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Course overview
Pursue your passion for Shakespeare and discover new ways to approach his works. Study online by distance learning and learn from leading Shakespeare scholars from anywhere in the world.
You'll explore different approaches to Shakespeare based on the latest research of our Shakespeare experts.
Our distance learning MA Shakespeare includes the optional pathway MA Shakespeare with Education. This pathway is suitable if you work in education, or you're interested in working in education.
Learn in a way that suits your needs and fit postgraduate study into your life. You can join live weekly online seminars or contribute to online discussion forms.
We also offer a full time MA Shakespeare. This is taught on-site at our Shakespeare Institute in Stratford upon Avon.
Course structure
You can access all resources anywhere, anytime through our Virtual Learning Environment.
You'll study part time and can choose to complete the MA over 2 years or flexibly between 3-6 years.
Please note - to apply for a UK Government postgraduate loan you'll need to apply for the 2-year fixed programme to meet the loan eligibility requirements.
Autumn (Y1)
Autumn (Y1)
September - December (11 weeks)
As a distance learning student, you'll either take one or two modules in the autumn term in your first year.
There are two hours of seminar time per module each week with an emphasis on guided independent learning.
Spring (Y1)
Spring (Y1)
January - April (12 weeks)
As a part time distance learning student, you'll either take one or two modules in the spring term in your first year.
There are two hours of seminar time per module each week with an emphasis on guided independent learning.
Summer (Y1)
Summer (Y1)
May – August
There are no taught modules during term three in your first year.
Autumn (Y2)
Autumn (Y2)
As a distance learning student, you'll either take one or two modules in the autumn term in your second year.
One-third of your degree is your dissertation.
For students on the fixed 2 year programme, you begin planning and submit a proposal for your dissertation during term one of your second year.
For students on the flexible programme (3-6 years), you'll work on your dissertation in your final year.
Spring (Y2)
Spring (Y2)
As a distance learning student, you'll either take one or two modules in the spring term in your second year.
During term two you are assigned a supervisor for your dissertation and carry out research for your chosen topic.
Summer (Y2)
Summer (Y2)
There are no taught modules during term three in your second year.
You’ll continue your research and writing ready to submit your dissertation at the end of August.
Course highlights
Enhance your understanding of Shakespeare and discover the exciting research at our Shakespeare Institute from the comfort of home. You'll explore critical, historical and theatrical approaches to Shakespeare. Choose to access learning whenever it suits you.
If you work in education, or you’re interested in working in education, our Shakespeare and Education pathway offers insights into teaching Shakespeare.
This pathway blends the expertise of our academics at the Shakespeare Institute with practical insights from the RSC on the ‘Teaching Shakespeare’ module taught in collaboration with the RSC.
- The University of Birmingham is ranked in the Top 50 for English Literature and Linguistics (QS World University Rankings 2025).
- We're experts at delivering distance learning postgraduate courses - discover distance learning in the College of Arts and Law.
- Access the Shakespeare Institute's e-resources and academic expertise from anywhere in the world at a time that suits you.
Connect with other Shakespeare students at weekly Thursday seminars available to distance learners.
Benefit from our unique collaboration with the RSC.
Learn from academic experts on Shakespeare with research interests in global Shakespeare, Early Modern drama and more.
Join a global community of Shakespeare enthusiasts
You'll be part of the Shakespeare Institute community and you'll connect with academic experts and other students throughout your programme.
Enjoy regular hybrid activities where you'll find out about the latest research in Shakespeare Studies. Highlights include extra-curricular weekly Thursday seminars. These feature leading Shakespeare academics and Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) practitioners.
The University has a unique collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), offering you opportunities outside the MA to enhance your studies and see Shakespeare’s works brought to life on-stage.
If you're based in the UK, you're always welcome to visit our Shakespeare Institute. You can meet your tutors in person, visit the Institute's library and attend face-to-face seminars.
The Institute is located in Stratford-upon-Avon, close to the Royal Shakespeare Company theatres, Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust, and more.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on what life is like as an online student.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Shakespeare studies.
As a distance learner, you'll access all your learning materials through the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
All resources are uploaded in advance so you can complete activities and take part in discussions at a time that suits you.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Online live weekly seminars - you can choose to join live seminars.
- Online discussion boards – you can also contribute to small group discussions responding to reading and questions set by the module convenor.
- Dissertation – you'll undertake a 12,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you, or a practice-based dissertation.
Facilities
You'll be able to consult academic staff at the Shakespeare Institute via Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
Many of the Shakespeare Institute Library's resources are available electronically, as well as e-resources through the University's Main Library.
Module information
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
2026/27 Session
Please contact your school to obtain the breakdown of which modules are available in each year of study.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Research Skills in Shakespeare | 20 |
Students must choose one of the following Dissertation modules. Students wishing to graduate with MA Shakespeare and Education must complete an Education-focussed dissertation.
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation (MA Shakespeare and Education) | 60 |
| Dissertation (Shakespeare) | 60 |
| Practice-based Dissertation | 60 |
Students should choose five optional modules from those available.
An indicative list of modules is provided below.
Please note
Some modules include on-site teaching.
The Teaching Shakespeare module for students on the MA Shakespeare and Education pathway includes a compulsory three-day residential at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon.
This takes place at Easter, usually before Good Friday.
The indicative optional module Shakespeare and Theatre Practice is only taught on-site and is open to Distance Learners who can attend the weekly on-site seminars.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
(or international equivalent) in English or a related subject
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in English or a related subject.
If you don't have the required academic background, you can study our Fall in with Shakespeare or Spring into Shakespeare short course before applying for the MA. Completing one of the short courses can be used instead of a 2:1 Honours degree as entry onto the MA Shakespeare or MA Shakespeare with Education pathway.
We may also require you to submit a writing sample of approx. 2000 words on Shakespeare or a similar topic related to Early Modern drama, but this will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English presessional programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £1,240
per 20-credit module
(part-time/distance learning)
- £3,720
for the dissertation
(part-time/distance learning)
Paying your tuition fees
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
The programme has two pathways – the MA Shakespeare pathway, and the MA Shakespeare and Education pathway.
If you'd like to graduate with an MA in Shakespeare and Education, you'll apply for MA Shakespeare but you'll need to take the module ‘Teaching Shakespeare’ and undertake an Education-focussed dissertation.
- 28 August 2026
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
By studying a postgraduate degree in Shakespeare Studies at Birmingham, you'll develop specialist knowledge in Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama. You’ll also develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include creative thinking, the ability to work independently and analyse information, plus strong written and verbal communication skills.
Our Shakespeare graduates enter many roles, including:
- Theatre Education practitioner
- Marketing lead in the arts
- Heritage management
- Academic
- Librarian
Employers our Shakespeare graduates have worked for include:
- The Royal Shakespeare Company
- Shakespeare’s Globe
- English Heritage
- The National Trust
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024 and 2025 High Fliers reports.
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
We're first choice for graduate employers... again!
We are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025). Our graduate stories highlight the achievements of Birmingham alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
Upcoming events
There are currently no upcoming events
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
From application through to graduation, we will support you throughout your exciting online learning journey. As one of the largest providers of distance learning in the UK, we offer you a prestigious online education that matches the on-campus experience, taught by our same expert professors and lecturers.
Why study online?
Studying online allows you to study at your own pace and fit your studies around your other commitments. All whilst enjoying the same level of support and access to experienced academic staff.
How does online learning work?
All of your learning materials for our online courses can be accessed in your own time, on our user-friendly virtual learning environment. This is accessible on desktop, laptop, and mobile devices.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to supporting you throughout your exciting online learning journey.
Visiting the Shakespeare Institute
As an online student, you're able to access all of our facilities at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon. Discover a dedicated Shakespeare library, study spaces, and a tranquil garden.