Performance and Visual Practices

The masters degree in Performance and Visual Practices is an interdisciplinary programme that facilitates practical and theoretical research across different fields of enquiry, whilst providing links to a network of local and national arts agencies and venues.

Designed to reflect a contemporary visual culture in a state of flux, the course is marked by a shift away from discreet disciplines and familiar dialogues towards a culture of expanded and interdisciplinary practices, such as site-specific performance, installation, screendance, sound art, and devised visual theatre.

The MA Performance and Visual Practices is designed to run in both full-time and part-time mode. Practice units include a lecture series titled Performance Unlimited, seminars and workshops to investigate experimental art practices, alongside other fields of research such as science, philosophy and ecology.

Students will have the opportunity to access expertise from across the Faculty of Arts through a Mentoring unit, and to exchange ideas and undertake collaborations with colleagues from across the Faculty. This is facilitated through shared seminars and lectures led by the Faculty of Arts Research Student Division and the Arts Practices & Performance Research Institute.

What will I study?

The course includes opportunities to acquire practical skills in digital media and technical production in sound and lighting, negotiating and collaborative skills, as well as skills enabling independent learning and self-directed initiatives.

Students on the programme will also be offered the opportunity to consider and resolve issues of Health & Safety that may arise within professional contexts, as well as developing an awareness of the ethical concerns that may be implicit in the work of students and professional artists.

Independent modes of enquiry will be instigated by student's experience and their individual study proposals. These projects will be supported by a historical and philosophical framework that underpins and informs interdisciplinary practice, alongside expanded approaches to research.

• Expanded Disciplines and Integral Structures

• A lecture series titled Performance Unlimited

• Final Exhibition/ Performance

• Mentoring units (optional)

• Theoretical Enquiry units include:

• Research and Practice Methodologies units

• Dissertation