Details
This is an intensive course that encourages you to think critically about dramatic writing and helps you put these insights into practice in your own plays. The programme is committed to the exploration of new forms of writing, and this process is supported by structured and ongoing dramaturgy.
On the programme, you study three taught modules and create an original and complete work for the stage, accompanied by a 6,000-word critical analysis.
Why study this course
Martin Gulbis talks about being a mature student at the University. He also discusses his postgraduate study in the College of Arts and Law and the excitement of returning to higher education.
Modules
You will complete the following taught modules:
Dramatic Structure
This module addresses key dramaturgical terms, introduces you to a range of dramatic approaches and centres on three case studies, which form the basis of the first 4,000-word assignment.
Media, Form and Genre
This module widens the focus to embrace the differing dramatic media (TV, radio, film) as well as considering other questions of genre (comedy, monologue, TIE) and culminates in another 4,000-word assignment.
Writing in Context
This new module considers the skill of pitching and shaping narrative and includes: creative workshops; developing an awareness of the professional writing context; developing an explicit, personal aesthetic; and writing in the community and third sector. It also outlines career development and group- and self-critique; it introduces research skills, writing in rehearsal, and re-drafting. This is also assessed by a 4,000-word essay.
Modules and courses are constantly updated and under review. As with most academic programmes, please remember that it is possible that a module may not be offered in any particular year, for instance because a member of staff is on study leave or too few students opt for it. The University of Birmingham reserves the right to vary or withdraw any course or module.
Fees and funding
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2013/14 are currently as follows:
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Home / EU: full-time - £4,440
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Overseas: full-time - £12,140
Learn more about fees and funding
Scholarships and studentships
Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available. For further information, visit the College of Arts and Law scholarships page or email financialsupport@bham.ac.uk. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.
All applicants for the MRes in Playwriting Studies are also automatically considered for the Barry Jackson Award. This award contributes to the cost of tuition fees and is presented annually to applicants whose previous achievement and writing sample demonstrate outstanding potential to succeed on the course. The winners of this award are notified each summer.
Playwriting scholarship application guidance
The MRes in Playwriting Studies is committed to critically-informed dramatic writing. The course, therefore, is based on writing practice and critical reflection on writing practice. You should be aware that scholarship applications are generally considered by panels whose purview crosses the entire field of performing arts. As a result, you should use precise language that speaks to as wide an audience as possible.
When applying for AHRC funding, you may apply to one of two streams: the Professional Preparation scheme or the Research Preparation scheme. Either scheme may be suitable for you (and depending on your ultimate aspiration, the MRes in Playwriting Studies may help you achieve your goals in theatre practice or research) but you should frame your application according to the criteria outlined by the AHRC for your preferred scheme. Our experience suggests that many applicants will apply to the Professional Preparation scheme, but, regardless of which scheme you judge most appropriate for you, all applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the AHRC's application guidelines|. You are most likely to be successful if you are knowledgeable about the criteria used, and expectations held, by those who will assess your application.
Entry requirements
We would normally expect applicants to have an Honours degree or equivalent, although suitable professional experience or clear evidence of achievement in the field of original playwriting may be taken into account when assessing qualifications. Applicants should be aware that the coursework for the degree includes the submission of formal academic essays and that no special preparation is offered for these essays beyond that offered to all students undertaking the course.
All applicants must submit a sample of their original creative writing for the stage. This work should be approximately 30-40 minutes in playing time, and may comprise a part of a larger play (in which case we recommend submitting a portion that commences with the play’s opening). Only one writing sample will be considered by assessors and screenplays, radio plays, or teledramas will not be taken into consideration.
All applicants must submit also submit a research statement which articulates what you wish to accomplish in your dissertation play and why you believe that the MRes in Playwriting Studies at the University of Birmingham is the most appropriate place to do this. There is no definitive list of issues to address in your statement, but you may wish to identify topics or themes that the script will explore, problems of writing craft the script will engage, and social or political imperatives the script will possess.
Learn more about entry requirements|
International students
Academic requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.
English language requirements
You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:
How to apply
When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages
Apply now