MA Theatre Studies: The University of Manchester

Course description

This MA enables you to put together a modular programme in theatre studies that allows you to hone and refine your research interests and skills in preparation for conducting further research to PhD level. However, it may also be taken as a free-standing degree if you simply wish to develop further your interests in drama and theatre, and upgrade your qualifications. The degree has five elements: a research tools and methods course, a critical theory course, directed reading, one drama study course, and a dissertation. Previous subject areas have included American Theatre, Shakespeare on Stage and Screen, the New Woman, Expressionism to Epic, and Writing for and about Performance.

Module details

Typical compulsory course units in semester one include research skills and methodologies. This is generally accompanied by a directed reading course unit: this is seen as a partner to the dissertation and might take the form of a literature survey or a critical analysis of the theories to be employed in the dissertation. Optional course units include investigations of critical theorists such as Saussure, Marx, Freud and Lacan, all of whose writings are foundational to key strands in Theatre Studies. Other options may be selected from an appropriate Level 3 undergraduate course which is upgraded by regular additional seminars and an extended assessment piece. Courses available in any year may include offerings such as Expressionism to Epic, and American Theatre since 1918.

Career opportunities

Graduates pursue a wide range of careers in theatre, film, television and radio, as well as in related areas such as education, media and journalism, and arts administration. Some graduates also pursue further study and research in doctoral programmes.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: A First or good Upper Second Class Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in Drama , Theatre Studies or Performance Studies.

English language: If your first language is not English, you need a minimum score of 7.0 on the IELTS test or 600 on the TOEFL paper-based test (250 computer-based), or the Cambridge Advanced Certificate (grades A-C) or the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (grades A-C).