BA (Hons) Performing Arts Top-Up Degree (Level 6) — Full-time
Course outline
This BA (Hons) top-up course is dedicated to helping you to develop as an independent practitioner in the industry and is excellent preparation for a teaching career in the subject.
You’ll develop your professional practice in a chosen specialist area (acting or dance) in collaboration with different disciplines and work with professional practitioners whilst developing your own work.
Modules have at their core the practical work that helps you explore the nature of performance, and nurtures your growth as a creative artist. You’ll be given an overview of the theatre arts industry and be supported to operate effectively within it. You’ll develop an understanding of the industry within a broader economic, political, social and technological context.
The course is delivered by practitioners with strong academic backgrounds.
Modules include:
- Industry practice
- Small-scale theatre
- Major performance
- Negotiated project (acting)
- The hired body (dance)
We have close links with local arts organisations such as Dance4, Nottingham Playhouse, LaPelle’s Factory and Dragon’s Breath Theatre Company. This leads to quality work experience opportunities in performance and facilitation. You will be encouraged to attend an international residency during the course. In previous years, the students have visited Budapest, New York City, Lisbon, Barcelona, Prague and Madrid.
Performing arts facilities
- Our performing arts courses boast some of the best facilities of any performing arts degree provider in the country.
- Our 200 capacity theatre built in 2019 is our showpiece but it’s the sprung floor dance studios, rehearsal rooms and intimate performance spaces that enhance our offer to our performing arts students.
Our show season attracts audiences from across the city and beyond and our rolling programme of visits and performance workshops from some of the industry’s most prominent and talented artists means our students get lots of hands-on training and a unique insight into the varying career pathways in performing arts.
You can view the full Course Specification here.
You can view the fantastic works of our Media, Photography & Performance students on our showcase website run by our media faculty team.
View showcaseHow to apply for this course
Entry onto this course is via UCAS. Alternatively, if you are interested in applying directly to us, you can choose our fast track application option below.
- Institution code: N30
- UCAS code: W490
Want to find out more first?
Would you like more information? Email our HE team.
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Location:
111 Canal Street
Nottingham NG1 7HB |
Date:Start: Monday 15th September 2025 |
Fees / reductions:The tuition fee is per year. Various bursaries are available for some Higher Education courses. Tuition fee: £8,250 |
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Course code: C000362 / Q002114 |
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| Qualification | BA (Hons) Degree in Performing Arts |
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| Duration | 1 year |
| Level | Level 6 |
| Entry requirements | You will need (or expect to achieve) one of the following:
If you have a higher education award in another field of study and relevant industrial experience you are welcome to apply. You’ll be invited to an interview and audition and asked to submit an example of academic writing. Mature applicants with relevant professional experience and/or qualifications are welcome to apply. |
| Teaching & assessment | You’ll be assessed through written assignments and practical and creative coursework. |
| Progression | Previous graduates have progressed into:
This qualification is an excellent route towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), providing an adequate combination of practical experience and academic study to progress on to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
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| Additional information | Company 12 Our dynamic in-house dance company provides a unique opportunity to gain skills in performance and arts administration. Graduates and BA students work alongside professional artists and respond to live briefs to create innovative new dance work. The dance company is supported by professional patrons including regional dance agency Dance4, and leading choreographers Jem Treays and Glen Graham. This course is validated by Nottingham Trent University.  |
