MBA Masters of Business Administration
The MBA in Leadership at Bath Spa University is structured to provide a comprehensive u...
MA Performance (Directing)
Newton Park
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Performance (Directing) program at Bath Spa University is typically a one-year full-time course, demanding a high level of intellectual curiosity, creative drive, and collaborative spirit. It is structured for individuals with a background in theatre, performance, or related disciplines who aspire to develop their directorial skills and establish a distinct artistic vision. The program encourages a hands-on approach, providing numerous opportunities to direct actors, work with designers, and realize performance projects. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of script analysis, rehearsal techniques, visual storytelling, and the dynamics of leading a creative team. The program culminates in significant directing projects that showcase their developing directorial style and professional readiness.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Performance (Directing) program is designed to provide a comprehensive grounding in the theory and practice of directing. Core modules typically cover areas such as dramaturgy and script analysis, directing techniques for stage and screen, actor management and collaboration, visual design and storytelling, and the history and theory of directing. Students engage in intensive practical work, directing scenes, short plays, and potentially longer projects. The program emphasizes the development of a personal directorial methodology and the ability to articulate a clear artistic vision. Students will explore different directorial styles and approaches, learning to adapt their techniques to diverse texts and performance contexts. The curriculum also incorporates elements of professional development, such as working with actors in auditions, rehearsals, and on set, as well as understanding the role of the director within the broader performance industry.
Research Focus: While the MA Performance (Directing) program is primarily practice-based, it operates within the research-informed environment of Bath Spa University's School of Music and Performing Arts. The faculty often comprises experienced directors, academics, and theatre practitioners who bring their professional expertise and scholarly insights into their teaching. The program encourages students to engage with current research in theatre studies, performance theory, and directorial practices. Students may undertake research-based projects that explore specific directorial approaches or analyze the work of influential directors. The university's broader research strengths in the creative arts provide a stimulating intellectual context for the program, encouraging a reflective and analytical approach to the art of directing.
Industry Engagement: A significant strength of the MA Performance (Directing) program at Bath Spa University is its commitment to connecting students with the professional performance industry. The program actively fosters relationships with theatre companies, film and television production houses, casting directors, and other industry professionals through guest workshops, masterclasses, and potential mentorship opportunities. Students often have opportunities to network with working directors and receive feedback on their directing projects. The program's curriculum is designed to equip students with the practical skills and industry knowledge required to pursue directing careers in various performance mediums. The culmination of the program often involves directing projects that are attended by industry professionals, providing a crucial platform for students to showcase their directorial talent and make professional connections.
Global Perspective: The MA Performance (Directing) program at Bath Spa University incorporates a global perspective by exploring diverse theatrical traditions, international directing styles, and the work of playwrights and directors from around the world. The curriculum may include the study of non-Western performance practices and the impact of cultural exchange on directorial approaches. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a rich and intercultural learning environment, fostering collaboration and understanding across different cultural perspectives. Students may also have opportunities to engage with international guest directors or explore international theatre practices through workshops or study abroad options. This global outlook prepares graduates to be adaptable and informed directors in an increasingly interconnected and diverse performance world.
Location
Newton Park
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 17835
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 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 75.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- DET: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Bath Spa University understands that financing higher education can be a challenge for international students, and to make studying in the UK more accessible, the university offers a range of scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support international students and recognize their academic achievements, helping to reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses.
International Scholarships: Bath Spa University offers a variety of international scholarships to help non-UK students cover part of their tuition fees. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students. The scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s potential to contribute to the university community.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students are also eligible for a range of scholarships, which may vary based on the course of study. These scholarships help to support students at the beginning of their master’s degree programs and can be highly competitive. Scholarships are awarded based on previous academic achievements, research proposals, and the applicant's personal statement.
Alumni Scholarships: Bath Spa University values its alumni community, and in recognition of this, it offers scholarships for international students who are former students of the university or have attended a Bath Spa University partner institution. The Alumni Scholarship is designed to reward those who have previously been part of the university and are returning to continue their studies.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Bath Spa University also provides country-specific scholarships for international students from particular regions. These scholarships are designed to encourage students from specific countries to study at Bath Spa University and contribute to the diverse international student community. Students from certain countries may be eligible for specific funding opportunities based on their nationality. The university’s website provides up-to-date information on country-specific scholarship availability.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Many of Bath Spa University's scholarships are merit-based, meaning they are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement or outstanding potential in their chosen field of study. Merit scholarships are typically awarded during the application process, and students do not need to apply separately for these awards.
External Scholarship Opportunities: In addition to the university’s internal scholarships, international students at Bath Spa University can also apply for external scholarships offered by government agencies, private organizations, or charitable foundations. Bath Spa University regularly updates a list of external scholarship opportunities that are available to international students. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses.
Graduates from the intensive MA Performance (Directing) program at Bath Spa University emerge with a refined artistic vision, strong leadership skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the performance landscape, positioning them for a variety of impactful careers. The program's rigorous training equips graduates to lead and inspire creative teams across different performance mediums.
Theatre Director: Directing plays for professional theatre companies, regional theatres, touring productions, and independent theatre groups, shaping the artistic vision and guiding actors and designers.
Film and Television Director: Directing narrative films, television episodes, commercials, and other screen-based projects, translating scripts into compelling visual stories and guiding on-screen performances.
Artistic Director: Leading the artistic programming and overall vision of a theatre company, dance company, or other performing arts organization, often involving directing productions as well as curating seasons.
Associate/Assistant Director: Working alongside established directors on larger productions in theatre, film, or television, gaining valuable experience and contributing to the directorial process.
Directing Tutor/Lecturer: Teaching directing and acting at universities, drama schools, or other educational institutions, sharing their knowledge and mentoring emerging talent.
Devising Theatre Director: Leading the creation of original performance work through collaborative processes with actors and other creatives.
Opera Director: Directing operatic productions, working with singers, musicians, and designers to bring musical narratives to the stage.
Directing for Digital Media: Directing performances specifically for online platforms, virtual reality experiences, or interactive digital projects.
Freelance Director: Building a portfolio of directing work across various performance mediums, often working on a project-by-project basis.
Creative Director (Performance-Related Organizations): Overseeing the creative output and artistic direction of organizations such as performance festivals or arts centers.
