Acting and Philosophy & Ethics BA (Hons)

ACTING BA (HONS)

*This course is for 2025 entry only

Demand for individuals with knowledge and skills in the field of acting and performance is growing. This BA equips students with knowledge and understanding of history and practice of acting, and the skills to apply this knowledge to real-life settings across different disciplines.

The course provides an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the core areas of acting (histories and contemporary practices) and the opportunity to apply theories, methods, and approaches from drama, theatre and performance. Students will gain a critical understanding of acting plays a key role in local, national, and global contexts. They will also be supported to develop knowledge and awareness of contemporary issues in acting and the performing arts.  

Situated within the School of Creative and Performing Arts, and taught by professors and lecturers from across the school, the course provides an intellectually stimulating environment in which students will acquire skills of critical thinking, independent learning and acting techniques. The transferable skills developed through the course will be relevant to a range of careers including teaching, mentoring, educational settings, and as well as equipping students for acting for the stage and screen.

PHILOSOPHY & ETHICS

Philosophy and Ethics explores the big questions of life and morality: on what basis do we judge things good or evil? It challenges you to examine your assumptions, opinions and worldview. Do we need to believe in God for life to have meaning – or have the arguments for the existence of God broken down? What does it mean to be human? Do we have free will, or is our life completely determined?

Through close attention to the primary texts of philosophers such as Plato, Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, Kant and Nietzsche, our Philosophy and Ethics degree will help you learn to analyse and evaluate arguments, and to compose and communicate your own ideas in a reasoned way. You will have a grounding in the foundational questions of philosophy. As you progress, you will look in depth at philosophy of religion, political philosophy, applied ethics and issues of human personhood, artificial intelligence, ecology and animality.

The degree is taught by a core team of critical academics who are passionate about teaching and are internationally recognised researchers and writers. This degree will equip you with the intellectual skills and perspectives needed to face the ethical and ideological challenges of the contemporary world.