Drama Diploma

Name: Drama Diploma
SKU: ODL59
Price: 569 GBP

This Quality Assured QLS Level 3 Drama Diploma courses is aimed at providing the necessary instruction for the experienced learner to gain an understanding of drama.

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Level 3 / Quality Licence Scheme / ODL59

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Course summary

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Course introduction

Drama has been with us from the very beginning. Students will have the opportunity to study various pieces of work ranging from the work of the legendary William Shakespeare to J B Priestley.

This course is designed to appeal to those who wish to develop a sound knowledge of drama, and will provide a basis on which to study other drama related topics. It will also be suitable for those who have a personal interest in the drama.

Materials can be studied online or there is also the option to have the printed materials delivered for an additional charge of £65.

This course is not intended to be simply entertaining or offer delightful and easily readable works. Its aim is to challenge the student, to ask the student to consider the audience of the period and the contemporary audience, and additionally the student and his/her own viewpoint and attitude.

This Diploma is a journey into the world of Drama. It is an excellent advance stage course for the student who is willing to undertake extensive reading and capable of producing essays at an advanced level.

Required knowledge

No previous knowledge or experience is essential to study this course.

Assessment

Final online multiple choice examination counts for 100% of the final grade. Throughout the course there are ten SAPs (coursework) and a thesis. The course clearly states that this is not mandatory to complete as it has no bearing on the final grade. We do suggest that students complete these as this will not only assist them in examination preparation but also will give the student the skill set should they wish to continue their studies (continuous professional development) at a higher level.

Certification

At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from Quality Licence Scheme and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the components the learner has completed as part of the course).

The course has been endorsed under the Quality Licence Scheme. This means that the provider has undergone an external quality check to ensure that the organisation and the courses it offers, meet defined quality criteria. The completion of this course alone does not lead to a regulated qualification* but may be used as evidence of knowledge and skills gained. The Learner Unit Summary may be used as evidence towards Recognition of Prior Learning if you wish to progress your studies in this subject. To this end the learning outcomes of the course have been benchmarked at QLS Level 3 against level descriptors published by Ofqual, to indicate the depth of study and level of demand/complexity involved in successful completion by the learner.

The Quality Licence Scheme is part of the Skills and Education Group, a charitable organisation that unites education and skills-orientated organisations that share similar values and objectives. With more than 100 years of collective experience, the Skills and Education Group’s strategic partnerships create opportunities to inform, influence and represent the wider education and skills sector.

The Skills and Education Group’s knowledge and experience of working within the awarding sector enables them to work with training providers, through the Quality Licence Scheme, to help them develop high-quality courses and/or training programmes for the non-regulated market.

*Regulated qualification refers to those qualifications that are regulated by Ofqual / CCEA / Qualification Wales

Course modules

Module 1: Introduction
This Unit is the introduction to Drama. It introduces the genre of the 'drama' its history and features. The unit considers the essential principles of drama in the theatre and a guide to its associated terminology. This introductory module will present explanations of concepts such as falling action, irony, narrative structure and open the door for the student to the world of drama.

Reading drama is very different to reading prose or poetry and this module will provide the student with the relevant tool-kit to both understand and enjoy dramatic texts.

Module 2: As You Like It, William Shakespeare
Students will study the work of William Shakespeare, his background, his plays and his many talents. As You Like It is a comedy, a romp into the woods through the means of cross dressing and misleading identity.

The student will observe the immense scope of Shakespeare's capabilities. The extent to which he guided the audience to participate with the actor's in the charms of the Forest of Ardenne and challenges of courtly life are as amusing and intriguing as they were in Shakespeare's time.

As You Like It is a mockery of 'love' in the romantic sense, how and why this is will be the subject of this module.

Module 3: Othello, William Shakespeare
Looks closely at William Shakespeare to discover why and how his work has endured. What qualities does it comprise and is it relevant to the contemporary audience.

The tragedy Othello covers the gamut of emotions that are part and parcel of the human condition. Loves, hate, jealousy all combine to destroy Othello and the innocents around him. From Elizabethan times to the twenty first century the same culture clashes occur, the radical, enlightening, dissident William Shakespeare approaches the issues of social identity, colour of skin and marginalisation with a force that other playwrights rarely achieve.

Module 4: The Cherry Orchard, Anton Pavlevich Chekov
The Cherry Orchard covers the period after the Russian serfs were liberated in the 19th century. The focus is on the lives of a Russian family and their friends after this event. The play covers a period of 6 months but the uniqueness of each individual's life experience covers the historical past. The play focuses on family connections and separations and the rise and fall of social classes. Ultimately the former serf gains control of the aristocratic family's property and land.

Module 5: Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller
Death of a Salesman, has long been regarded as Arthur Miller's most fascinating piece of work. He was 1 of America's most highly regarded playwrights to emerge after the Second World War along with 10nessee Williams (module 7).

In this module the student will study Miller's best known play, Death of a Salesman. The play identifies the personal strengths which are limited and personal weaknesses of the characters.

The play examines the lack of communication within one family and the protagonist, Willy Loman's inability to address the reality of his fading career. Willy Loman should be enjoying retirement but as his career success evaporates he loses touch with reality and his past and present begin to merge. At its core the play denounces the myth of the American Dream.

Module 6: Pygmalion, George Bernard Shaw
Shaw was an Irish dramatist, literary critic, a socialist spokesman, and a leading figure in the 20th century theatre. He was an intellectual free spirit, fierce defender of women's rights, and advocated equality of income. In 1925 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Shaw accepted the honour but refused the money.

Based on classical myth, Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion highlights the complexities of human relationships in a world pre-occupied with social class. Phonetics Professor Henry Higgins tutors the very Cockney Eliza Doolittle, not only in the refinement of speech, but also in the refinement of her manner. The ending however results in the creation of a prim, proper and very ladylike Miss Doolittle demonstrating that simple lessons can have wide ranging results and that dialect is not indicative of intellect. The successful musical My Fair Lady was based on this Bernard Shaw classic.

Module 6:will present the learner with a comedy which is amusing and entertaining and is an observation of patronizing values and ideals in the early twentieth century.

Module 7: A Streetcar Named Desire, 10nessee Williams
Originally published as a book in 1951 an edition for actors was published in 1953. A Streetcar Named Desire is the story of an emotionally-charged confrontation between characters representing the American South's deeply held and traditional values alongside the transformation that was becoming the world of modern America. The play has been reformed several times before developing into this final version. Initially it focused on an Italian family, with an additional Irish brother in law being added. Finally Tennessee Williams created 2 Southern American belles and a Polish American male to highlight the cultural and social class differences. It is a play about alcoholism and its effects, madness, sexual violence, culture clashes and tensions all of these themes and associated ideas will be looked at in the context of the time.

Module 8: An Inspector Calls, J B Priestley
J P Priestley JP Priestley was fascinated by time and the thought that things could go a certain way until you got to a certain juncture, when they could go either route A or route B. An Inspector Calls leaves the reader with the uncertainty of not knowing which way time is going.

The introductory module is to lead the student to comprehend differing dramatic texts, the skills and knowledge acquired from the introductory module will be applied to J B Priestley's An Inspector Calls..

Module 9: Top Girls, Caryl Churchill
In the introduction to this course it is stated that not all the dramatic texts will necessarily be enjoyable. The aim of this Diploma is to offer a wider understanding of drama, its features and the diversity of range.

Top Girls is a distinctive play which deals with the challenges for women both in the workplace and society. The play was first performed in 1982 and belongs to the canon of women's theatre. This does not however eliminate the male reader rather it provides him with an insight into the female psyche and challenges women face.

Caryl Churchill utilizes atypical methods in this drama such as nonlinear construction, intersecting dialogue and a combination of fantasy and reality.

It has been said that it is a work 'about nothing simple and easily capsulated'. However, dramas as all literary texts are open to individual comment and interpretation and the student may well dismisses this work as unimportant or find it dynamic and enjoyable.

Module 10: Educating Rita, Willy Russell
Willy Russell said, "I wanted to make a play which engaged and was relevant to those who considered themselves uneducated, those whose daily language is not the language of the university or the theatre. I wanted to write a play which would attract, and be as valid for, the Ritas in the audience as the Franks." Willy Russell. This module is a small and focused play is enlightening it takes the reader/audience on the protagonist's journey of self discovery.

Module 10:observes Russell's personal humorous tribute to night school and on a deeper level the opportunities that further education can bring to the adult learner.

Educating Rita was commissioned by The Royal Shakespeare Company and performed in 1980 at The Warehouse. Since then it has played worldwide and the student will be guided to consider why and how it has retained its popularity.

Learner support

12 Months Tutor Support. Tutors are available to answer student questions relating to course materials and to comment on the assignments that are sent in to state how well students have understood the unit content.

FAQs

What does NCC stand for?

NCC originally stood for the National Consortium of FE (Further Education) Colleges. This brought together the FE Colleges to achieve the best provision. Regular national meetings were attended by both Colleges and Government agencies who funded them. This was very helpful to them both to best deliver training to their students.

For more than 25 years NCC has supplied FE Colleges with learning materials as well as student marketing.

NCC now specialise in online training of a very high quality to students both self-funded, paid for by schools, employers and training providers.

What is distance learning?

Distance learning is the most flexible and convenient approach to studying. There is no need for you to attend college and you can study anytime, anyplace, anywhere that fits in with your lifestyle. Distance learning programmes are ideal for people who may have a job, family commitments, or any other commitment that won’t allow them time off to study.

What is the difference between the online and paper versions of courses?

Both our online and paper courses are completed via an online learning portal (LMS) which you can access after you receive your login details by email. Please ensure that you check your junk email if you do not receive your login details within 48 hours.

All learners will submit their assignments, receive feedback and correspond with their tutor directly through the LMS. If you require help from our support team, then simply email [email protected].

If you opt for the online course, you will not receive any course materials through the post. Everything is available via the LMS.

If you opt for the paper version, you are simply paying for a study book to be printed and posted to your home, or place of work. You will use this book as a reference guide, but you will still be required to upload your assignments and correspond with your tutor via the LMS.

If you are unable to access our online LMS, we do have alternative options available, so please email [email protected] in order to request further support.

What do I need to do to get started?

We recommend that you choose a course that will interest you and help you to achieve your ambitions. If you would like some advice, or further information, contact us here or dial 0333 3445 690.

To purchase a course, simply click on the ‘Buy now’ button against your chosen course and follow the on screen instructions. Alternatively if you would prefer to purchase the course over the phone, call 0333 3445 690 and speak to one of our expert course advisors.

How much will it cost?

The price largely depends on the size and duration of the course. The course cost is determined by the expenses associated with its provision, taking into consideration the course's size and complexity, development costs, study materials, and the level of tutor support required. Some courses also necessitate additional in-person assessments by assessors, which incur additional expenses and consequently affect the course's cost.

The cost for each course is always listed clearly on the course description page before you make a purchase.

Additionally, extra fees may apply for courses that require externally monitored assessments (such as A Levels or ICB qualifications). For more details, it's best to consult with one of our course advisors.

How do I enrol?

Once you've chosen your course, you have two options for enrolment:

You can purchase the course online by clicking the "Buy now" button, which will enrol you automatically.
Alternatively, you can call our helpline at 0333 3445 690, and our expert course advisors will assist you in signing up for the course and arrange for the delivery of any requested additional learning materials to your address.

All courses are available to purchase in full or via affordable monthly payments over 12 months. A £29 non-refundable deposit is required for monthly payments, and you will be required to set up a monthly direct debit.

We do not require you to complete a credit check to sign up for monthly payments.

How quickly will I receive my course materials?

We ensure that you will receive your ordered course materials within 5 working days of registration, though for many courses, delivery may take as little as 48 hours.

Your course materials will be sent through a tracked courier service to guarantee delivery of your study book within the specified timeframe.

Do I need any additional books or equipment to do my course?

All the relevant information required to complete your course is available via the LMS. Additional research via the internet is encouraged, depending on the level you are working at, to bolster knowledge of the subject area.

There is no requirement to purchase any additional materials.

What support will I receive?

You will have access to a dedicated personal tutor whom you can contact through the Learning Management System (LMS) for assistance and guidance on any course-related matters. Your tutor will only initiate contact in response to your messages. If you encounter any difficulties reaching your tutor, please don't hesitate to email us at [email protected].

Many courses require you to submit work to your tutor during the period of study, and your tutor will assess your work and provide feedback to you within 10 working days. Your tutor is available to you as much as you need them.

Please note that the course includes tutor support for a duration of 12 months. If you require additional time, please inform us, and we will make every effort to provide you with an option for a paid extension, if feasible, to assist you in completing your course.

Please be aware that our tutors are actively assisting multiple learners, and to ensure they are not inundated with excessive workloads, we have implemented a policy limiting learners to submitting a maximum of three units of work for evaluation at any given time. We recommend that you upload your completed units as you finish them. This way, you can benefit from your tutor's feedback to enhance your future assignment submissions.

How long will it take for my work to be marked by my tutor?

Your work will be marked and feedback returned to you within 10 working days after submission. This is because our tutors are required to provide detailed, considered feedback to our learners that may take a while to formulate. We find that by working this way, our learners actually complete their course in less time, as they rarely need to submit an assignment more than twice.

Whilst it is possible to submit multiple assignments at the same time, we advise that our learners submit only one at a time. We want our learners to develop as they progress through their course, and find this is best achieved when a student embarks on a new module having taken into account tutor feedback from the previous submission.

Kindly note that our tutors are currently supporting multiple learners simultaneously. In order to maintain a balanced workload for them, we have established a policy that restricts learners to submitting a maximum of three units of work for evaluation at any given time.

How long should it take to complete a course?

The time needed to complete your course depends on the specific course you've chosen and the time you're able to dedicate. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 12 months. You'll usually have up to 12 months from the date of purchase to complete your course if you wish to receive your certificate, this is your end of support date.

One of the biggest advantages of distance learning is the flexibility it offers. You can study at your own pace, fitting your coursework around your personal schedule and commitments. There's no pressure—no one will be chasing you to submit work or asking why you haven't turned in an assignment.

That said, we recommend considering your availability before enrolling to ensure you can devote enough time to stay motivated and complete the course within a reasonable timeframe.

Will I have to sit an examination?

All of our courses are fully accredited, and to successfully complete them, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding. Depending on the course you choose, this could involve an examination, but the assessment methods can vary.

For some courses, you'll be continuously assessed throughout your studies, while others may require a final exam or an assignment, which can be done from home and submitted to your tutor.

For specific qualifications like A-levels and GCSEs, you will need to sit invigilated exams at a registered test centre. You'll be responsible for arranging and covering the cost of these exams, but full guidance will be provided by the centre delivering the qualification.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to email us at [email protected]. We can help or connect you with the course provider for more details.

Will I receive a qualification when I complete the course?

All of our courses are accredited and you will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.

For more information about this please see the section of the website that details how awarding bodies work and what the different types of qualifications are: https://www.ncchomelearning.co.uk/awarding-organisations

Can I take more than one course at a time?

Yes, you can take as many courses as your time allows, but we would recommend that you clearly evaluate how much time you can commit to your courses of study.

The good news is that if your circumstances change you can always take a limited break and come back to your studies to save your paid for support.

If you decide to enrol on more than one course at the same time, speak to our enquiries team for any bundle deals or offers.

Can I enrol and study outside the UK?

Absolutely! In most cases, our courses are accessible regardless of where you're located. However, some courses may have geographical restrictions set by the Awarding Organisation, and any such limitations will be clearly outlined in the course details.

Keep in mind that all of our tutors are UK-based, and while most work can be submitted via email, there may be rare instances where submissions need to be sent by post.

For courses that require a monitored exam, there are many test centres available internationally. If you're planning to study from abroad, we recommend reaching out to us before purchasing the course to ensure everything is in place for your studies.

What if I’ve chosen the wrong course?

If, after receiving the course, you decide it isn’t the right course for you, you may return the materials within 14 days, provided you have not yet submitted any coursework for evaluation. Please note that you will be responsible for covering the return shipping costs. We will refund your payment, minus a non-refundable deposit of £29. Additionally, you have the option to select an alternative course that better matches your goals and aspirations.

For any help on cancelling your course please email [email protected], we will only deal with cancellation enquiries via email.

What is a Totum Card?

Totum is the new brand for UK student cards and replaces the old NUS student card. NCC students are eligible to sign-up for the Totum card where applicable, giving access to a multitude of retail, food and travel special discounts. For more information, you can visit their website: https://www.totum.com/