Theatre Studies

The masters degree is designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research in theatre studies. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research . Candidates may apply to submit up to 50% of the thesis as a creative work. In this case, the thesis is submitted in two parts: a written dissertation, minimum 15,000 words and a creative work (usually a written playscript or a live performance) that is equivalent of up to 15,000 words.

Students who complete the Master of Arts (Thesis only) in this area of specialisation should:

• be able to conduct advanced level critical analysis and interpretation of text and performance that incorporates literary, semiotic, historical and theoretical studies;
• appreciate the critical and creative dimensions of theatre and performance;
• demonstrate advanced level understanding of key thinkers and practitioners in theatre and theatre theory and criticism;
• recognise and explain textual and performative strategies to do with genre and theatricality; and
• appreciate and/or demonstrate advanced level creative practice.

Duration: 1.5 years full-time / 3 years part-time

The Master of Arts (Thesis only) in this area of specialisation requires:

• thesis 30,000 words
• combined dissertation and creative work (not more than 50% of thesis; example, a dissertation of 15,000 words plus equivalent creative work)

Please note: the creative work and dissertation must be presented as a coherent whole. Students will work closely with their supervisor(s) to develop a coherent research project that fits these guidelines.