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Theatre Studies

MLitt

The Theatre Studies MLitt is an innovative and engaging postgraduate degree programme that will allow you to study many aspects of the theatre, drawing on the unique relationship between Dundee's Rep Theatre and the University of Dundee.

Closing date: For entry Sept 2012, apply before 15th Aug 2012 (if you need a visa to study in the UK)

Why study Theatre Studies at Dundee?

Taught in association with the award-winning Dundee Rep Theatre, our highly creative and practically oriented MLitt in Theatre Studies is like no other degree available in Scotland. We have the distinctive facility of a working theatre - Dundee's Rep Theatre, with Scotland's only full-time resident company of actors and contemporary dancers - as a collaborator.

Staff in both the School of Humanities and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design are engaged in theatre-based research and teaching, and when combined with the practical expertise and skill based at The Rep this co-operation makes for a highly distinctive programme of study if you are interested in the theatre.

Students on the course therefore have the opportunities to explore the theatre from many different perspectives, including literary history, creative writing with Kirsty Gunn (a critically acclaimed award-winning novelist), performance, directing, and theatre design.

Links with industry professionals

In addition to the close working relationship with the Rep Theatre, this course includes workshops and presentations from industry professionals, and the possibility of placements with organisations and companies working in related areas.

The University of Dundee also has strong links with several prestigious playwrights and actors, such as Sir Peter Ustinov, John Byrne, Stephen Fry and Brian Cox (currently Rector of the University), whose generous support has been instrumental in the development of the Theatre Studies programme.

"The MLitt Programme at the University of Dundee in collaboration with the Rep Theatre is entirely new. That's because only Dundee has maintained the tradition of working with an ensemble repertory cast to bring together professional actors, directors and artists in a consistent and creative way to create an on-going theatrical practice. That spirit of repertory theatre will spill over into this unique degree - offering something that goes right back to the great conservatoire teaching approaches of Russia and Europe."
Brian Cox, actor and University Rector

Aims of the Programme

This degree programme is designed to provide you with a practical and theoretical understanding of theatre studies and the way plays are created, developed and produced. You will be encouraged to think critically about the theatre, to engage with the history of dramatic performance, and to appreciate the importance of relating critical close analysis of the theatre. Throughout the course there will also be opportunities to work alongside theatre professionals, within a vibrant and engaging theatrical context which will enable you to enhance theory with practice.

If you are practically-inclined, you will have the option to develop and present work, either individually or in collaboration, at an end of year presentation as part of your core assessment.

Who should study this course?

The MLitt in Theatre Studies will appeal to anyone interested in the theatre who wishes to expand their knowledge through research and practical, vocational experience. It will benefit anyone interested in a job in the theatre, or in an academic career with expertise in theatre.

Postgraduate Culture

The School of Humanities and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design provide a lively postgraduate culture, including regular postgraduate forums, postgraduate websites, visiting speakers and an annual postgraduate conference held in Dundee.

Teaching & Assessment

This course is taught by the English team, based in the School of Humanities, the staff from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design and by Dundee Rep staff and visiting theatre professionals.

The course starts in September each year and lasts for 12 months on a full time basis or 24 months on a part time basis.

How you will be taught

This course will be delivered in the form of seminars, workshops, master classes, and practical exercises. Often these will relate to performances that are underway at The Rep Theatre, enabling you to understand the whole process, from planning, to marketing, design, rehearsal and performance.

The training focuses on gaining experience in the industry and you will be working on live productions behind the scenes of a working theatre.

What you will study

There are two teaching semesters, from September to December and from January to March.

From April onwards, you will write a dissertation in either English Studies or Creative Writing or work on a collaborative project.

Modules will be in the areas of:

  • The History of Drama
  • Theatre Design
  • Performing Writing (writing for the stage)
  • Scriptwriting (Theatre, Film, TV and Comics)
  • Theatre Studies: The Theory
  • Film and Theatre
  • Theatre Directing

In addition to the taught elements of your course and the masterclasses you will be able to undertake workshops on key areas, with input from the Rep Theatre, actors and the JOOT Theatre Company. These will cover themes such as:

  • Directing and Producing a Play
  • Marketing and Managing a Theatre
  • The Presence of the Actor
  • The Presence of the Dancer

How you will be assessed

Assessment consists of written coursework/continuous assessment and either a dissertation of approximately 18,000 words, or a collaborative project.

Dissertations are supervised on a one-to-one basis to ensure continuity, and this will provide you with the opportunity to work on an area of your own choosing (subject to approval by the tutor).

All students must attempt the dissertation or a collaborative project. Students whose dissertation or project fails to satisfy the examiners will be awarded the PG Diploma, provided that the taught elements of the course have been successfully completed.

Careers

This course offers good employment opportunities for anyone interested in working in the theatre and theatre scholarship and criticism.

Possible careers include: theatre critic, script writer, theatre designer, director, an academic with expertise in Theatre Studies.

Learn more about careers related to the Humanities on our Careers Service website.

Entry Requirements

Students will normally be expected to have a 2:1 honours degree in English or a related discipline.

English Language Requirement

English Language Requirement: IELTS of 7.0 overall, with no component less than 7.0 (or equivalent), if your first language is not English. Please check our Language Requirements page for details of equivalent grades from other test providers, and information about the University of Dundee English Language courses.

Fees and Funding

Academic Year Home/EU Overseas
2012-13 £4,500 £12,500
2013-14 to be confirmed to be confirmed

Sources of Funding

Information about the School of Humanities scholarships can be found on the School of Humanities scholarships webpage.

Other sources of funding for postgraduate students can be found on our Scholarships webpage.

Living Costs

  • Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
  • Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
  • As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

How to Apply

Apply online via UKPASS

Course Contact

Dr Nicole Devarenne
English
School of Humanities
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 384414 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384414 (from outside the UK)

Fax: 01382 386794 (from the UK)
Fax: +44 1382 386794 (from outside the UK)

Email: n.devarenne@dundee.ac.uk

Admissions Contact

Postgraduate Admissions
Admissions and Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 384 384 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384 384 (from outside the UK)

Fax: 01382 385 500 (from the UK)
Fax: +44 1382 385 500 (from outside the UK)

Email: postgrad-admissions@dundee.ac.uk

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