Performing Arts

Entry Requirements

For 2024 entry, you will need 240 Credits.

Some typical examples of how you can achieve 240 Credits are detailed below:

• FdA Theatre and Performance, or;
• an equivalent related FdA qualification from another institution, or;
• HND Performing Arts (with equivalent units, which meet prior learning requirements for year 3 study)

Prior Learning and Experience

University Centre St Helens welcomes applications from mature students (aged 21+) and students from a varied range of backgrounds and experience. Offers of a place on the degree will not be based solely upon academic qualifications alone and related skills gained in the workplace will also be considered.

Additional Entry Requirements

We are looking for applicants who are fully committed, highly motivated and have a genuine passion for theatre and performance. All suitable candidates will be invited to attend an audition and interview. They will also need to provide a full transcript of completed modules/units, which will enable a mapping exercise to be undertaken against our FdA Theatre and Performance learning aims. This will ensure all applicants have the prior learning required for year 3 (level 6) study.

Your interview is designed to be an informal meeting and will also provide an opportunity for you to discuss and explore your career interests with the Programme Leader.

Information for International Applicants

If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, you may need to apply for a Tier 4 visa in order to enter and study in the UK. However, please note that University Centre St Helens does not hold a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence to support student visa applications.

Learning Environment and Assessment

Our modern and multifunctional theatre is located at the St Helens Town Centre Campus, and you will benefit from the latest learning resources, rehearsal studios and other facilities.

Study at this level is largely student-directed, consisting of tutorials, presentations, devising and performance workshops and showings of work-in-progress, culminating in a public performance of your final production. The honours route also consists of extended research in the form of a documented practice-based research project.

The majority of this degree is practical and performance-based, with a mix of solo and group work in several different potential formats. Reflection and analysis are also essential skills and will be assessed in a variety of potential ways such as presentation, written documentation, archive, and practical demonstration. There are no written examinations.

Tuition Fees

For 2024 entry, tuition fees for full-time study are £7,995 per year.

Additional Costs

Course-Related Travel (Placements/Work Experience/Voluntary/Site Visits	Variable dependent on the distance travelled and the method of transportation. As part of the community-based work, you may be required to complete a DBS check, which will cost around £44.
Equipment and Materials	Core texts and reading lists should generally be available in the St Helens Town Centre Campus Library. However, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source and estimated cost is £50. Estimated cost is £20 per year for printed materials, if you chose to print posters etc. A list of University Centre St Helens' printing costs can be found via www.sthelens.ac.uk/printroom. Estimated cost is £50 for 'drama blacks' clothing and footwear Students also have the opportunity to purchase a University Centre St Helens Theatre and Performance branded hooded for £19. While not essential, it is strongly recommended that students buy a laptop or have access to a laptop. Estimated cost is £350 - £700. Students will provide their own day-to-day stationary items e.g., pens, pencils, notebooks.
Trips	Estimated cost is £50 per year for various travel and entry costs to performances/shows, and students are strongly encouraged to attend as many live performances as possible. Estimated cost is £250 - £500 for a residential trip.
Volunteering Opportunities for Personal Development	Variable depending on type of activity.

Financial Support

Subject to eligibility, students can apply for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England to cover the full cost of tuition fees, which means you don't have to pay anything upfront and there's nothing to pay back until you're qualified and earning over £481 a week, £2,083 a month or £25,000 a year. You may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs. Visit our finance support page for more information.

Study Enhancement Gift

All new, first year (level 4), full-time undergraduates studying a qualifying Foundation Degree, Bachelor's Degree or Higher National Diploma at University Centre St Helens, will receive a non-repayable Study Enhancement Gift up to the value of £400. This could be a specific gift, such as a laptop, or subject specific equipment, extra qualifications or trips and visits.

For more information, visit our study enhancement gift page.

Careers and Progression

Successful completion of this degree will provide you with a platform for employment in many different areas of the contemporary theatre industry. The degree is intentionally varied and flexible, in order to allow students to develop their individual career aspirations.

In recent years, graduates have progressed on to further study or professional work in community arts, acting, solo performance work, teaching, theatre production, comedy writing and touring theatre companies.

As a graduate, you have the opportunity to progress into a range of careers, such as:

• Performer
• Theatre Technician
• Teacher (Further or Higher Education)
• Theatre Maker