University of Exeter

Program Information

Degree Offered

MFA Theatre Practice: Staging Shakespeare

Format: Campus

Program Description:

Our unique Theatre Practice postgraduate programmes cover practice-based work in theatre and can be taken either as an MA, full-time over 1 year or part-time over 2 years, or as a 2-year full-time MFA.

The programmes appeal to a range of prospective students: practitioners who want to develop their practice; graduates who are planning a career in arts education (schools, colleges, universities); and those who want to look more in depth into aspects of drama they have enjoyed and benefitted from through undergraduate studies.

The first year of the MFA runs parallel with the one-year MA programme, whilst the second year allows for the development of breadth as well as depth in performance practice and research, building on the first year.

The Staging Shakespeare pathway provides a unique and exciting opportunity to study Shakespeare through practice. The pathway is suitable for students with a range of backgrounds.

Our collaborations with Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and with actors from the Royal Shakespeare Company will give you access to some of the finest Shakespearian work in the world today. In both years of your programme you will participate in practical work during a two-week residency at the Globe in London.

Programme structure
Total credits required: 180

Compulsory modules (Year 1)
Cultural Adaptation (30)
Research Preparation and Writing Skills (15)

Shakespeare modules
Normally you will take the following:
The Shakespearean Scene in Action (30)
The Old and New Globe I (15)
Directed Production I (30)
Performance Practice Project I (60)

Option modules
With the approval of the Programme Convenor you may choose to substitute one of your compulsory Shakespeare modules for one from a list of non-Shakespearean modules which may include:
Approaches to Directing (30)
Vocal Practice (30)
Applied Theatre – Practices and Perspectives (30)
Theatre for the Ears (30)
Carnival and Performance (30)
Theatre and Madness (30)
Arts Management (30)

Compulsory modules (Year 2)
Beyond Shakespeare (30)
The Old and New Globe II (15)
Directed Production II (30)
Performance Practice Project II (45)
MFA DVD Shakespeare Portfolio (30)

Option modules
One from the list above.
It may be possible to study up to 45 credits from another pathway with prior agreement from the pathway convenor.

Not all option modules listed here will necessarily be available in any given academic year. The programme convenors will be able to confirm which option modules will be on offer in your chosen year of study.

Assessment
The assessment is mixed, and includes essays, practical presentations, performances, critical portfolios and essays. MFA students normally undertake practice-based work in lieu of the usual Masters dissertation, and they also compile a multi-media portfolio in which they analyse and reflect upon their practice.

For the latest information, please see our website.

Accreditation:

University of Exeter

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: Yes