This Masters in Theatre History programme introduces you to a variety of theatre histories and historical methodologies, ranging from Classic drama to Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre to performance in Victorian and Edwardian Britain and from dramatic text to theatrical apparatus. Looking at key developments in theatre historiography, you will consider issues such as the materiality of the stage; history and heritage; writing national theatre histories; as well as the theatrical cultures of the past.

Programme overview

• MLitt: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time

You will be introduced to new approaches for examining and challenging different practices of theatre historiography; you will experiment with ways of analysing the past in order to gain new critical perspectives on theatre history; and you will also explore new histories of theatrical storytelling. A significant part of this programme is delivered by professional archivists and curators, ensuring you engage with a wide variety of histories and practices attached to the study of theatre.

The teaching will enable you to understand and be confident in the application of different methodological approaches to the study of theatre history, including archival practices, oral history, and textual analysis. You will also gain an understanding of how historical practices can be applied and embedded beyond academia.

You can choose an independent research project that suits your future objectives: permitting further applied practice or the opportunity to undertake an in-depth study on an area of your choice.

Core courses

• Research methods: approaches to history
• Debating dramaturgy
• Reading and interpreting performance
• Theatre archive placement
• Independent research project.

Optional courses include

• Issues in Victorian and Edwardian theatre
• Elizabethan and Jacobean drama: staging the other
• Women and drama in the English Renaissance period
• Intercultural performance in the Black and Green Atlantic.

Career prospects

This programme provides an excellent foundation for PhD studies and an academic career. It also provides excellent training for museum, school and other related educational and vocational careers.

Academic entry requirements

Entry requirements for postgraduate taught programmes are a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject unless otherwise specified.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 7.0
• no sub-test less than 7.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 100; no sub-test less than 24
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): A minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): B minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 68; minimum 60 in writing

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MLitt