Master Performance

Institution Queen Mary, University of London
Method At the institution
Location London
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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Master Performance

Entry requirements Most applicants will have an undergraduate degree with First or Upper Second Class Honours (or the equivalent) in Drama, or such related fields as English, Film, History, Cultural Studies and Media Studies. Where a North American marking scheme is used, applicants should have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.3. Promising applicants who do not meet the formal academic criteria but who possess relevant credentials and who can demonstrate their ability to produce written work at Masters level will also be considered. Applicants may be invited to interview or asked to submit examples of written and/or creative work. We welcome applications from mature and non-traditional students.
Academic title MA Performance
Course description MA
One year full-time, two years part-time

Programme description

The MA in Performance is an innovative programme that aims to produce a new generation of scholarartists who will transform how we create and analyse performance. The programme integrates performance practice with the study of performance theory, criticism and history.

The type of work students undertake over the course of the degree is diverse. They may create a performance, write a research essay, produce critical documentation, pursue fieldwork, collaborate with professional organisations and give public presentations. A key benefit of the programme is its flexibility: students can adapt projects to advance their own investigations within a framework of informed and structured experimentation.

Programme outline

Students take five modules of taught coursework before proceeding to their dissertation.

All students take:

    * Performance Theory (seminar, semester one) An examination of theoretical texts and ideas that have shaped our contemporary understanding of performance, theatre and culture.
    * Group Practical Project (practice-based workshop, semester one) A workshop where students create, document and critique a collaborative practice-based research project.
    * Performance Research (seminar, semester one) An introduction to key critical practices and research methods in theatre and performance studies, with an emphasis on preparing students to undertake their own dissertation research.
    * Individual Practical Project (practice-based workshop, semester two) A workshop where students create, document and critique a solo practice-based research project with the support of a mentor.

Students take one of:

    * Contemporary Performance (seminar, semester two)
    * Early Modern Drama in Performance (seminar and workshop, semester two)

Students wishing to specialise in early modern drama may substitute the Group Practical Project with a suitable module from the MA Renaissance and Early Modern Studies (subject to approval). Please contact the Convener of the MA Performance for further details.

Dissertation

Following the completion of the taught modules, all students will pursue an independent research project culminating in a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words. Working with the support of a supervisor, students pursue their own independent investigation of the theory and practice of performance.

Assessment

Performance Theory and Contemporary Performance are assessed by a 4,000-word essay. Performance Research is compulsory but not assessed (students will complete a series of short developmental writing tasks). The Group Practical Project and the Individual Practical Project are assessed by a combination of practical work and documentation. Early Modern Drama in Performance is assessed by a practical presentation and a 3000-word essay.