Your study of performance is both critical and creative. In addition to academic theories, you gain real-world experience of performance to become an independent, reflective thinker and practitioner. At level one, you are introduced to a range of skills in devising, performance and production. In practical workshops and rehearsals, you become aware of problems and challenges inherent in creating performance work and find the appropriate solutions. You learn to reflect on the processes of performance and apply the basic principles of performance analysis. Level two modules expand your understanding of the key issues and debates in performance. You also take a number of practical modules which introduce the skills and practices of genre-specific performance. In these modules you explore the relationship between your skills and your employability. In the final year you deepen your knowledge and experience. You take a module exploring the cultural contexts and debates within twentieth-century performance practice. Practical modules give you the opportunity to develop independence and originality in researching and staging performances. You also have the chance to experience and reflect upon what you have learnt and where you might go next.

We believe that drama is best studied in practice. You spend much of your time exploring drama through practical, performance-based assessments. We encourage you to pursue your own practical and academic interests, working in the studio with guidance from an enthusiastic and supportive team of tutors. Our level three performance exams are currently staged at the Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, a professional theatre, where you may also explore a variety of technical, administrative and production roles. "The Dukes is delighted to host the final year productions... The students' dedication and professionalism is impressive and a tribute to the high standard of courses." Amanda Belcham, Chief Executive of the Dukes theatre