Welcome to MA Theatre

The course aims to provide a 360-degree perspective on performance to reflect the need for a portfolio career in the 21st Century, with a designated focus on dramaturgy.

MA Theatre places an emphasis on the vast range of recent developments in drama, theatre, and performance practice and research. The programme makes full use of the expertise of staff across the School of Fine and Performing Arts, which embodies in-depth knowledge of contemporary theatre-making.

Staff have expertise in running professional touring companies, playwriting, dramaturgy, theatre criticism, and writing successful research grant applications and funding bids. Our research-active team publish on dramaturgy and theatre-making in academic literature.

Students have the opportunity to benefit from a combination of practical experience and theoretical study. This approach is designed to enhance career prospects by preparing students for a variety of roles in theatre, media production, management, research, and education.

How You Are Assessed

Modules are assessed by a combination of written essay, critical portfolio, student blog, funding form, learning agreement, prospective journal article, pitch, panel discussion, individual and group presentation, and/or focused practical workshop or performance. Student progress is subject to continuous assessments on all modules in the programme in addition to final assessed outputs.

Assessment will focus on: demonstration of practical and theoretical engagement with research; articulation and demonstration of knowledge regarding a wide range of theatre performance; critical enquiry and analysis; and contextualising students' own work and the work of others within the field of historical or contemporary performance practice and scholarship.

Career and Personal Development

Theatre graduates from this programme have gone on to work in the theatre industry in areas such as writing, devising, performing, dramaturgy, and otherwise making theatre. Graduates have formed theatre companies and worked with arts venues, either in administration, marketing, or backstage. Some have gone on to postgraduate research to become lecturers in further and higher education.

The University Careers and Employability Team offer qualified advisors who can work with you to provide tailored, individual support and careers advice during your time at the University. As a member of our alumni we also offer one-to-one support in the first year after completing your course, including access to events, vacancy information and website resources; with access to online vacancies and virtual and website resources for the following two years.

This service can include one-to-one coaching, CV advice and interview preparation to help you maximise your future opportunities. The service works closely with local, national and international employers, acting as a gateway to the business world.