Summary
- Campus
- City Centre , Millennium Point
- Duration
- Full-time (MA): 1 year
Part-time (MA): 2 years
Full-time (PgDip): 9 months
Part-time (PgDip): 18 months
- Fees
- 2012/2013 MA: £8,390 per year
2012/2013 MA (Part-time): £4,600 per year
2012/2013 PgDip: £7,860 per year
2012/2013 PgDip (Part-time): £3,930 per year
2012/2013 (International): £14,200 per year
Overview
This course is intended for graduates who wish to undertake advanced studies in voice in order to pursue careers as voice professionals, who seek specialised practice and study in voice and speech. Whilst the foundation of the course is rooted in the principles of healthy vocal use, it will not focus on a particular system or regime.
The course has been developed with the support of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) Voice Department and text based work is at the heart of this course. The course will concentrate on an approach to working with language developed by Cicely Berry. The course will also offer some opportunities to work with the singing voice as approaches to spoken and sung text are becoming increasingly important for the voice professional. Birmingham School of Acting also has a working relationship with the Voice Clinic of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.
Course Outline
Course Structure
This course provides an opportunity to study in depth the theory and practice of working with the voice. Sound theoretical underpinning is provided by a study of anatomy and physiology, phonology, and voice pedagogy. Simultaneously, the student develops their own vocal instrument through a study of practical voice work, practical work on text, and singing.
The student’s teaching skills are developed through micro teaching, teaching practice and/or professional placements within local theatres and regional drama schools. The course also develops independent research skills, and in the final term of the course the MA student produces a research project/dissertation. The course will feature guest lecturers from a range of practitioners, including renowned voice teachers and coaches as well as laryngologists, speech therapists and other voice professionals.
Placements
The RSC will provide guest lectures and, for suitably qualified candidates, a maximum of two placements each year. Other students will gain experience through placements within the Birmingham School of Acting, local theatre companies and regional drama schools. An emphasis is placed, in the first instance, on the individual personal development of the student’s own voice through practical work on voice and text (spoken and sung).
After your studies
Employment Opportunities
The future careers of those who graduate from this course will be wide ranging. Many may wish to become voice teachers or coaches working within the realms of actor training, or within the professional theatre and film industries. Some may wish to develop their own private practice.
Some may wish to promote and to develop voice work in the wider community, working in Higher Education or seeking opportunities to promote voice work in commercial or industrial fields. Some graduates may choose to work in the primary and secondary educational system, developing ways of working with language as part of the English or Drama curriculum, informed by their knowledge of healthy vocal use. Some individuals may wish to specialise further as vocal coaches working with the singing voice in the field of speech therapy.
Entry Requirements & Applications
Entry Requirements
This course is likely to appeal to those who already have an interest in and some knowledge of voice: actors, drama graduates, teachers, speech therapists, singers and musicians with a particular interest in vocal music.
- You should normally possess a first degree, performance diploma or equivalent qualification.
- You will also be considered if you do not meet the above entry requirements, but possess an appropriate level of performance skills and professional experience.
Admission to this course is via audition and interview. Please see our Guidance for Applicants for more information.
Application Details
Applications for this course should be made online, directly to us at the School, using the link below.
Please download and read the Guidance for Applicants before making your application.
Download Guidance for Applicants
We’re piloting a new application form. To ensure that you don’t experience any delays with your application due to our new system, please send an email to Marie Greene after you have submitted your form, stating your name and date of application.
Apply online for this course
Enquiries
We have Frequently Asked Questions sections relating to applying to drama school and to auditioning. If these sections haven’t answered your questions, please feel free to get in touch with us:
Tel: +44 (0)121 331 7220
Email: bsaadmissions@bcu.ac.uk
Fees Notes
If you already have an equivalent level qualification, you may be charged a higher fee for your course. For further information visit the fees area of the Student Info section.