Shakespeare (Taught)

Immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare in his beautiful hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon. Our dedicated Shakespeare Institute research centre means you’ll benefit from the expertise of our academics and join a community of staff and students who share your love of Shakespeare.

The University has a unique collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), offering you opportunities outside the MA to enhance your studies and see Shakespeare’s works brought to life on-stage.

Pursue your passion for Shakespeare and discover new ways to approach his works. Study Shakespeare through different lenses based on the latest research of our Shakespeare academics. If you work in education, or you’re interested in working in education, our Shakespeare and Education pathway offers insights into teaching Shakespeare.

Course highlights

Whether you choose to study on-site at the Shakespeare Institute or by distance learning, you’ll benefit from our dedicated research activity and wide ranging expertise in the study of Shakespeare. You'll explore critical, historical and theatrical approaches to Shakespeare, deepening your understanding of his impact on literature and theatre.

What’s more, you can specialise with our Shakespeare and Education pathway. This pathway blends the expertise of our academics at the Shakespeare Institute with practical insights from the RSC on the ‘Teaching Shakespeare’ module taught in collaboration with the RSC.

• Stratford-upon-Avon is the perfect place to study Shakespeare, with RSC theatres and Shakespeare’s birthplace on your doorstep.

• The Shakespeare Institute is home to many resources, academic expertise and a dedicated Shakespeare Library to enhance your studies.

• Join a welcoming postgraduate community at the Shakespeare Institute: take part in student theatre or seminars and conferences.

• If you can't come to Stratford, learn from anywhere in the world with our distance learning options.

• The University of Birmingham is ranked in the Top 50 for English Literature and Linguistics (QS World University Rankings 2025).