Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To help students develop an intellectual understanding of the field of theatre, alongside vocational and professional skills, enabling students to reflect maturely on the intricate connections between theory and practice.
• To promote the development of students' organisational and collaborative skills such as imagination, empathy and problem solving through embodied play.
• To challenge students’ expectations and preconceptions of theatre by exposing them to global and/or transdisciplinary practices within a dynamic School of Design and Creative Arts.
• To enable students to become independent scholars/practitioners in the field of theatre, with a view to preparing them for future study or practice.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
• The QAA Benchmark Statement for Dance, Drama and Performance

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of:

K1 a systematic understanding of the production of theatre and a critical awareness of current problems in a global, contemporary, transdisciplinary context.

K2 a comprehensive understanding of methods and techniques for collaborative and transdisciplinary working within theatre studies.

K3 a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their theatre studies research.

K4 a conceptual understanding of the inter-relationships between theory and practice within the context of theatre studies.

K5 a comprehensive understanding of the multiplicities of approaches in acquiring a mastery of theatre studies.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

C1 critically analyse performance and script, deciphering the social, cultural, political and economic tensions within.

C2 apply a systematic knowledge and critical awareness of theatre in context, historiographically, contemporaneously and theoretically.

C3 present ideas persuasively and engagingly to a specialist and non -specialist audience.

C4 apply high-level research methods, in preparation for future careers in an academic or practice-based context.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

P1 create engaging, challenging and transformative performance work, independently and with others both fellow students and external stakeholders.

P2 demonstrate mastery in working collaboratively in a theatrical setting.

P3 demonstrate self-direction and originality in managing the demands of theatre production, these may be textual, managerial, practical and/or budgetary skills.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

T1 demonstrate professional practice through openness, accountability, autonomy, active engagement and organisation.

T2 develop an unconventional and resilient approach to decision making in complex and unpredictable situations.

T3 exercise the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

4. Programme structure

Semester 1

Compulsory modules (45 credits) 

Optional modules (Students should select 1 module (15 credits)) 

Semester 2

Compulsory modules (30 credits) 

Optional modules  (Students should select 2 modules (30 credits)) 

Semester 3

Compulsory module  (60 credits) student must choose one of the following

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award of MA, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI and any additional requirements stated within these regulations.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Not applicable