Course Summary

You will work through many performance and production skills and techniques. Your practical work will be informed by the study of media and cultural theory. The course also covers the creative and technical aspects of radio programme making, directing, script development, performance management, and lighting for the stage and for the camera. Masterclasses, run by leading figures from different areas of performance for the media, are organised across all stages of study to inform and develop your skills.

Why choose this course?

Key features

• Prepares you to perform in TV, film, stage, radio and new media
• Practical assessments and exercises enable the building of showreel material to showcase students talents

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• Performance techniques
• Presenting for the camera
• Acting for the camera
• Stage and single camera directing
• Exploring performance practices
• Performance management
• Theatre and single camera lighting
• Radio (digital recording and editing)
• Performance journeys from theory to practice

Media Performance students perform regularly in front of the camera as presenters, interviewers and actors in various productions. There is an ongoing collaboration between the departments of Media Performance and TV Production that enables the realisation of these shows. View a range of videos showing our students' performance for the camera www.youtube.com/TheTVLab

We also have regular master classes and workshops given by invited media professionals. View photos and articles

Dr Maria Wiener - Media Performance Course Leader

BAMPN-S

Assessment

Throughout your course you will be encouraged to integrate assessment and the feedback from that assessment, be it tutor, peer or self-assessed work to progress and develop your approaches and value of your work. Professional practice in presentation of your work, meeting deadlines and fulfilling word counts is part of what you do from the very start of your course.

Assessment methods vary across the course, enabling you to develop strategies for a range of tasks, methods of evaluation and presentation giving you valuable employability experience:

• Practical performance work in small groups (organizing and working with others, problem solving)


• Essays (communication)


• Critical Evaluations (problem-solving, time-management, improving own learning)


• Presentations (organizing and communication)

At all stages you will receive detailed feedback on your work. The importance of relevant, constructive feedback in a written, clearly understood format, which is delivered rapidly enables you to incorporate the elements of feedback in your rolling programme of progressive work throughout your course. This is crucial to your academic and professional progression. Individual tutors all offer the opportunity to discuss any feedback in more detail, at each level of study. As your skills and subject knowledge develop over the duration of your course, it is expected that you will develop increasingly sophisticated responses to assessment and employ increasingly effective methods of peer and self review.

This is a degree course, which is not accredited by any external body, and so the only assessments will be those set by your academic team relating directly to your degree qualification.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course you should be able to:

1. Formulate reflective analyses on the interaction of performer and audience and illustrate the differences between live and recorded performance.

2. Identify, synthesise and control the individual elements in different performances for the media.

3. Apply the major schools of critical theory in media and performance to your performances.

4. Demonstrate performance skills and appropriate skills in management, scriptwriting or directing across different media.

5. Critically evaluate the evolution of present day performance forms and practices.

6. Understand and explain the workings of institutions producing films, television programmes, stage plays and radio presentations or performances.

External Benchmarking

Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies

Dance, Drama and Performance

Educational Aims

• To integrate informed and progressive teaching and learning throughout the degree course for every student, developing professional and academic practice


• To give students a broad knowledge and critical understanding of the historical and social dimensions of performance


• To enable students to explore the interpersonal and collective aspects of media and mass media performance


• To enable students to demonstrate an understanding of the techniques of performance for the media


• To enable students to acquire a broad range of knowledge and skills relevant to mass media performance

Media Performance BA (Hons) at the University of Bedfordshire is structured to enable graduates to develop the necessary skills, knowledge, personal advancement, self-motivation, direction and approach to facilitate their entry onto satisfying and stimulating career paths.

Developing student's research and scholarship skills is an important part of this course. Through our research and teaching we aim to underpin the development of critical citizenship and place at the centre of our vision the advancement of a cultural and political critique linking the media, creative and performing arts nationally and internationally.

Student support

At institutional level, the University already has in place a range of easily accessible support structures for new and existing students. Other areas of University-wide student support include: Housing, Health, Counselling, Study Support, Special Needs/Disability Advice and a highly successful Careers Service.

During your Media Performance course specific support will also be in place for you:

First Year students will receive a comprehensive generic induction in the week prior to the commencement of term. In addition to this, each level of your studies will be introduced by individual unit leaders to each unit in the first session of that unit. This introduction will give you an outline of the structure of the unit, an overview of the ways you will be encouraged to develop your knowledge and skills, and signpost resources and materials to assist the process of your learning and success.

You will have a Personal Tutor who will be one of your core academic team. This Personal Tutor will work with you throughout your degree, monitoring your academic progression and forming a consistent point of contact for academic support and guidance. This support may extend to providing advice on careers and further academic study.

At all times throughout your course, you will have access to online support through the BREO VLE (Virtual Learning Environment).

Team working

Teams within Media Performance form for collaborative work on many projects, with groups developing formally and informally to work on particular production projects. This enables peer and self assessment practices and develops the communication and personal skills, which are important in professional employment. Staff regularly work as part of students teams. They also involve students, particularly in the third years, whenever possible in professional work projects to increase practical and valid work experience.

Teams are not restricted within year groups. Projects are developed to enable students to gain experience of working in teams of diverse groupings some of which may be with students from other years, some of which may involve students and staff from other disciplines across the University.

This enables students to experience the diversity of input and involvement, which can operate in the media industry and to develop individual professional practice.

The University is regularly approached by local media organisations seeking to develop collaborative projects. These often enable students individually and in groups to work within professional industry teams gaining practical and professional experience during their course.

Career Management Skills

The Media Performance staff work closely with employers within the industry and the Centre for Personal and Career Development at the University of Bedfordshire. These links result in talks which students at all levels are able to attend, practical professional experience events in which students are encouraged to take part, and enable every student to build contacts and network within their area of interest.

In practical terms professional skills and values underpin this course and are an integral part of teaching and learning within all units. We assist every student to develop the ability to evaluate effectively and reflect on their own and work of others, and understand the demands and requirements of employers. Former graduates in the industry in different fields regularly return to outline their experiences and discuss opportunities with current undergraduates, which is very valuable. Links have also been established for alumni unable to visit in person to communicate via email and social networking sites with current students.

Throughout your course work experience is encouraged to enable you to understand the expectations of the industry and individual employers.

Career/Further study opportunities

Graduates are working in front of the camera, presenting on CBBC, community channel local news, internet sports radio, and news programmes. Other graduates have gone on to work behind the camera as members of production teams or work at Radio 1, Radio 1Xtra, KISS and BBC Local Radio. We have good connections with local radio stations around the University, with students and graduates gaining work experience both in the BBC and commercial stations.

This innovative degree will be of interest if you are considering a career within the media industry or are keen to develop skills relevant to working with the media.

The course is also designed to provide complementary routes, such as studying the creative and technical aspects of radio programme making, directing, script development, theatre and on location lighting and performance management.

All these creative and technical activities are integral to the success of any performance.

Media Performance graduates are working in front of the camera, presenting CBBC, local community channel local-news.tv, internet sports radio and news programmes at Anglia Television.

Others work behind the camera in creative and organisational roles as members of production teams.

Several students have entered the local radio station, BBC Three Counties Radio, which can provide a career route to national radio.

Further study:

Postgraduate courses at the University of Bedfordshire currently include a wide range of Media orientated Masters degree opportunities.

Opportunities are being increased within the Postgraduate Certificate on Working before the Camera.

Entry

Applicants will be required to attend a portfolio interview. Students living in EU countries will be expected to send in a showreel DVD.

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.
• Students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa cannot apply for our foundation courses. For these courses the University of Bedfordshire is not able to sponsor Tier 4 Student Visa applications.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Postgraduate taught courses

Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the  standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.

• UK/EU students application form
• International (non-EU) students application form
  

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Teaching Strategy

The focus of the Media Performance course is to enable you as an individual and a team member to develop specialist professional subject skills, a detailed knowledge of professional practice and process, an academic understanding of the subject area and to apply professional, informed evaluation to your work.

The teaching and learning strategy within Media Performance is in line with the Universitys underpinning Cre8 curriculum review and framework, which encompasses best practice within teaching and learning. Your Media Performance course has been carefully structured to ensure individual development, learning, valid assessment as part of the learning process, and relevance to the employability of all media performance students.

Close integration of theory and practice, the progressive nature of learning, assessment, feedback and progression is at the heart of the teaching and learning strategy of Media Performance at the University of Bedfordshire. Units are delivered through a range of teaching and learning modes including: lectures, practical classes, seminars, workshops and tutorials.

Self directed learning is essential for media performance students, in particular when seeking to grasp new concepts related to performance techniques, management, scriptwriting and directing. This is promoted by informed teaching, task setting in stages building to professional standard projects, online support and developing collaborative projects not just within year groups but across year groups.

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

N/A

Students with disabilities

The University of Bedfordshire is committed to ensuring that curricula across all courses are inclusive to all students. The Disability Advice Team is available to discuss any issues students may have and can provide services such as sign language interpreters, note takers, dyslexia screening / tuition and support with mobility on campus. They offer confidential advice and information about academic and personal issues, adjustments in examinations, applying for the Disabled Student's Allowances (DSA) and buying suitable equipment.

All students concerned that their studies may be affected by disability are encouraged to contact either their Field Chair, Course Leader or Personal Tutor for advice at whatever point in their course the need to do so becomes apparent.

Skills Development

Communication

To help with the development of this you will:

• Practice and be tested in presentations and performance based exercises that involve group work


• Explore the interactions between written and spoken word and between performance and audience associations


• Be asked to produce work of different lengths, formats, properly referenced


• Develop strategies and approaches to produce effective individual and group work


• Expand your written and oral skills to communicate with a variety of audiences

At level 2 you will be able to assess the quality of your own oral communication and identify areas for improvement and deliver written or presentation assignments which succeed in communicating a series of points effectively.

At level 3 you will produce a complex piece of work, which demonstrates a grasp of the vocal and visual vocabulary of the subject and deploys a range of skills of written expression appropriate to the subject.

Information Literacy

To help with the development of this you will:

• Be able to complete a complex search using appropriate primary and secondary sources and draw accurate conclusions independently using the subject methodology


• Receive induction on available IT sources from the subject librarian at several points during your studies and some modules include IT skills teaching


• Search and evaluate internet sources and analyse the data found using appropriate techniques


• Develop professional familiarity with industry standard hardware and software


• Understand the potential and employment of specific technical facilities and skills


• Through practice develop broadcast performing, recording, editing and production skills

Research and Evaluation

To help with the development of this you will:

• Appreciate the importance of effective and credible sources of research and know where to find and evaluate these sources


• Develop techniques and approaches to evaluate your work, and that of others effectively and constructively


• Develop effective research techniques


• Understand the values of differing resources collections

Creativity and Critical Thinking

To help with the development of this you will:

• Build an understanding of the requirements for constructive, informed criticism in developing creative work


• Develop confidence in your originality


• Analytically assess works across a range of disciplines and draw connections to your own work


• Create a synthesis between the many platforms and disciplines you encounter in your academic and professional practice

Improving learning and performance

Professional skills and values are an integral part of this course at every level. The progressive nature of the integrated teaching, learning, assessment, feedback and implementation of feedback is designed to enable you to maximise your knowledge and skills and their application in your work.

Progress files

Students have constant access to the transcript of their results and progression through the SITS E:Vision system and in addition to this formal statistical outline of your individual progress you are encouraged to have regular meetings with your Personal Tutor to assist the reflective process in monitoring your progress. Many students find it helpful to maintain a personal blog of their progress monitoring academic and skill development, which can be developed within the University platforms of either the BREO or the MAD Wiki.

Professional standards

The importance of professional standards of behaviour in terms of attitude, approach to your work, the basics of meeting deadlines and the brief, are an integral part of this course at every level. They are not only what is expected of you by employers but something which is important for you to develop as individuals for your own professionalism and employability. Professional standards of work, presentation and approach are introduced throughout your course in every unit to enable you to develop an awareness and automatic implementation of such standards at all times.

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

The content and structure of the course is built around what the industry expects from performers for the media to know, to understand and to do. These essentials are delivered within units at all levels by course tutors and visitors from the industry, through making work experience opportunities both in-house and with external employers available to students, and by encouraging networking and contact between undergraduates and industry professionals.

The Media Performance team of every student and all staff , aim to ensure that professional standards and practices underpin and form an integral part of our course at every level and within every unit.