Laura Champions Course Flexibility

Laura Ford has praised the University of Derby’s flexible learning approach to help her develop new skills and broaden her experience in the world of theatre.

The 26-year-old, from Uttoxeter New Road, graduated at Derby’s annual Awards ceremonies on Friday January 18 with a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Applied Theatre. She is also the co-director of Fifth Word Theatre Company, based at Banks’ Mill Studios – a University-backed creative industries incubator unit – in Derby.

Laura said: “I would never have thought I could achieve an MA while also setting up a business at the same time.

“The only way I was able to do it was through the Learning through Work scheme at the University of Derby, and I gained a lot from this. The flexibility of the course’s approach was fantastic, allowing me to create my own modules relevant to my work and development needs, and to be able to study at a pace to suit my requirements.”

Laura studied various modules such as arts management and research methods for her course, which she studied part time over three years.

For her final dissertation, Laura organised a research study at Park Infants School, in Mansfield, alongside Co-director of Fifth Word Angharad Jones, and internationally renowned teaching expert and champion of holistic learning and Derby Honorary Doctor of Education (HonDEd) Dorothy Heathcote.

The group coordinated a series of education-based activities with school pupils using drama and theatre techniques. Angharad is also studying at the University through Learning through Work.

The Mantle of the Expert is a fictional world where children have roles as an expert in their own field. The school took on the scenario of a textile factory, and used drama and other techniques to help broaden their knowledge of the curriculum.

Laura, who also has a BA (Hons) Performing and Media Arts degree, has been running Fifth Word Theatre Company for two years.  The company works in schools delivering drama, movement and education workshops, and also tours nationally putting on shows, most recently producing Painkillers, by Paul Buie, at the Edinburgh Festival.

Laura’s tutor at Derby, Chris Newman, said: “Learning through Work has worked really well for Laura because she was able to blend a wide range of opportunities including doing some taught modules on campus within the Theatre Studies arena, and developing some performance based skills and experience such as understanding, creating and using masks in drama work and performances, as well as those she has mentioned herself above.

“She has worked very hard to keep this busy life afloat and achieve her MA whilst launching the business venture.”