COURSE CURRICULUM

The Theatre and Performance (Extended Degree) BA (Hons) at Northumbria University is a four-year program that integrates practical training, critical study, and creative exploration to prepare students for careers in theatre and the performing arts. The foundation year develops essential academic and creative skills, introducing students to critical cultural theory, society and culture, film foundations, media genres, and performance practices, providing a broad base in the arts. In the first year, students engage with core modules exploring big ideas in theatre, practical performance encounters, performance explorations, and urgent contemporary issues, supported by academic language skills for international and EU students. The second year focuses on applied theatre and performance practice, with modules covering arguments for theatre, contemporary theatre-making, applied theatre practice, investigating performance, and performance in urban contexts, alongside optional modules in digital performance and performer training. Academic language support continues for international and EU students. The third year offers optional professional experience through a work placement or study abroad, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world contexts. In the final year, students consolidate their knowledge through a performance dissertation, a major performance project, and a core module on performance and creative economies, with optional modules in performer training, popular performance, and performance and the politics of fear. The program develops innovative, versatile, and industry-ready theatre practitioners.