Course summary
MA Text and Performance is a highly distinctive degree delivered by one of the most exciting and impactful departments in the UK. Taught by world-leading academic researchers, artists and industry professionals, you will explore the dynamic relationship between text and performance through a combination of:
- writing for and about theatre and performance
- theatre practice
- performance-making
- academic study.
- Visiting artists also provide masterclasses, workshops and public talks programmed at Birkbeck Centre for Contemporary Theatre. Many of the events they run can be attended by the public and those interested in studying with us.
- Recent visiting artists include: Dickie Beau, Bourgeois and Maurice, Stockard Channing, Karen Christopher, Tim Crouch, Anna Himali Howard, Myah Jeffers, Ed Kemp, Mel Kenyon, Namsi Khan, Rachel Mars, Simon Nelson, Gbolahan Obisesan, Anthony Simpson-Pike, Andrew Upton, David Eldridge and Brian Logan.
- We offer informal, unassessed creative enhancement opportunities alongside your studies. Graduate Research in Theatre is a postgraduate reading group run by Birkbeck's Centre for Contemporary Theatre. You can also show work in progress as part of Scratch Night, programmed as part of our summer festival, Arts Week.
- We offer a number of bursaries for postgraduate students.
- Birkbeck was ranked 2nd in the UK for its English Language and Literature research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
- academia and education
- theatre and performance practice
- film, media and the creative arts
- arts leadership, administration and outreach
- journalism
- advertising and marketing
- public relations
- policy and strategy for political organisations, charities or NGOs
- publishing.
Modules
For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
Assessment method
Short assessment exercises, research essays, creative writing projects, portfolios, group performance projects, in-class presentations, individual creative project and critical portfolio or academic dissertation.
How to apply
International applicants
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Entry requirements
You will need to have, or be expecting, a second-class honours degree (2:2) or above, usually in an arts subject. In exceptional circumstances, appropriate career experience - for example in professional theatre - may be considered as an alternative qualification. The course should appeal equally to candidates with an academic knowledge of drama, who wish to increase their practical and creative awareness, and to candidates already involved in their own practice who wish to explore it through academic study. Students must be prepared to engage in practical theatre-making, as well as class discussions. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £10800 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £10800 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £10800 | Year 1 |
Wales | £10800 | Year 1 |
International | £19830 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700