The MA in Drama is designed to consider the contemporary practice of drama in a variety of different contexts. Though the emphasis is on theatre there will also be opportunities to work through other media for those students with appropriate experience and aspirations
Essential Info
Aimed at graduates or those already working at a postgraduate level, the MA in Drama is ideal for anyone who wants to pursue a career through the production of drama. Whether you wish to pursue a career in teaching, or as a drama practitioner this award will help you to fulfil your potential.
The content of the individual modules is broad and flexible, enabling students to take full advantage of the spectrum of staff expertise available within the Faculty. Examples of specialisms amongst current staff include Adaptation and Translation, Applied Drama, Storytelling, Scenography, Devising, Directing, Contemporary Television Drama, Media and Live Performance, Interpretive Practices for Museums and Galleries and Dramaturgy.
There is also an opportunity to select from optional modules on other established postgraduate awards such as the MA Moving Image, MA Scriptwriting and MA Film Producing and Business Management.
The structure of this postgraduate drama degree aims to reflect the contemporary professional world which calls for flexible, innovative practitioners willing and able to work in a variety of contexts across theatre and media which might range from relatively mainstream professional organisations to a range of applied and community contexts.
“Glamorgan is a great environment to become a theatre maker. I am delighted to see that they are starting an MA in Drama which will offer advanced opportunities for those looking to make careers in the cultural and creative industries.
The University supported me when I had a brave idea for a story I wanted to tell. Not only with the practical resources but the artistic support. That play went to Edinburgh and I have been making work ever since."
Steve Marmion, Director and Writer (Royal Shakespeare Company, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Sherman Theatre, Headlong Theatre and The Lyric, Hammersmith)
What You Will Study
You will study the following modules:
Professional Practices in Drama: This will include a number of visits, presentations and master classes aimed at immersing students in the work of the industries which use dramatic forms.
Research Methods: The focus is on research methods and their appropriateness to different forms of research in the creative industries. Students will consider the careful planning of all stages of the research project and the need to move from formulating research questions towards proposing answers.
Reflective Practice 1: This module provides the opportunity to engage in a range of small-scale pieces of reflective practice informed by your study of this form of work in a variety of contexts.
Reflective Practice 2: This will provide a smaller number of in depth case studies from a range of specialisms such as multi-media performance, the process of adaptation and/or translation for stage, screen or radio, theatre directing, scriptwriting for theatre or television, television drama, museum studies and communicative practices or an area of applied drama practice.
Dissertation or Major Production in Drama: Having chosen a topic related to professional or work experience and/or relevant for future academic or professional development, you will then choose to either undertake a written dissertation or major production in Drama.
*Students can choose to either study the Reflective Practice 2 module or with prior agreement may select from optional modules on other
established awards such as the MA Moving Image, MA Scriptwriting and MA Film Producing and Business Management.
More information
Download the MA Drama brochure or view it online
How You Will Study
You will study through practical workshops lectures, seminars and individual supervision by an appointed tutor. You will be assessed through individual assignments, group work and examinations, as well as the completion of a dissertation or major production.
In addition, you will undertake a series of visits to companies and professional productions of all kinds in order to extend your critical understanding of a variety of professional contexts. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects, seminar programmes, public productions, conferences and symposia that are part of the life of ATRiuM. Many of these involve professional organisations and some receive support from partners such as Skillset, BAFTA, professional theatre companies or broadcasters.
Scholarship
Applicants for the MA Drama that meet the relevant criteria could be eligible for an Access to Masters scholarship. For more information visit our bursaries and scholarships pages.
Possible Career Options
Glamorgan’s MA Drama course provides an advanced professional development opportunity for those working in or wishing to work in contexts where drama is used. These include individual professional practitioners, teachers and educators, and applied drama specialists in a variety of contexts, as well as those who want to use drama skills in the film and television industries.
