Theatre & Performance BA(Hons)
Embrace a world of opportunity to become an original and distinctive theatre maker and performer. As part of the Academy of Music and Theatre Arts you'll learn and work in industry-standard studios and performance spaces in our professional venue.
Key details
| Location | Penryn Campus |
| Course Duration | 3 years |
| Attendance | Full-time |
| UCAS code | 238U |
| Contact | 01326 254350 |
Apply
Introduction
Collaborative and exploratory work underpins this course. You’ll work on every aspect of the creative process, from devising individual performances to directing and producing performances with others.
As a reflective practitioner, you’ll test the theories you learn in lectures through your own work and performances. With a focus on live interaction, you’ll begin with workshops and performances to peers, progressing to public performances in your third year.
You will:
- Benefit from AMATA’s year-round performance programme which attracts top artists and performers.
- Build industry links through workshops, guest lectures and visits led by world-class artists such as Gecko Theatre, Kneehigh and Prodigal Theatre.
- Learn to utilise our extensive range of technical sound, lighting and recording equipment.
- Work with highly-skilled and experienced academic staff and creative technicians.
- Create and take part in a diversity of projects and a major production at the AMATA Festival in your third-year.
Course details
What you'll learn
With consistent and professional skills training, you’ll learn to create and respond to performances. You’ll explore techniques and methods in different environments, from solo performances to full public productions. And you’ll get a unique mix of conservatoire practice backed up by the experience and knowledge of the Academy of Music and Theatre Arts - a working venue offering year-round theatre, dance and other events.
You’ll develop essential skills by focusing on voice, body, movement, ideas and practices, and other skills and techniques. We’ll also look into global issues and modern practices and ideas. You'll explore scene-studies from a range of texts with a common theme, and develop an ensemble performance of original live work.
Modules
Performance Skills
Performance, Culture & Contexts
Play Texts
Making Skills
Contemporary Performance Practices & Concepts
Ensemble Performance
You’ll take on advanced body-based training, and learn about technical theatre, directing, writing and creating drama, and designing things like sets, costumes and lighting. And you’ll put on a solo performance using styles like scripted monologue or stand-up comedy.
Working in a team, you’ll put on a production about the relationship between a show and its audience. You’ll also create original material and build a professional portfolio by studying advanced performance techniques. Looking into different theatre companies, production houses and theatre festivals, we’ll explore what they’re doing, how they work, and how they stay strong and active.
Modules
Technical Theatre & Scenography
Solo Performance
Immersive & Participatory Theatre
The Performer’s Body, Directing & Dramaturgy
Modes of Making
Theatre Futures
Using your critical and reflective skills, you’ll research and write a paper on a certain area. You’ll also develop performance material - individually or in a group - beginning as a small test showing and finishing as a public production for industry specialists. And by taking on a professional development project, you’ll get ready for the industry by sharing your work on a range of platforms and networks.
Modules
Creating Companies
Master Classes
The Thinking Practitioner: Student-led Research
Professional Development
Professional Production
The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.
From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details
How you'll learn
Blending theory and practice, you’ll learn through practical workshops and masterclasses, supported by lectures and seminars. There’ll also be opportunities to work with national and international companies and practitioners.
How you'll spend your time
Year | Timetabled teaching and learning activity | Guided independent study |
1 | 29% | 71% |
2 | 40% | 60% |
3 | 21% | 79% |
How you'll be assessed
Year | Written exams | Practical exams | Coursework |
1 | 0% | 52% | 48% |
2 | 0% | 40% | 60% |
3 | 0% | 40% | 60% |
The above percentages relate to 2019/2020 data.
Assessment methods
You’ll take on practical tasks in groups and individually, including demonstrations or process showings, laboratory or studio-based practice, productions, and a final year performance showcase. You’ll also be assessed through essays, research, digital portfolios, critical reviews, professional copy and framing statements.
Staff
You’ll be taught and supported by a team of professional theatre-makers, devisers, directors and actors, and theatre-focused academics. On top of experience working all over the world, many of our staff run their own theatre companies and collectives.
Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every member shown here.
Danielle Meunier
Danielle Meunier's origins lie in classical singing and voice & speech with a BMus...
Agnieszka Blonska
Agnieszka Blonska is a theatre director and performer based in the UK since 2003. For the last...
David Greeves
Background; born in Redruth, Cornwall, April 1966, working worldwide in Opera, Bollywood, large...
Dr Misri Dey
Misri is a theatre practitioner and director, working across contemporary theatre performance of...
Klaus Kruse
Klaus Kruse is a director, scenographer, performer, poet and songwriter based in the UK since...
Professor Gregg Whelan
"A wonderful body of work" The Guardian
Gregg Whelan formed the performance...
Paul Joines
Since graduating in ‘Broadcast Studies’ from Falmouth College of Arts in 1996, Paul has spent...
Facilities
- 11 equipped performance studios.
- Recording studio with four control rooms.
- 11 practice rooms.
- Computer labs for CAD and audio software.
- Scenery workshop.
- Technical resource stores that stock a wide range of microphones for recording and live voice and music.
- Digital Audio Workstations, PA Systems, mixing desks, lighting kits, portable dimmers, cameras, projectors, musical instruments.
- TV Studio and Cinema in the School of Film & Television.
- Professional theatre venue hosting visiting companies and artistes.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
Ready to join us? If you're applying through UCAS Apply and Track, you'll need to reference the university and course codes below.
- University code: F33
- Course code: 238U
Applying as an international student?
International students can apply for a course through UCAS, via an agent or directly with the university. For more information about how to apply as an international student, visit our International applications page.
We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.
As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.
For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard, which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.
If you need a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK, you’ll need to take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.
UK/EU applications: 15 January 2020 (for equal consideration)
Late applications will be considered if there are places available.
International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.
Audition information & application advice
How to Apply
Get application information including personal statement advice, interview tips and what to include in your portfolio.
Portfolio Advice
What is a portfolio and how do you make one? Read our guide.
Personal Statement Guide
How do you write a personal statement and what should you include? Read our advice.
Interview & Audition Information: Theatre & Performance BA(Hons)
Find out what to expect from your Theatre & Performance interview.
After You Apply
Find out what happens after you apply to Falmouth and what you'll need to do.
What we're looking for
We want someone who:
- Can vocalise text, vary tone, and respond to material.
- Physically engage with their environment.
- Is lively and responsive.
- Thinks independently.
Fees, costs & funding
Tuition fees 2020-21
£9,250 - full-time UK/EU
£16,000 - full-time international
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
Typical course costs
- Public Programme season tickets (student rate) costs found: amata.org.uk/seasontickets
- Students must come prepared with suitable loose warm clothing appropriate for all practical classes (devising, voice, movement, rehearsals). Approx £70/year
If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.
The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs
Funding
For information about funding available, please visit our undergraduate funding page.
Ask a student
What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?
From course details, our facilities and the local area to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.