Aberystwyth University launches new theatre industry qualification

Aberystwyth University is offering individuals in the theatre industry the chance of gaining a free Higher Education qualification through the Work Based Learning Programme (WBL) funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.
The WBL Programme provides concise, bite sized University accredited courses that are designed to be completed while an employee or employer continues to work and will allow a person to gain a maximum of 60 University credits, the equivalent of a University diploma.
Richard Cheshire, the WBL project leader at Aberystwyth University, explains: “We are offering two courses which aim to extend and improve their knowledge and understanding of theatre-making processes and practices.
“People who apply may be eligible for full or part funding for the courses. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain a higher education qualification because the job market is getting more and more competitive and it will no doubt improve the skills and knowledge of the individuals.”
The University’s Vice Chancellor, April McMahon, adds: “One of our objectives is to create more opportunities for people who study here through developing their skills and maximising their potential.
“The wonderful thing about the Work Based Learning Programme is that an individual can gain a University qualification whilst still working which could greatly improve an individual’s personal and career development.”
To qualify for funding you will need to be employed in the private sector and living or working in the Convergence Region of Wales which contains 15 local authorities in Wales and includes Ceredigion, Gwynedd, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.
Aberystwyth will offer two courses, the first being a Mentoring Theatre Practitioners course which aims to improve an individual’s critical and creative skills in the areas of acting, theatre directing, designing and technical and stage management.
The second is a Creative Company Development course, which will provide employees engaged in the performing arts industry the opportunity of developing and extending their creative and subject specific skills.
With courses starting in May 2013 and expected to take three months to complete on a part-time basis, those with an interest in perusing these courses should call Rebecca Edwards at the Department of Theatre Film & Television Studies (TFTS) at Aberystwyth University on 01970 621651.

Photo above - Launching the Aberystwyth University Work Based Learning Programme are (Left to Right) Tony Orme, Enterprise Manager, Richard Cheshire, Work Based Learning Programme Project Leader, Professor April McMahon, Vice-Chancellor, and Dr Sarah Prescott, Director of the Institute of Literature, Languages and Creative Arts.

Work Based Learning
The £3.2bn Structural Funds programmes 2007-2013 in Wales include the Convergence programmes for West Wales and the Valleys (the successor to Objective 1), and the Regional Competitiveness and Employment programmes for East Wales. The programmes are delivered through the Welsh Government and are aimed at creating employment opportunities and boosting economic growth.

TFTS
The Department provides high-quality learning, teaching and research opportunities for students drawn from the populations of Wales, the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond. As one of the largest and most significant Departments of its kind, its historic mission is to address the diverse needs and aspirations of its stakeholders and constituents. The Department is committed to conducting leading-edge research and providing innovative programmes across the range of its disciplines through both the Welsh and English languages. The Department prides itself on nurturing and developing the scholars and industry leaders of the future. Learning and professional development opportunities exist across the range of the Department’s disciplines.

Aberystwyth University
Established in 1872, Aberystwyth (www.aber.ac.uk) is a leading teaching and research university and was awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2009. Aberystwyth University is, according to The Times Good University Guide 2013 among the top 10 UK universities for student satisfaction. We are a community of 12,000 students and 2,300 staff.
Aberystwyth University is about creating opportunities, research with excellence that makes an impact, teaching that inspires, engaging the world, working in partnership and investing in our future. Registered charity No 1145141.
Find out more at http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/