MA in Research

Course Convenor: Professor Liz Schafer

This course offers an ideal preparation for, and a specialised introduction to, the techniques of research and scholarship for students intending to go on to a PhD in performance, theatre history, film, and related areas. The programme offers a very thorough training, with a high level of teaching and supervision, plus carefully graded assessment hurdles, so that its graduates will be fully equipped for the much more independent work of PhD research and well placed to apply for funding for further study. The objectives of the course are: to bring all students up to M.Phil/Ph.D level in the use and application of critical theory to research in theatre and in drama; to enable students to use a variety of critical-theoretical methods; to assist students with selecting approaches relevant to their long-term specific research; and to ensure that the methodologies learnt are fully owned by the students rather than imposed by the tutors.

Students work in very small groups and one-to-one with a personal supervisor. Recent students have researched areas as varied as: the Musical, Carnival, Fascist Ceremonial, Women on the Restoration Stage, Theatre and Disability, Digital Drama, Convent Drama, Senecan Tragedy and Renaissance Drama, Post-colonial Drama.

There are three components to the degree:

1. The Application of Critical-theoretical Methods
   This advanced theory class investigates and assesses the value of a wide range of theoretical approaches in relation to dramatic and theatrical texts.
2. A Special Option
   Students may select their individual option course from within the range of courses offered at M.A. level within Royal Holloway.  Courses offered by the Drama department include:  British Theatre since 1945;  Performance Spaces;  Choreography;  London theatre.  Recent students have also taken courses in English literature history, computer science, Latin, cultural studies.
3. A Dissertation (of c. 20.000 words)
   This carries 50% of the marks of the whole course, and is supervised one-to-one; it is intended to give scope for postgraduates to explore their area of interest in depth, test out a possible research topic, and learn the skills of extended scholarly writing.

In addition students also take a compulsory course entitled Research Methodologies in Theatre Studies

Duration

One year full time.

Entry

A first class humanities degree is a normal entry requirement. Mature students with professional theatre experience are also welcomed.

Funding

The College offers some MA scholarships, though competition is strong. This degree programme is intended for high-flying applicants who are likely to win research funding. Application forms should be returned to Registry in the Admissions Office, accompanied by two essays or other recent pieces of critical writing. Candidates in Britain at the time of application will be invited to interview; everyone is welcome to visit the Department.

For enquiries, forms or a brochure please contact us