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.

Placements

The core work-based learning module, Dramaturgy in Practice, offers a choice of three placement pathways - industry, pedagogy, or online - giving students the opportunity to engage with artistic works in progress through placements in the industry regionally; with drama lecturers on practical undergraduate modules; or through digital collaborations.

A list of possible placement hosts will be provided, but students are welcome to source their own. It will be up to the student to liaise with their host, negotiate how they will work with them, and cover additional travel costs incurred.

Career

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.