Logo of University of Birmingham

MAShakespeare and Creativity

University of Birmingham
United Kingdom, Birmingham
Tuition fee To be confirmed
More information

birmingham.ac.uk/..are-and-creativity.aspx 

Overview

This programme draws on the wide research expertise of the School of English, Drama and American & Canadian Studies at the University of Birmingham in order to develop your critical and analytical skills in the field of literary and cultural studies.

You can either take a general route through the programme, choosing core and optional modules from a variety of literary periods, or take one of a number of pathways, each focusing on a different period or literary genre. Possible pathways may include: Reformation to Reform; The Long Nineteenth Century; Twentieth- and Twenty-First-Century Literature. A wealth of optional modules relating to your pathway, taught by leading international scholars, allow you to specialise in areas which suit your particular interests and you will also complete a supervised 15,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice.

In addition to these optional and core modules, this programme is unique in offering you the chance to gain hands-on independent archival research and direct experience of relevant non-academic careers

Programme structure

This programme brings together academic, theatrical and civic interests in Shakespeare and creativity, generating a comprehensive and forward-looking conversation about what Shakespeare is and can be in today’s world. You will produce traditional academic essays as well as creative work, all of which will explore Shakespeare’s potential in the modern world. You will make new creative work with and at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and benefit from unique and exciting access to the RSC’s studio theatre, The Other Place.

You will study four core modules:

Shakespearience
Shakespeare and Theatre Practice (formerly Shakespeare and Creative Practice)
The Shakespeare Ensemble
Shakespeare and Society
You will also choose two optional modules from a range of Shakespeare Institute modules, and complete the MA with a 15,000-word dissertation. For your dissertation, you will have the chance to work intensively on an RSC project at The Other Place theatre.

Shakespearience and optional modules are each assessed by one 4,000-word essay; Shakespeare and Theatre Practice is assessed by either two performance assignments and a 2,000-word research paper, or a 4,000-word research paper; Shakespeare Ensemble and Shakespeare and Society both combine shorter written assignments with creative work.

You will also attend weekly Thursday Seminars at the Shakespeare Institute (term-time only), which feature papers presented by a range of established visiting scholars as well as Institute and University of Birmingham staff.

Career opportunities

Postgraduates at the Shakespeare Institute are able to develop a broad range of creative, research and theatre skills, as well as in-depth subject knowledge.

In 2013, 99% of postgraduates were in work and/or further study six months after graduation.

In recent years, postgraduates have successfully entered a variety of sectors from teaching in secondary and higher education to performing arts, publishing, museums and library and archive work. Employers that graduates have gone on to work for include: Imperial College London; National Trust; Royal Shakespeare Company; Shakespeare Birthplace Trust; The Grove Theatre; and University of Bristol.

Apply now! Fall semester 2021/22
Application period has ended
Notes

check tuition fee

Apply now! Fall semester 2021/22
Application period has ended
Notes

check tuition fee