Performance Studies/English Literature

This is the only degree of its kind in Britain, enabling you to study English with the new discipline of Performance Studies.

Performance Studies focuses on the live arts - dance, theatre, performance art, ritual and popular entertainment - and employs performance as an optic through which to examine a variety of representational practices, thereby widening understanding of performance as both a vital artistic practice, and as a means to understand historical, social and cultural processes.

Performance Studies provides an innovative, integrating, interdisciplinary and intercultural perspective on the continuum of human action, from theatre and dance to public ceremonies, virtual performance and the performance of everyday life.

Our course in Aberystwyth is one of the very first in Britain. It capitalises upon the presence in the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies of both the Centre for Performance Research (CPR) which organises many important conferences, exchanges and publications, as well as housing a useful library and Performance Studies International (PSI), the main membership organisation for Performance Studies academics.

What this course has to offer me

Excellent teaching

In the most recent assessment of teaching quality undertaken by government assessors, the Department of English was judged to offer teaching of excellent quality. The course employs a wide range of teaching methods including lectures, seminars and workshops. A variety of assessment methods - continuous assessment, seen and unseen examinations, and a dissertation - are also employed.

A friendly University

One of the major strengths of Aberystwyth is the close and friendly links which exist between staff and students. In addition to offering regular 'office hours' for consultation, staff operate an 'open door' policy so that students can consult them on any topic.

Excellent library and computing resources

The University's Hugh Owen Library has an extensive holding of texts for the study of all aspects of Performance Studies and English. These include the set texts, magazines, and specialist periodicals. In addition, the University is fortunate to have the National Library of Wales located next door to the campus. This is one of Britain's 5 great libraries entitled to receive a copy of every book published in Britain.

The Information Services department provides a comprehensive range of computing and information technology courses and facilities for English students. These include a range of specialist software and free access to the Internet. Training is provided to help support you at whatever level you have reached in Information Technology (from beginners to expert). Many of the computer terminal rooms are available on 24 hour access.

Performance facilities

The Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies has a wide range of areas available for performances. In addition, the University theatre, located next to the department, is the largest in west and north Wales. This major international arts venue provides a comprehensive range of performances from a wide range of companies and individuals, ranging from traditional to experimental theatre. Also linked to the Department is the world famous Centre for Performance Research and the journal Performance Studies.

Wide choice of modules

During each of the three years, you will have the ability to choose from a wide range of modules. The scheme has a central core of compulsory modules which ensure that you will acquire a thorough grounding in the fundamental range of knowledge and information expected of graduates in English and Performance Studies. In addition, you can choose modules which most suit your interests and future plans. Both English and Performance Studies can also be combined with a wide range of other subjects in joint honours degrees.

Transferable skills

The skills imparted through a Performance Studies/English Literature degree are highly valued by employers. All of our modules develop your oral and written communication skills. They will also help you to think critically and to express yourself creatively and effectively. Specialist training in information technology is also available to help you acquire word processing and computing skills.

Employability

For the past three years, the number of graduates of Aberystwyth who enter employment and training has been consistently higher than the national average. On average, graduates earn 65% more over their working lives than non-graduates. Amongst the professions that recent graduates of English and Irish have entered are: broadcasting, journalism, publishing, teaching, the civil service, business, marketing and finance.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Mature applicants
If you are over 21, you can apply to Aberystwyth as a mature student. We welcome such students because of their high motivation and wide experience.

Welsh Baccalaureate
Aberystwyth welcomes the Welsh Baccalaureate as a valuable qualification in its own right and fully supports the inclusion of the WBQ Core in the UCAS tariff (120 points).

Vocational qualifications
Vocational qualifications provide a good preparation for entry to related and most non-related degree schemes.

If you are an overseas applicant, we will be pleased to advise you individually on entry qualifications. Our courses are taught in English and you will need to have a good command of the language

Key Skills
The Application of Number at level 3 will be accepted by the Institute of Biological Sciences and the Institute of Rural Sciences as an adequate substitute for GCSE Maths. An A* to C pass in GCSE English or Welsh continues to be an institutional requirement, but in certain cases Key Skills Communication at level 3 will be acceptable in lieu of GCSE English or Welsh. Key Skills at level 3 if offered, will be included in offers and given appropriate weighting in line with the UCAS National Tariff.