MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
MA Theatre
Loughborough
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
Loughborough University, located in the heart of the United Kingdom, is widely recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and innovation. The MA Theatre program at Loughborough is designed for students who are passionate about the performing arts and want to deepen their knowledge and skills in theatre practice, theory, and research. The program is perfect for those who wish to pursue a career in theatre direction, production, performance, or academic research. Students benefit from the university’s strong academic framework, industry connections, and a supportive, creative environment that encourages artistic exploration and critical thinking.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Theatre program at Loughborough University offers a rich, diverse, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of theatre. The program is designed to challenge students both creatively and intellectually, combining practical theatre production with in-depth theoretical study. Core modules typically include Theatre Practice, Performance and Spectatorship, Theatre History, and Dramatic Writing. The curriculum allows students to engage with a variety of theatrical forms, including contemporary theatre, experimental performance, and global theatrical traditions. Students are encouraged to develop their creative potential through practical workshops, collaborative projects, and individual performance pieces. The program also provides opportunities to explore topics such as the role of theatre in society, the intersection of politics and performance, and theatre as a tool for social change.
Research Focus: Loughborough University places a strong emphasis on research within the MA Theatre program, enabling students to explore a wide range of theatre-related topics in depth. The research focus is both historical and contemporary, with an emphasis on how theatre intersects with culture, society, politics, and identity. The program encourages students to engage with critical and creative research methodologies, from textual analysis and performance theory to ethnographic studies of live performance. Students are encouraged to explore how theatre can contribute to wider social discussions, including issues such as gender, race, environmentalism, and activism. The research-led approach ensures that students graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to critically engage with the theatre landscape, both as practitioners and scholars.
Industry Engagement: Loughborough University’s MA Theatre program has a strong focus on industry engagement, providing students with numerous opportunities to collaborate with theatre companies, festivals, and other cultural organizations. Students often have the chance to work on live projects, internships, and placements that expose them to the practical side of theatre production and performance. The university has established relationships with a variety of professional theatres, directors, playwrights, and other industry professionals, ensuring that students gain first-hand experience and insights into the workings of the theatre world. Guest lectures, masterclasses, and industry workshops are integral parts of the program, allowing students to learn from experts in the field. These experiences prepare students for successful careers in a variety of sectors, including theatre direction, production management, dramaturgy, and theatre criticism.
Global Perspective: The MA Theatre program at Loughborough University offers a global perspective, encouraging students to explore theatre practices from different cultures and regions around the world. Students engage with global theatre traditions, from European and North American theatre to non-Western performance practices. The program fosters an understanding of the diverse ways in which theatre functions within different social, political, and cultural contexts. International collaborations, study trips, and the opportunity to explore global theatrical traditions ensure that students are well-prepared to work in a globalized theatre industry. Whether students aspire to work in international theatre festivals, global performance companies, or academic research, the program offers the tools and perspectives needed to engage with global theatre trends and practices.
Location
Loughborough
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 24500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 75% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Loughborough University offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their education and make studying in the UK more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, financial need, and the potential for students to contribute to the university community.
International Excellence Awards: These are merit-based scholarships offered to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These awards typically cover part of the tuition fees and are designed to attract outstanding students from around the globe.
Global Scholarships: Loughborough offers various global scholarships based on geographical location, supporting students from specific regions or countries with reduced tuition fees.
Postgraduate Taught Scholarships: These are available for international students applying for postgraduate taught programs at Loughborough University. Scholarships typically range from £2,000 to £4,000, depending on the student’s academic qualifications and the program they are enrolled in.
Loughborough University International Research Scholarships: For international students who wish to pursue a research-based postgraduate program, Loughborough offers research scholarships that cover full tuition fees, along with an annual stipend to assist with living costs.
Loughborough University Elite Sports Scholarships: These are available for students who are competing at an elite level in their sport. The scholarship includes financial support, as well as access to the university's world-class sports facilities, coaching, and training programs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Loughborough University offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate high academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country upon graduation.
The MA Theatre program at Loughborough University offers graduates a wide range of career options across different sectors of the theatre and creative industries.
Theatre Director: One of the most common career paths for MA Theatre graduates is that of a theatre director. Theatre directors are responsible for overseeing the artistic vision of a production, working with actors, designers, and other creatives to bring a script to life on stage. Graduates with an interest in direction can work in various settings, including professional theatres, community theatres, and experimental performance spaces. With training in both practice and theory, Loughborough’s graduates are well-equipped to handle the challenges of directing live performances.
Theatre Producer: Theatre producers oversee the logistical and financial aspects of producing theatre shows. This includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, securing venues, and organizing rehearsals. Producers play a crucial role in ensuring the success of a production from inception to final performance. MA Theatre graduates can pursue a career as producers in both the commercial and nonprofit theatre sectors, often working with production companies or theatre organizations.
Performance Artist/Actor: Many graduates from the MA Theatre program pursue careers as professional performers. As actors or performance artists, they may appear in plays, live performances, film, television, or other media platforms. Loughborough University’s emphasis on performance training provides students with the practical skills to audition, rehearse, and perform with confidence. Graduates can work as freelancers or join established theatre companies, taking on roles in productions ranging from traditional plays to contemporary, experimental performances.
Dramaturg: A dramaturg is responsible for shaping and developing the content of a production. They often work alongside the director to interpret scripts, offer insights on themes and characters, and provide historical context for performances. Dramaturgs also assist in the creation of new work and adaptations. Graduates with an interest in research, literature, and critical analysis are well-suited for this role, which is found in both traditional theatres and avant-garde companies.
Theatre Designer (Set, Lighting, Costume, Sound): Theatre designers are responsible for creating the visual and auditory elements of a production. This includes designing sets, costumes, lighting, and sound effects that enhance the audience's experience and complement the director's vision. The MA Theatre program at Loughborough encourages students to develop their creativity and technical skills, allowing them to pursue careers in various design fields. Graduates can work for production companies, theatre organizations, or as freelance designers.
Playwright/Scriptwriter: Playwrights and scriptwriters create original works for the stage, television, or film. They develop characters, dialogue, and plot structures that convey stories to an audience. Graduates with strong writing skills and a passion for storytelling can explore careers in scriptwriting for theatre or other performance mediums. The MA Theatre program provides students with the necessary training in writing for performance, offering them the skills to write compelling scripts and stage plays.
Drama Teacher/Educator: Many graduates of the MA Theatre program pursue careers in education, either as drama teachers at secondary schools, colleges, or universities, or as instructors in drama-based workshops and community programs. The program’s emphasis on performance techniques, theatre history, and pedagogy prepares students to teach and inspire the next generation of theatre artists. Drama educators may also work in after-school programs or educational theatre companies, fostering creativity and critical thinking in students of all ages.
Community Theatre Practitioner: Graduates of the MA Theatre program may choose to work in community theatre, where they use performance as a tool for social change, community engagement, and education. Community theatre practitioners work with diverse groups, often in underrepresented or marginalized communities, using theatre to address social issues and empower individuals. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and a passion for using theatre as a means of promoting positive social impact.
Arts Administrator/Manager: Arts administrators oversee the operations of theatres, arts organizations, and cultural festivals. They manage budgets, fundraising, marketing, and public relations to ensure the smooth running of artistic events and productions. Graduates interested in the organizational side of the arts can pursue careers in arts management, working in administrative roles in theatres, museums, galleries, and cultural institutions.
Theatre Critic/Journalist: Theatre critics and journalists are responsible for reviewing performances and writing articles about the theatre. These professionals provide audiences with insights into new plays, productions, and trends within the theatre world. Loughborough’s MA Theatre program provides graduates with the critical skills to analyze theatre and write compelling reviews for newspapers, magazines, websites, and blogs.
