Drama and Theatre Studies

Course details

The course offers an in-depth exploration of core practices, theories, histories, and research methods in theatre and performance through an intense and rigorous advanced training in seminars and studio work, productions and inpidual research projects.  Under the newly re-configured programme, postgraduate students also specialise in a range of areas including: applied theatre and drama (for example: theatre in education or community theatre); theatre practice (for example: actor training, directing, physical theatre); or text and dramaturgy (for example: playwriting or devising).  There is a lively context of debate around theatre and performance including PERFORUM (an ongoing series of talks and performances), and a programme of workshops given by visiting professional practitioners.

Course Details

The MA will suit students who want to develop their comprehensive understanding of theatre practices and develop their analytic skills across a range of areas within the field of Drama & Theatre Studies.  The course enables students to focus on a range of courses that offer a fundamental grounding in theory and practice while also allowing for exploration of specialism through optional modules.

Taught courses: 60 credits, Dissertation: 30 credits

Course modules include classes in research skills and methods, core courses in performance theory and practice and a selection of options from applied, advanced practice and dramaturgy options, including an option to participate in a professional placement as an intern.

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Articulate in discussion, in writing and/or in practice key features of contemporary theatre practice and theory;
• Analyse and evaluate specific examples of research practice in drama, theatre, applied theatre and/or performance;
• Express in discussion, writing and/or practice an awareness of a range of approaches to issues in one or more of the following specialisations: dramaturgy, playwriting, devising practices, performance or applications of theatre and drama in social fields;
• Carry out specific assignments in bibliographic research and literature review in a specialist area of theatre and drama;
• Identify and develop a substantial inpidual research project within the field, articulate the relevant methodological issues, project-plan it and bring it to completion.

Details of the programme content and modules are in the Postgraduate College Calendar

Detailed Entry Requirements

In order to be admitted to the MA degree in Drama and Theatre Studies, a candidate must have a Second Class Honours BA (Hons) Degree, or equivalent, along with evidence of an established commitment to the field of Drama and Theatre Studies. Applicants with significant professional-level drama and theatre experience will also be considered. The 

• Additional/Supplementary Statement Questions MUST also be completed during the online application process.
• Applicants may be required to attend a workshop and/or interview with representatives of Drama and Theatre Studies and may be required to pass a qualifying test. 

Course Practicalities

Small classes engage actively with a range of learning approaches including a focus on practice-based learning across the programme.  The course includes a range of seminars, workshops, practice based projects and research and field trips. The students also have the option to undertake a professional internship placement as part of the programme. 

Assessment

The course is assessed through various continuous assessment methods as appropriate for the module, including essays, portfolios and practice