SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS Faculty of Arts
THE UNIVERSIT Y OF OPPORTUNIT Y
SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS Faculty of Arts The Faculty of Arts is an exciting and vibrant place to be, where creativity and personal discovery go hand-in-hand with scholarship and academic endeavour. Whether your interest is Art and Design, Humanities, Media, or Performing Arts, each of our four Schools has a wide range of courses at postgraduate level, and you can look forward to studying in some inspirational surroundings using state-of-the-art technology. You’re welcome to contact us at any point if you’d like to talk more about our courses, or if you’re working on a research proposal to read for a PhD.
COURSES • Audio Technology (MSc) • Contemporary Theatre and Performance (MA) • Dance (MA) • Dance Science (MSc) • Music (MMus) • Music Technology (MSc by Research) • Musical Theatre (MA) • Performing Arts (MA by Research) • School of Performing Arts research degrees
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The School of Performing Arts has an impressive history shaped by contemporary arts practice. Studying with us will develop your performance and confidence, challenge your thinking and deepen your understanding of your chosen subject. You will study at arguably the most advanced performing arts space in higher education, the Performance Hub. In addition to its industry-standard equipment and magnificent rehearsal and performance spaces, we also boast all-Steinway school status. By joining our creative academic community, we’ll help you further develop your individual style – whether in dance, music or drama – preparing you for your future as a confident, capable practitioner. Full details of all courses and entry requirements can be found at: wlv.ac.uk/postgraduate
AUDIO TECHNOLOGY MSc Encompassing music computing, music interaction, studio product and sound for screen, the MSc in Audio Technology will enable you to actively participate in some of the most vibrant areas of contemporary practice and research.
WHY WOLVERHAMPTON? Our course staff are specialists in wellestablished areas of music technology (studio production, film sound, sound synthesis, acoustics) and flourishing areas of contemporary research (musical interaction, generative music). Based in the Performance Hub, the course benefits from state-of-theart facilities including two high-end recording studios based around SSL consoles and PMC monitors, a dedicated 5.1 surround sound listening room, and two bespoke technology suites with 60 Apple iMacs running industry-standard software including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Max, Pure Data and SuperCollider.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY?
FULL-TIME: 1 year
PART-TIME: 2 years
LOCATION: Walsall Campus
You will leave the course not only as an adept user of audio technology, but as someone able to actively shape and develop your own various hardware and software technologies, responding as necessary to future developments.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
provides robust foundation for your final Audio Technology Project. Acting as a summary of all that you have learned and as a portfolio, the Audio Technology Project provides an opportunity to plan and execute a substantial project in an area of personal specialism or interest. Innovative projects are encouraged, and there exists the potential for interdisciplinary study and/or collaboration with practitioners in other fields. Typical modules include: • Advanced Studio Practice • Sound on Screen • Music Computing • Musical Human-Computer Interaction.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? Assessment types include essays, practical portfolio, demonstrations/ presentations, reports and blogs.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: • MSc by Research in Music Technology • PhD in a music technology-related area
The topics you choose are supported by a technology-orientated Research and Development module that
START: Semester 1
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CONTEMPORARY THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE MA
FULL-TIME: 1 year
PART-TIME: 2 years
LOCATION: Walsall Campus
START: Semester 1
Our aim is to give you a systematic understanding and a critical and creative awareness of practice and theory at the forefront of the discipline. You will critically evaluate the current practice and theories and apply a comprehensive range of techniques to develop your own work.
As a teacher, it has given me more knowledge and practice which I have used in my own teaching practice as well as challenging my own perceptions of drama and performance. LENNY LOVE, MA CONTEMPORARY THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE
WHY WOLVERHAMPTON?
• Advanced Research Methods
You can develop a specialism in contemporary performance, in both practice and theory. Our state-ofthe-art performing arts and learning centre, The Performance Hub, features two bespoke drama studios that are ideal for rehearsals and small performances. The studios feature audiovisual equipment and facilities for hanging lighting for performances.
• Professional Practice.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY?
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
You could use the MA to develop your career as a teacher or lecturer, or as a youth/community worker. You could use your skills and knowledge as a performer, director, writer, or create your own small-scale touring theatre company. As a practitioner, you will have a deeper understanding of your craft and a qualification recognised by FE and HE establishments.
WHAT WILL I STUDY? Typical modules may include: • Advanced Performance Making • Performance: Body, Space and Identity 4 SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS
The choices open to you within modules will allow you to develop your own creative and academic voice across the course, but will also give you a firm grounding in the breadth of contemporary performance practice. A particular feature of the course is the integrated exploration of theory and practice.
A variety of modes including: coursework (normally written, often as a traditional academic essay); practicals – for example, internal performances/presentations with restricted audiences and/or public performances; a proposal – a document setting out a research project or other plan of work; and a portfolio.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: • MSc Dance Science • MA Dance • MA Musical Theatre • MPhil / PhD in Musical Theatre
DANCE MA
The MA in Dance will provide you with insight into contemporary debates on dance conventions and current trends in performance practice. Studies on this course will enhance your understanding of dance education, performance, histories, aesthetics or other disciplines currently influencing dance practices.
WHY WOLVERHAMPTON? The course includes practical as well as academic study and builds on the international reputations and expertise of our staff in dance practice, dance history, cultural studies and dance science. You will acquire an advanced knowledge of concepts, problems and traditions in dance and a capacity to apply that knowledge in a range of professional contexts.
FULL-TIME: 1 year
PART-TIME: 2 years
LOCATION: Walsall Campus
START: Semester 1
Our state-of-the-art performing arts and learning centre, The Performance Hub, boasts two bespoke dance studios with sprung floors, mirrored wall and equipment for sound and lighting requirements. You will engage in lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops led by lecturers or guest practitioners.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY? This course will deepen your understanding of dance and enhance your employment in dance-specific jobs, or allow you to progress onto PhD studies in Dance. Your newly acquired knowledge can also be applied across a range of art related fields or even beyond
the arts, as dance is applicable in a variety of contexts at all levels of society.
WHAT WILL I STUDY? Subject-specific modules including areas of somatic practice, cultural studies, professional practice, contextual studies and advanced research methods through tutor-led, student-led, and self-directed study. Learning will take place through practical dance classes, workshops, practical classes, studio-based practice, screenings, lectures, discussions (both online and in class), seminars, and tutorials.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? Assessments include, but are not limited to, compiling portfolios, academic writing, designing and delivering presentations, or the creation and public showings of practical works.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: • MA Contemporary Theatre and Performance • MSc Dance Science • MA Musical Theatre
SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS 5
DANCE SCIENCE MSc
FULL-TIME: 1 year
PART-TIME: 2 years
LOCATION: Walsall Campus
This course will offer you an in-depth understanding of the symbiotic relationship between science and art within dance. It is designed for graduates or those with recent, relevant professional experience as a dancer or teacher who wish to extend their understanding and use of dance science within a range of challenging and exciting professional and academic settings.
The MSc Dance Science is a revelatory and much-needed course that equips the awardee with the tools and skills, both physiological and psychological, to enable dancers to survive and thrive in today’s demanding professional dance sector. LOUISE CABRAL, MSC DANCE SCIENCE Louise is a former dancer, journalist, dance critic, and former Olivier Awards judge. She has an Oxford Blue in Dancesport. As a classical ballet dancer, she has performed with dancers from New York City Ballet and Boston Ballet.
START: Semester 1
WHY WOLVERHAMPTON?
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
Leading the way with a revolutionary look at how bodies and minds affect dance, the MSc in Dance Science provides a unique insight into the physical and psychological stresses to which a dancer is exposed. We are the only UK institution that offers separate modules in applied physiology, biomechanics and psychology at this level, and our staff are among the top experts in dance science worldwide. Our state-of-the-art exercise science laboratories allow students to gain practical skills and understanding of theoretical concepts during each module.
You will study a variety of modules which can help you develop skills unique to your situation. Modules offered are Dance Physiology, Psychology and Biomechanics, and Research Methods, before undertaking independent research in the form of Professional Practice (Dance Science support) and a dissertation.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY? This course provides the necessary knowledge and skill sets to have a direct influence on dancers within your role as an educator, dancer, choreographer, teacher or artistic director. You can also significantly improve your continuing professional development portfolio, or progress into undertaking dance science research and further study at doctoral level.
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Each taught module is one-week intensive and delivered during the summer and Easter vacation periods, and in January, which means you can plan your study effectively around work, family or other commitments.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? There are a variety of assessments including essays, portfolios, posters, lab reports and an exam.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: • MA Contemporary Theatre and Performance • MA Dance • MA Musical Theatre
MUSIC MMus This course offers a dual emphasis in Music Performance and Music Performance Studies, developing your knowledge and critical awareness of current trends and opportunities in the professional practice of music and musical performance.
FULL-TIME: 1 year
PART-TIME: 2 years
LOCATION: Walsall Campus
START: Semester 1
WHY WOLVERHAMPTON?
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
Our state-of-the-art Performance Hub has a diverse range of fully equipped music teaching, performance and practice rooms, two high-end professional recording studios, and two bespoke technology suites boasting 60 Apple iMacs running industry-standard software including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Max, Pure Data and SuperCollider. Our recording studios offer the perfect blend of digital and analogue technologies.
This course is aimed at successful graduates from Music or Popular Music courses who possess particular interests and strengths in music performance and leadership; musical direction and conducting; analysis and musicology; and composing and performing your own material. Modules combine elements of research methods and independent study.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY? The course will equip teachers, performers and music graduates with practical, critical, analytical and research skills. Employment opportunities include the professional music industry, education, music retail, community music, freelance performing, arts administration, and research assistantships/studentships.
Typical modules include: • Performing Music • Professional Practice • Shaping Music in Performance
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? Assessment may include presentations to camera or live audience, essays, performances, composition portfolios, events, studio recordings or other approaches by negotiation with tutors.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: • MA by Research in Music Technology • MPhil / PhD in Music
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MUSIC TECHNOLOGY MSc by Research
FULL-TIME: 1 year
PART-TIME: 2 years
LOCATION: Walsall Campus
This course offers an exciting opportunity to investigate an area of your own academic interest in the varied fields of audio programming, software and video games development, interactive music, room acoustics, interfaces and controllers, and other music technology-related areas.
START: Semester 1 or Semester 2
WHY WOLVERHAMPTON?
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
We are a thriving department of research-active academics in music technology. Innovative projects are encouraged, and there exists the potential for interdisciplinary and/ or collaboration with practitioners in other fields. As this course is taught by supervision, there is flexibility to arrange tutorials – either online or in person – around your work, family and other commitments.
You will need to complete an expression of interest form indicating your proposed topic, and admission will be based upon the successful agreement of this topic and the identification of appropriate supervision.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY? This course provides an excellent preparatory pathway into doctoral research, as well as offering professional enhancement. You can tailor your study towards your career pathway and combine it with your work schedule and other commitments. The course enables you to develop and evidence the acquisition of higher level skills in a wide range of subjects, and offers you access to career opportunities in diverse professions.
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You will be encouraged to demonstrate self-direction and autonomy under the supervision of published experts in their fields, and develop your theoretical and methodological understanding, engaging with current debates in some of the most vibrant areas of contemporary research.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? Under the guidance of your principal supervisor, you will write at least three extended non-assessed assignments or produce at least three pieces of practical work leading to a final assessed portfolio, which will include a viva voce examination.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: • MSc Audio Technology
MUSICAL THEATRE MA This course offers the opportunity of a residency to help you create, prepare and stage work in a theatre. Working closely with industry specialists, you will nurture the skills required to help you make a contribution to contemporary musical theatre.
WHY WOLVERHAMPTON?
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
The course enables you to focus on professional practice, as well as learning how to promote both yourself, as practitioner, academic and/or performer, and the work you create. More importantly, it creates an environment where you have to work collaboratively. You will have access to our state-of-the-art performing arts and learning centre, The Performance Hub.
Teaching and learning will normally take place through workshops, rehearsals, productions, practical classes, laboratory or studio-based practice, screenings, lectures, discussions (both online and in class), seminars, tutorials, and residency in the Arena Theatre. You also have the opportunity to take part in Musical Theatre West Midlands Writers’ Hub’s regular monthly composer/writer showcases.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY?
FULL-TIME: 1 year
PART-TIME: 2 years
LOCATION: Walsall Campus
START: Semester 1
You will foster flexible skills which can be applied to a wide range of career opportunities in the musical theatre industry and beyond, including teamwork skills, problem-solving, self-promotion, working to deadlines and critical thinking. Potential employment routes include writer, composer, choreographer, musical director, teacher or workshop facilitator, and marketing administrator.
You will be invited to attend optional musical theatre productions in the local area and nationally, and most years, students take an optional international field trip to a major city of musical theatre production. Future visits may include New York, Washington D.C. or Bochum in Germany.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: • MA Contemporary Theatre and Performance • MPhil / PhD in Musical Theatre • MA by Research in Performing Arts
SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS 9
PERFORMING ARTS MA by Research
FULL-TIME: 1 year
PART-TIME: 2 years
LOCATION: Walsall Campus
START:
This course offers an exciting new opportunity to follow an area of your own academic interest under the supervision of published experts in their field.
Semester 1 or Semester 2
WHY WOLVERHAMPTON?
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
You will be able pursue innovative experience of performing arts practices with the integral development of research and writing skills, self-direction and autonomy, working in and across disciplines that include dance, drama, music or musical theatre.
You will need to complete an expression of interest form indicating your topic, and admission will be based upon the successful agreement of this topic and the identification of appropriate supervision.
As this course is taught by supervision, there is flexibility to arrange tutorials – either online or in person – around your work, family and other commitments.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY? This programme provides an excellent preparatory pathway into doctoral research or enables you to tailor your study towards your career pathway. You will be able to combine it with your work schedule and other commitments. The wide range of subjects offered will provide relevant opportunities for individuals either within, or planning to enter, diverse professions to develop and evidence the acquisition of higher level skills.
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HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? Under guidance of your principal supervisor, you will write at least three extended non-assessed assignments or produce at least three pieces of practical work leading to a final, assessed portfolio, which will include a viva voce examination.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: • MA Contemporary Theatre and Performance • MA Dance • MMus Music • MA Musical Theatre
CENTRE FOR CREATIVITY, HISTORY AND IDENTITY IN PERFORMANCE (CCHIP) We pursue creative enquiry and critical analysis at the intersection of theory and performance practice. The group comprises Dance, Musical Theatre, Music and Sound, and Drama, and research specialisms across disciplines including:
• Theatre, science and philosophy • Identity in performance • Minimalism and experimental music • Sound and music computing Find out more at: wlv.ac.uk/arts
• New musical theatre research
RESEARCH DEGREES Study with us FULL-TIME: PhD: Up to 4 years MPhil: Up to 2 years
PART-TIME: PhD: Up to 8 years MPhil: Up to 4 years
LOCATION: City Campus and Walsall Campus
Our research opportunities in the Faculty of Arts cover a wide range of research areas based on the specialisms of our staff. We structure study in a different way to many universities, which means you won’t find specific course pages, but can look through our research interests and see if your area of study would fit with the expertise of our staff. Once you have found a member of the Faculty you think could potentially supervise your research, please fill in our initial enquiry form and let us know what you would like to research.
START: Any time throughout the year
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School of Performing Arts The Performance Hub Gorway Road Walsall WS1 3BD Tel: +44 (0)1902 322 898 arts@wlv.ac.uk @WLV_Arts WLVArts wlv.ac.uk/arts
This Faculty booklet describes in outline the programmes offered by the University of Wolverhampton. These, as well as other details, are correct at the time of going to print. However, programmes and modules can be added or withdrawn without notice. Support offered and other details are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information and list of programmes currently offered, as well as campus tours, student case studies, and lots more useful information, please visit: wlv.ac.uk/postgraduate We regularly review our courses to ensure they reflect the needs of students and employers. Courses advertised ‘subject to approval’ have successfully completed the first stage of the approval process. We welcome applications for these courses. However, their full academic detail is subject to final approval and may change – in rare instances a course may not run. If you have applied for a course that is subject to approval, our Admissions team will keep you informed of any changes to the advertised course. By accepting an offer from the University of Wolverhampton, a legal contract is formed between you and the University. The University’s terms and conditions and the course-specifi c information provided at the time of your offer form the basis of this contract. Admissions terms and conditions (found at: wlv.ac.uk/admissions-terms-and-conditions) contain important information you must carefully read before accepting your offer. The University’s Policies and Regulations webpages at: wlv.ac.uk/polsandregs also contain important information about rights and responsibilities, including complaints procedures.