Contemporary Performance (MA)

Program Overview

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This MA in Contemporary Performance provides an interdisciplinary and multicultural perspective on current performance practices and research. It guides students in conceiving, developing, and delivering creative ideas through engagement with cutting-edge theories and practices, bridging the arts with science and ritualistic practices. The program prepares graduates for careers in various sectors, including performing arts, arts administration, education, research, cultural policy, and community engagement.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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Overview

This MA program in Contemporary Performance provides an interdisciplinary and multicultural perspective on current performance practices and research. It guides students in conceiving, developing, and delivering creative ideas through engagement with cutting-edge theories and practices, bridging the arts with science and ritualistic practices. The program is designed for practitioners, curators, and researchers with a broad interest in performance and its applications to various strands of contemporary cultural practice.

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Objectives

• Develop a mature and critical understanding of diverse creative forms and their historical and cultural contexts.
• Create new forms and contexts for performance, theatre, and dance that respond to emerging social, political, and ecological issues.

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Distinctive Features

• Excellent amenities and facilities enhanced by a wide local and international network of professional organizations.
• Located in the Creative Campus of Liverpool Hope University, which consists of two beautiful Grade II Listed buildings with state-of-the-art facilities.
• Close partnerships with major cultural institutions in Liverpool, such as Tate Liverpool, the Bluecoat, and FACT.

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Outline

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Program Content

The program focuses on contemporary performance practices and research, exploring the role of performance in cultural production, social engagement, and personal development.

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Program Structure

The program consists of four modules:

• Contemporary Practice Research
• Performance Ecologies
• Major Project

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Course Schedule and Modules

• Contemporary Practice Research: This module introduces students to the latest discourses on research, encouraging debate around cultural practices and their contribution to knowledge production.
It emphasizes trans-disciplinary practices and research methods, drawing on scholarly literature on practice-research approaches and real-world examples.

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Assessments:

• Bid Presentation Portfolio - 20%
• Audio/Visual Reflection Portfolio - 30%
• Written Essay - 30%
• Public Profile Portfolio - 20%
It focuses on wellbeing, social justice, digital creativity, and environmental sustainability. The module guides students in exploring art and performance making beyond established categories, fostering experiences that are socially and ecologically responsible.

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Assessments:

• Public Presentation Performance – 30%
• Performative Response Performance – 70%
• Major Project: This module builds on the learning from previous modules, allowing students to articulate and refine their individual artistic practices.
It focuses on developing sophisticated thinking and engagement relevant to contemporary artistic settings. Students engage in self-directed learning, receiving support to tailor a performance project to their strengths and interests.

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Assessments:

• Performance (or equivalent) Practical Exam (Viva) - 50%
• Dissertation (or equivalent) - 50%

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Assessment

Assessments vary depending on the module and may include:

• Written essays
• Presentations
• Portfolios of creative work
• Performance pieces
• Dissertations

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Teaching

The program is taught by experienced academics and practitioners with expertise in contemporary performance. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Individual tutorials
• Group work
The program also benefits from guest lectures and workshops by visiting artists and scholars.

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Careers

This MA prepares graduates for careers in various sectors, including:

• Performing arts
• Arts administration
• Education
• Research
• Cultural policy
• Community engagement
The program also equips students with the skills and knowledge to pursue further academic study or develop independent artistic careers.

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Other

• The program offers a unique opportunity to study contemporary performance in a vibrant cultural city like Liverpool.
• Students have access to excellent facilities, including two theaters, two dance studios, and two black box performance spaces.

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UK/EU Tuition Fees