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Drama and Theatre Studies Practice-Based MA by Research (through Playwriting or Performance)

University of Birmingham

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Course options

  • Qualification

    MA - Master of Arts

  • Location

    University of Birmingham

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    SEP-24, JAN-25

  • Duration

    1 year

Course summary

Our Drama and Theatre Studies Practice-Based programme allows academic research to be conducted through practical experimentation.

It also provides a unique opportunity for you to specialise in a particular area of practice (playwriting or performance – which includes directing) and prepares you for your chosen profession.

The Department’s diverse expertise and exceptional facilities open up a wide range of practical research opportunities, such as the investigation of the processes of theatre making or the practical application of particular aesthetic theories.

Your thesis must fully contextualise the practice and substantiate the claim that your work is innovative and demonstrates extension of the boundaries of the chosen field of research and practice. The practice-based PhD thesis is 40,000 words. The MA by Research is assessed by a shorter thesis of 20,000 words.

In addition to the thesis, the programme will be assessed by a practice-based component appropriate to the research specialism. For guidance, typical assessment methods for the practice-based component are as follows:

Direction of a site-specific or studio-based theatre production of a maximum length of 45 minutes for the MA by Research and three hours for the PhD, or a series of shorter pieces of comparable length.

Performance in a site-specific or studio-based theatre production of a maximum length of 45 minutes for the MA by Research and three hours for the PhD, or a series of shorter pieces of comparable length.

A practice demonstrating and developing a writing-based practice

A series of work-demonstrations of actor-training to a maximum length of 45 minutes for the MA by Research and three hours for the PhD

Employability

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

  • Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
  • Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
  • Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
  • Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 21,840per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University of Birmingham

University of Birmingham

  • University League Table

    14th

  • Campus address

    University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, England

The University of Birmingham is a founding member of the elite Russell Group of UK universities.
Based in the second largest city in the UK, Birmingham offers an outstanding international student experience.
The university has a vibrant international student community and is home to over 10,000 international students from approximately 150 countries.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    12th out of 98 8

    1st out of 56 3

  • Entry standards

    / Max 187
    157 79%

    12th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    69.0 69%

    10th

    73
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 5
    3.85 77%

    60th

    26
  • Entry standards

    / Max 170
    155 73%

    7th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    84.0 84%

    1st

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 5
    3.86 77%

    41st

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