Theatre Studies

Programme structure

The programme is comprised of a number of courses, with different credit weightings. The programme is mostly comprised of optional courses, allowing you to create your own Masters programme.

Core courses
Research Methods
Research Methods is an exploration of key research methodologies relevant to the critical and practical study of performance, leading to the development of a real (or imagined) research project. Research Methods provides an introduction to a range of research methodologies, including: oral history, using archives, visual cultures, practice as research, the laboratory as a place of experiment. The course is designed to help students select individual study options as well as gain experience in a range of key research methodologies by making full use of available archival and digital resources.

Independent Research Project
The IRP offers you a range of opportunities to explore something of interest to you, applying an appropriate methodology. For example, you may choose to produce a 15,000 word dissertation, undertaking primary and secondary research in the pursuit of new knowledge that relates to the fields of theatre and drama; or you may choose to undertake a more applied project.

‌Optional courses
You will choose 100 credits’ worth of optional courses from a selection – for example:

•Autobiography and Performance
•Current Issues
•Debating Dramaturgy
•Greek Tragedy
•Issues in Victorian and Edwardian Theatre
•Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama: Staging the Other
•Performing Beckett
•Playwriting
•Reading and Interpreting Performance
•Shakespearean Adaptations
•Space, Place and Performance
•Women and Drama in the English Renaissance Period
•Work Placement

You can select courses from across the College of Arts, according to personal interests.
The programme convenor will work with you to ensure a sensible portfolio of courses is constructed, according to your personal aims and objectives.

Assessment
During the programme you will undertake a range of assessment methods including essays, critical report, literature review, oral presentations, workshop demonstrations, annotated bibliography, and an independent research project.

Teaching methods
Teaching methods are determined by the different needs of the courses and include seminars, one-to-one tutorials, placements and workshops. They are delivered by staff in Theatre Studies, alongside professional practitioners. Other occasional workshops, seminars and events are organised throughout the year by both staff and students.  Students also have the opportunity to audit other courses, as appropriate. Students are encouraged to create opportunities for informal peer support outside teaching hours.