University of East Anglia UEA

Degree level: Postgraduate
Awarded by: University of East Anglia

Theatre Directing (Text and Production) (Taught)

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Make sure you check on the university, college or conservatoire website for any updates about course changes as a result of COVID-19.

Course summary

Overview Kick-start your directing or criticism career with one of the UK’s longest established Theatre Directing Master’s courses. You will learn from leaders in directing, actor-training, contemporary writing, adaptation and dramaturgy. In addition to faculty expertise, you’ll benefit from visiting professionals and theatre practitioners throughout the year, creating an unparalleled balance of philosophical, technical and practical learning. UEA boasts a truly interdisciplinary approach, with the chance to collaborate with postgraduate students and tutors from more than one School. Whether you want to pursue a career as a theatre-maker or director, or continue in academic research, this course is for you. About This Course The MA Theatre Directing at UEA is one of the longest established in the UK. Each year we select only a very small number of Theatre Directing students – creating a close, collaborative environment. This is a highly intensive year’s work, balancing the advancement of your intellectual frames of reference for understanding modern theatre, with continual, hands-on opportunities to test and develop your practical skills. Collaboration with fellow students is key – and you’ll gain from working with undergraduate actors throughout the year. You’ll have the chance to study and interrogate the legacy of post-war British theatre, and pass exams qualifying you to climb the studio’s tallescope to change a lantern. You will encounter critical studies in contemporary theatre practice whilst working with acting students, to sharpen your directorial skills in workshops, scene classes and productions. Your optional studies include world-class modules in scriptwriting, theatre and radical dramaturgies, television and society, adaptation and interpretation. You’ll showcase your development and learning through your final dissertation – which could take the form of a full production, a written research or creative project, or a bespoke combination of any of these. On graduating from this MA, you’ll be equipped with both the skills and the vocabulary to direct actors with confidence, and to bring conceptual creativity to your work in the technical and plastic elements of the stage. You’ll be ready to apply for assistant director positions in major companies and to go out and make work of your own for small and medium scale venues. You’ll also be able to critically analyse written and performed work with insight into theatre methodologies and theatre-making practices. This makes you well-placed to move into an academic or journalistic career. Disclaimer Course details are subject to change. You should always confirm the details on the provider's website: www.uea.ac.uk

Modules

See website.

Assessment method

Modules are assessed by coursework, which may include presentations, performances, and/or essays. Both semesters provide opportunities for the MA students to direct undergraduate students in formal, but not public, contexts where both the directors and actors will be assessed. For the dissertation, students will pursue one of a number of personally chosen modes of practical research independently, culminating in either a written dissertation, a public production, or various combinations of the two. The evidence of practical research must be the equivalent of the 15000 word written dissertation demanded by the other MA courses.


Entry requirements

Good Honours degree at minimum 2.2 standard or equivalent required. All applicants who are not a British national and/or whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate a suitable level of English language proficiency. This is equivalent to an IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components and 7.0 in writing, although we do accept many other types of qualifications or tests. In accordance with the UK Border Agencies Tier 4 visa guidelines, we will also waive the English language requirement for applicants who meet the defined nationality test or who have completed a degree level course in 1 of the listed countries. For a full list of these, as well as the qualifications / tests that we will consider, please visit our website.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9500 Whole course
Northern Ireland £9500 Whole course
Scotland £9500 Whole course
Wales £9500 Whole course
International £19800* Whole course

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Additional fee information

If you are a postgraduate student on a part-time course please assume a 50% fee of the equivalent full-time course per year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking. Module fees are subject to incremental increases for any subsequent years of study. Please enquire within the faculty admissions office to find out whether a part-time option is available for your course.

Sponsorship information

The School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing has a number of scholarships and bursaries available for Home, EU and Overseas students. Further details can be found on the School website.

Theatre Directing (Text and Production) at University of East Anglia UEA - UCAS