NotaPushyMum.Com

My son is 19 years old and has been accepted for the 3 year degree at Urdang to start this September.
He was at first accepted to the Diploma but was put on this, which is a god send in terms of funding etc as we really couldn't afford diploma.
BUT, in terms of training is it true the diploma is far better?
I heard the degree kids don't get the same amount of training as the diploma students and lose out on certain things but students there say it isn't true.
Anyone know? Please help. Is he losing out by doing degree?
Thanks.

As far as I'm aware a diploma is worth about 2/3rds of a degree so your ds has been offered a higher level of study which would suggest to me that they were very impressed with him at the audition. (Well that's how it worked for our degrees back in the olden days - and not for performing arts, but I assume it is the same)

Congratulations to your son. My DS also going to Urdang - he's thrilled.

There do seem to be some subtle differences between the degree and the diploma. The latter seems to have more time given to practical training and from year two the choice of the 4 different tracks to follow. The degree has more time for contextual studies and seems to have a more defined programme for the three years. However I imagine the students are integrated for the majority of the classes and of course they get the same high standard of teaching and opportunities. At the open day they said the degree students had a number of choices for the third term regarding performances .....if I remember rightly.

This is a a slightly different approach from Birds where the course is the same ...other than some additional academic work for the degree students.

However, I don't think any one route is "better", just different. My DS is taking the diploma and then intends to top up to a degree with the necessary dissertation at the end (well that's the plan..... ).

I would give them a call if you have any concerns or queries; I'm sure it will help to reassure. They must think carefully about the best route for everyone.

And you can't ignore the finances - to take the diploma without any funding is a HUGE ask. I'd jump at the chance of the degree funding. Personally I think they should all have access to the student loan - but that's a different thread!!

Don't know if this helps at all; Hopefully someone else will come along will more actual experience later.

At Arts Ed the two courses are the same apart from the additional written coursework for the degree (and an extra £400 or course!!). When he was offered his place it was for the diploma course with the optional one-off charge of £400 to gain the degree. All students are taught together and there appears to be no difference. I was told that by doing the degree it did mean you would then be able to teach but I am sure somebody else on this site would know exactly what the difference is.

Hi

If you read the trinity college blurb it makes it clear that the diploma is a level six qualification ie an equivalent level to a degree BUT is designed to be a vocational qualification so very much practical based. The problem is compounded by some drama schools offering one or the other route or both! Each school then gives different options ie diploma or BA or the chance for diploma student to 'convert' their diploma into a degree a la Arts ed etc.

All very confusing but I think its safe to assume that most offering both routes or crossover options DO tend to follow the same high practical training regimens regardless of route. That said BA WILL require a more academic line in order to comply with the awarding uni. Each school differs on academic content if you read there course details but be assured your child will get a very practical course at urdang regardless of route AND as a BA they get student funding too.

Hope this helps

I think the one thing with deghree is that if plans do not work out down the line a degree would enable them to work as a teacher in a state school (PGCE route). However, their vocational diploma would enable them to teach in a specialist school e.g. dance, singing.

It's complicated

Basically the only difference between a diploma and a degree is the theoretical side of the course. I'm doing a degree at the moment, and you get the same amount of hours it just means that there is more written work involved and more that you have to do outside of your specified hours. I personally think the degree is better as it prepares you more for the industry and makes you a more well rounded dancer and performer, it also allows you to teach after your training which is a massive help when the only thing you are going to be worried about between work and auditions is paying the bills!!! Hope this helps xxx