Theatre, with weekly use of professional studios and access to industry staff

Strong teaching team that are actively involved in the Performance scene in Leeds

A core principle to develop performers who are equipped to work within community settings

The provision ofwork placement which provides real experience of working within the industry

Many creative spaces throughout the region are accessible to students: Seven Arts, The Carriageworks, Left Bank, Wharf Chambers, Wakefield Theatre Royal, Lawrence Batley Theatre, The Square Chapel, The Viaduct Theatre, Dean Clough Mill and East Street Arts.

There are numerous performance festivals that are accessible for students to perform in. On The Edge, Emerge, Ilkley Literature Festival, Halifax Festival, Light Night & Newk. These are sometimes used as assessment points within the year. This allows the students to have a public performance as assessment. These festivals give opportunities to network within the local arts community. In addition to this there are many organisations locally that aid professional networking: New Work Yorkshire, Live Art Symposium, WYTN (West Yorkshire Theatre Network).

LCC 8.13.2 Current Programme Specification

Map of Outcomes to Modules

Please provide a map for each named pathway or separate award. Insert outcomes key across the top of each column, adding in additional columns where necessary, insert module names in the left of the grid and place an “A” in the box where the programme outcome is assessed.

For Undergraduate programmes please provide a map for each Stage, e.g. Stages 1 and 2 and programme outcomes for Honours degrees, and Stage 1 and programme outcomes for Foundation Degrees.

Outcome Key
Module Name / K1 / K2 / K3 / K4 / K5 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / P1 / P2 / P3 / P4 / T1 / T2 / T3 / T4 / T5 / T6
Negotiated dissertation / A / A / A / A / A / A / A / A / A
Actors Workshop / A / A / A / A / A / A / A / A / A / A
Alternative Studio Practice / A / A / A / A / A / A / A / A / A
Creativity and Critical Awareness / A / A / A / A / A / A / A
Industry Placement / A / A / A / A / A / A / A

LCC 8.13.2 Current Programme Specification