2013
Course overview
On this innovative and exciting degree, you will learn about the mechanics of different types of comedic writing including situation comedy and performance, such as stand-up.
The practice-based element of the course is complemented by a wide-ranging portfolio of academic units which provide you with a solid grounding in comedy theory, as well as the history of live and recorded comedy and the comedy business. To support your studies, you will have access to the University’s radio and television studios, as well as an impressively stocked library.
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Industrial focus
Units such as Careers in Comedy and Writing for Publication will equip you with a thorough understanding of the comedy industry and employment opportunities. Teaching staff have worked in comedy – including at Jongleurs comedy clubs and the BBC – and with high-profile comedians for many years, and continue to foster links with the industry. Students have the opportunity to hear and quiz a wide range of guest speakers.
Course content
Year 1
Six core units:
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Key Moments in Comedy History
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Comedy Media
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Stage and Screen Comedy
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Writing Comedy
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Introduction to Performing
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Stand-Up.
Year 2
Five core units and one option unit:
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Twentieth-Century Comedy
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Analysing Comedy
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Radio, Writing and Performance 1 and 2
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Satire.
Options:
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Live Comedy
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Writing Film Comedy
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Song and Dance
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Community Performance
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Curriculum Plus.
Year 3
Four core units and one option unit:
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Collaborative Unit: TV OR Collaborative Unit: Stage
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Comedy Research Project
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Writing for Publication
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Careers in Comedy.
Options:
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Comedy Acting
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Digital Comedy
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Creative Arts in Education
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Directing Performers, Performing with Directors
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Shakespeare and the Performer
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Curriculum Plus.
Why choose Solent?
Solent is one of only two universities in the UK to offer a degree course in Comedy and has been doing so for six years. It offers an interesting and essential balance between practical and theoretical learning, with tutors drawn from the world of comedy and academic backgrounds. You will also benefit from excellent facilities and guided opportunities to try your hand in the professional arena. All this points to a first-class grounding in the many and startlingly varied aspects of comedy, preparing you for employability in your chosen field.
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One of a select few degrees to focus on comedy writing and performance
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A wide range of facilities including screening rooms and digital editing equipment.
Assessment
Methods of assessment include presentations, essays, research projects, scriptwriting, live performance, radio and TV production.
Projects/work experience
Students write and perform stand-up comedy, make radio programmes and a 30-minute sitcom in the final year.
Key career skills
Writing, performance, presentation, research and analytical skills.
Graduate quote
Hannah George, Graduate, award-winning comedienne
When Hannah George graduated, she became the only woman in the world to hold a degree in Comedy. The course has prepared the former bank worker to succeed in one of the fastest-growing and lucrative of the creative industries. “Comedy is an art form, so studying it makes sense,” says Hannah. “My degree has equipped me with confidence, drive and a depth of knowledge that has helped me to pursue my vocation in performance and writing.”
Hannah was the first ever winner of the Paramount Comedy on Tap Funniest Student award – a national competition held at the world-renowned Comedy Store, judged by award-winning comedian Robin Ince and Paramount Comedy’s Head of New Comedy, Kathleen Hutchison. “To be given the opportunity to play at the Comedy Store was fantastic,” Hannah reveals. “The standard was really high, so I was shocked to win.”
Hannah – who had never performed comedy before starting the degree on its launch in 2006 – has since performed at the Edinburgh Festival and received critical acclaim for her live sets. She is also writing comedy for broadcast.
While Hannah continues to carve out her career, her younger brother has also signed up for the degree. “We’re a seriously funny family,” says Hannah.
2012
Course overview
On this innovative and exciting degree, you will learn about the mechanics of different types of comedic writing including situation comedy and performance such as stand-up.
The practice-based element of the course is complemented by a wide-ranging portfolio of academic units which provide you with a solid grounding in comedy theory as well as the history of live and recorded comedy and the comedy business. To support your studies, you will have access to the university’s radio and television studios as well as an impressively stocked library.
Industrial focus
Units such as ‘Industry Research’ and ‘Writing for Publication’ will equip you with a thorough understanding of the comedy industry and employment opportunities. Teaching staff have worked in comedy – including at Jongleurs comedy clubs and the BBC – and with high profile comedians for many years and continue to foster links with the industry. Students have the opportunity to hear and quiz a wide range of guest speakers.
|
Course content
Year 1
Four core units:
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Stand-up Comedy
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Writing Comedy
-
Key Moments in Comedy History
-
Comedy and Media.
Year 2
Four core units:
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Radio Comedy
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Writing Comedy
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Modernity and Comedy
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Analysis of Comedy.
Year 3
Five core units and four option units:
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The TV Sitcom: Writing and Performance
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Dissertation
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Industry Research
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Stand-up Comedy
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Producing Comedy.
Option units:
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Advanced Stand-up
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Writing Satire
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Physical Comedy
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Comedy Acting.
Why choose this course?
-
One of a select few degrees to focus on comedy writing and performance.
-
Facilities include screening rooms and digital editing equipment.
-
Teaching staff have a wide range of experience in the industry.
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A chance to explore comedy in all its forms and to understand the history and practice of the subject.
Assessment
The overall practice to theory ratio is generally 60% practice, 40% theory, depending on your specialist options.
Key career skills
Writing, performance, presentation, research and analytical skills.
Projects/work experience
Students write and perform stand-up comedy, make radio programmes and a 30 minute sitcom in the final year. The University has links with local comedy clubs and runs stand-up nights on campus and around the city.
Graduate profile
Hannah George
Graduate, Award-winning comedienne
When Hannah George graduated, she became the only woman in the world to hold a degree in Comedy. The course has prepared the former bank worker to succeed in one of the fastest growing and lucrative of the creative industries. “Comedy is an art form, so studying it makes sense” says Hannah. “My degree has equipped me with confidence, drive and a depth of knowledge that has helped me to pursue my vocation in performance and writing.”
Hannah was the first ever winner of the Paramount Comedy on Tap Funniest Student award – a national competition held at the world-renowned Comedy Store, judged by award winning comedian Robin Ince and Paramount Comedy’s Head of New Comedy, Kathleen Hutchison. “To be given the opportunity to play at the Comedy Store was fantastic”, she reveals. “The Standard was really high, so I was shocked to win.”
Hannah – who had never performed comedy before starting the degree on its launch in 2006 – has since performed at the Edinburgh Festival and received critical acclaim for her live sets. She is also writing comedy for broadcast.
While Hannah continues to carve out her career, her younger brother has also signed up for the degree. “We’re a seriously funny family”, says Hannah.