Performing Arts Top-Up Degree in Purfleet

Cost£9,790.00
Duration12 months
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime

About this course

Performing Arts Top-Up Degree in Purfleet. Classes run at South Essex College Thurrock Campus, full-time over one year.

The course is validated by the University of the Arts London. It is designed for students who have completed an HND in Performing Arts and want to top up to a full BA (Hons). You will explore current industry trends, employment routes, and entrepreneurial approaches to building a sustainable career. Units encourage you to cross performance specialisms, broadening your skill set across acting, dance, and related disciplines.

You will finish with a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts.

Who this course is for

This course is validated by the University of the Arts London (UAL)

In response to the present employment climate within the Performing Arts sector, it is important for students to recognise that to navigate a successful career which is both sustainable and has longevity requires adaption and a multifaceted approach. Through the proposed third year Top Up programme, students will have the opportunity to audit and evaluate their own skills set in relation to the myriad of employment opportunities available to them.

At level six, students will be encouraged to expand their awareness of the diverse nature of the Performing Arts Sector. The proposed structure will enable students to create their own bespoke learning experience, crossing performance specialisms, allowing for extended diversity to their individual career development. With units designed specifically to facilitate student’s growth as emerging practitioners, critical analysis within a plural context of current industry expectations will allow students to navigate their own unique career path. Theoretical scrutiny of underpinning theories, approaches and contextual factors which have influenced the art form, will support personal lines of enquiry and the critical evaluation of their own adaptability and entrepreneurial attitude for sustainable employment.

Entry requirements

240 credits (120 at Level 4 and 120 at Level 5) achieved through a Performing Arts qualification IELTS (Academic) 6 IELTS 6.0 - minimum 5.5 across all components (Academic) 6 Other qualifications may be considered Audition set by the course team, personal statement and reference

This course is a top up year for the following programmes: Performing Arts (Dance Pathway) (HND) Performing Arts (Acting Pathway) (HND)

What you will learn

  • You'll evaluate your own skills in relation to industry employment opportunities.
  • You'll explore current trends and expectations within the performing arts sector.
  • You'll develop an entrepreneurial approach to building a sustainable career.
  • You'll cross performance specialisms to extend the diversity of your practice.
  • You'll examine underpinning theories and contextual factors that have shaped the art form.
  • You'll create a bespoke learning experience tailored to your own career development.
  • You'll prepare a personal strategy for navigating your own unique career path.

How you will learn

Classes are delivered on campus at South Essex College Thurrock Campus. Learning combines practical performance work, theoretical study, and industry-focused workshops. Guest speakers and visiting lecturers contribute to the programme. Entry to the course requires an audition set by the course team, a personal statement, and a reference.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Essex College Thurrock Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start. The course fee includes guest speakers, visiting lecturers, industry workshops, and an annual printing credit of £20. Event and exhibition costs are covered by the Faculty of HE.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Actor, performs in theatre, film, television, or digital productions.
  • Dancer, works in professional dance companies, touring shows, or commercial productions.
  • Performing arts practitioner, delivers workshops and community arts projects.
  • Drama facilitator, leads participatory theatre and education programmes.
  • Choreographer, creates and directs movement for stage or screen.
  • Arts producer, manages and develops performing arts projects and events.
  • Performing arts teacher, delivers training in schools or private studios.

What you could study next

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Drama or Dance, if you want to teach in secondary schools.
  • MA in Performing Arts or Theatre Practice, for deeper specialist study and research.
  • MA in Arts Management, useful if you move toward producing or running arts organisations.

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