INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECT - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module will engage students in independent practice as research on a topic of their own choosing from within the full range of global theatre and performance. Students will be expected to undertake an independent research project and reflect upon work undertaken in written format.

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

TUNSTALL Darren (GSA)

Number of Credits: 60

ECTS Credits: 30

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content includes: 

• Independent research arising from the module material and Essential Reading texts provided in all previous modules on the course, as laid out in the module reading lists. 


• Seminar sessions amounting to two full days at GSA (also available remotely and online) to include writing skills, personal tutorials and target setting, and writing retreat to complete the formative assessment

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the following through their formal written summative submission, in addition to their engagement with the formative assessment, module content and associated activities (addressing all of the learning outcomes):

• Demonstrate the ability to retrieve and process information and to communicate clearly in writing


• Knowledge and understanding of a broad range of influential theatrical texts and their contexts


• Understand the need to take initiative and work independently to further own learning


• Apply theories of performance and critique to influential theatrical texts and their contexts


• Apply high levels of personal discipline and time-management, analysing own working practices for self-development 


• Analyse and evaluate key theories of performance, theatrical reception and critique


• Analyse the impact of past traditions and contexts upon contemporary theatrical practices


• Evaluate the work of others with critical objectivity

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• 3,000 word Literature Review 


• 10,000 word independent research project

Formative assessment

Formative Assessment consists of: 

• a detailed outline plan, including one draft section and detailed suggested reference list for the summative assignment in the students own choice of form, which may include, but is not restricted to an essay plan, poster, PowerPoint or equivalent software presentation, podcast (3000 words or equivalent)

Feedback

Informal formative feedback from tutors will be provided via, but is not restricted to, the virtual learning environment, email exchange, personal tutorials in person or via Skype, or equivalent software.

Summative formal written feedback will follow submission of the summative assessment.

Module aims

• This module will engage students in independent practice as research, enabling students to gain and evidence knowledge of:
• Critical analysis of theatre
• The relationship between the actor and audience
• The construction of stages and performance platforms
• The construction of theatrical and social meaning
• Theatre as a political, moral, social, cultural, ethical voice

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: 

• Actively engage online and distance learners in independent research


• Enable the online and distance learner to access core concepts studied and apply these to selected contexts through their own independent research


• Allow the online and distance learner to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of selected core concepts, performance possibilities and production history of selected texts, movements and practitioners through their own independent research

The learning and teaching methods include: 

• Independent research arising from the module material and Essential Reading texts provided in all previous modules on the course, as laid out in the module reading lists.


• Seminar weekend.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: TDLM003

Other information

Guildford School of Acting trains students, within their chosen fields, to have an understanding and appreciation of Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas: 

Employability

This module seeks to develop learners understanding of the professional practice of theatre, in a variety of contexts. Through independent research and engagement with seminars and tutorials, learners are equipped with both a practical and theoretical of potential employment opportunities and how to navigate them upon graduation.

Global and Cultural Capabilities

Through collaboration and research students will engage with a wide range of perspectives and people, guided by supervision to challenge their assumptions and knowledge, and be supported to make ethical and sustainable choices in their research and any practical work. 

Resourcefulness and Resilience

An ethos of self-reflection and self-awareness forms an integral part of the learning journey, developing students’ resilience through collaborative and effective engagement with peer-to-peer observation.

Digital Capabilities

The online delivery of this module is such that students learn to navigate and use the virtual learning environment (SurreyLearn) and other digital resources (such as Drama Online, Digital Theatre+ and Box of Broadcasts) to aid their learning and undertake research. Appropriate use of current digital media and communication platforms is encouraged to engage in critical peer discussions and foster supportive learning networks.

Sustainability

The delivery of this module incorporates the ethos set out by the UN’s 17 sustainability goals. Through research and reflection, learners are encouraged to promote positive working ethics: collaboration, kindness, support, understanding, listening and integrity.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.