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Directing & Theatre Making (Taught)

Course details
  • Master of Arts
  • 1 Years
  • Full-Time
  • September 2027
  • Postgraduate
Course location
The Northern School of Art

Course summary

This postgraduate degree is designed to provide practical experience in directing and creating work for the theatre. Collaboration is at the heart of the programme to effectively replicate industry.

You will have the opportunity to work with students from other programmes including acting, film, television and theatre production, set design, visual effects and costume – to deliver projects from start to finish. By the end of this intensive year-long programme, you will have completed at least three contrasting and challenging projects.

There will be opportunities to shadow directors and work as an assistant director on a range of projects to help inform your own practice. As programme Patron, award-winning writer and director Robert Icke FRSL delivers guest lectures, advice to students on their projects and insight into his practice. This informs the direction of the programme, offering invaluable industry knowledge to ensure students have the expertise and skills to succeed in the sector.

Under guidance from experienced writers, directors and actors, you will explore and manage the entire directing process. From planning and prep work, through the rehearsal process to the final performance. The focus of this postgraduate degree is the development of your directorial skill-set and style – whether that be in creating new work or in exciting and innovative interpretations of existing plays.

You will work on a wide range of approaches to directing, ranging from how to work with text to creating work through multi-media in performance.

There are opportunities to look at ways of creating your own work with an ensemble and gain knowledge of funding applications so you are ready to set up your own company after graduating.

Working within the School's Acting department, you will have access to dedicated rehearsal rooms, our theatre and, where required, film and television studios.

This creative-industry-focused programme typically provides 10 hours of contact time per week across the academic year. Students also have open access to studios and workshops for independent study (subject to School opening times and availability).

Modules

Entry requirements

Applicant must have one of the following:

  • Degree at 2:2 or above (if still studying, you should be projected to achieve this grade); or
  • Experiential learning in lieu of a degree to be assessed by Course Leader

Applicants are asked to provide details for at least one referee as part of their application and to submit a proposal as part of their application, outlining their intentions for MA study.

For our Directing & Theatre Making programme, we also ask that applicants audition, or submit a self-tape of one monologue.

Candidates holding other academic qualifications may also be considered for admission provided that they have substantial relevant professional experience.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£7500

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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