| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
| 2025-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
This part-time or full-time Theatre and Performance program at Birkbeck, University of London, immerses students in the multifaceted world of theatre, equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of its history, theory, and impact on culture and society. Through interactive teaching methods, students gain critical analysis skills, originality, and communication abilities, preparing them for diverse careers in the creative industries. The program's location in London's vibrant arts scene provides unparalleled access to live theatre experiences and industry professionals.
Program Outline
It delves into theatre as a live art form, dramatic text, and historical context, with a focus on the creative and cultural industries' business practices.
Key Features:
- Explores theatre history and theory alongside diverse storytelling methods.
- Cultivates critical understanding of organizational structures within creative organizations.
- Analyzes cultural policy implementation and strategies for audience development and curatorial practice.
- Students embark on regular visits to renowned theatre institutions and dissect live and digital performances.
- Concludes with a full-length dissertation project guided by world-leading academics and practitioners.
Outcome:
Graduates of this program gain a comprehensive understanding of theatre's role in shaping culture and society, preparing them to excel in diverse careers within the creative industries.
Outline:
Structure:
- Full-time or part-time options.
- Evening classes, Monday to Thursday, October to July.
- Three or four years depending on enrollment option.
- Modules focusing on theatre histories, theories, storytelling, creative organizations, cultural policy, audience development, and curating practice.
- Optional modules exploring literature, languages, or independent creative projects.
- Culmination in a full-length dissertation project.
Course Schedule:
- Three evenings per week, October to July.
- Specific times and modules vary depending on the year of study and chosen options.
Individual Modules:
- Storytelling: Narrative Archetypes, Forms and Techniques: Analyzes diverse narrative structures and techniques across storytelling forms.
- Theatre in London Now: Histories: Explores the rich history of London theatre from its origins to the present day.
- Theatremaking: Provides hands-on experience in the practical aspects of theatre production.
- Visual Art: Histories, Networks and Organisations: Examines the history, organizational structures, and networks of the visual arts.
- Curating Culture: Investigates the theory and practice of curating across various artistic disciplines.
- Our Theatrical World: Analyses contemporary theatre practices and engages in critical discussions.
- Theatre in London Now: Theories: Explores theoretical frameworks for understanding and interpreting contemporary theatre.
- Independent Research Project in Theatre and Performance: Conducts independent research under the guidance of expert supervisors.
- Theatre in London Now: Student Led Project: Students collaborate on a self-directed theatre project.
- Understanding Cultural Audiences: Engagement, Education and Communications: Examines audience engagement strategies, education initiatives, and communication practices within the cultural sector.
- Debates in Art History: Critically analyzes key debates and controversies in art history.
- French 1, 2, 3, 4: Develops proficiency in the French language.
- German 1, 2, 3, 4: Develops proficiency in the German language.
- Italian 1, 2, 3, 4: Develops proficiency in the Italian language.
- Japanese 1: Introduces the fundamentals of the Japanese language.
- Performing Theatre Histories (Critical Practice I): Explores theatre history through performance-based approaches.
- Production of the Human: Decolonising the Canon: Examines the production of human identity through a decolonial lens.
- Screenwriting: Develops scriptwriting skills for film and television.
- Spanish 1, 2, 3, 4: Develops proficiency in the Spanish language.
- Connecting the Arts: Investigates the interconnections and collaborations between various art forms.
- European Drama and Theatre: Gods, Ideas and Adaptations: Explores the evolution of European drama and theatre, focusing on thematic and theatrical adaptations.
- Tragedy: Analyzes the genre of tragedy in theatre and its enduring impact.
- Finding a Leg to Stand On: Clinical, Critical and Creative Approaches to the Human Body: Examines the human body through interdisciplinary perspectives.
- The Creative Critical Seam: Investigates the intersections between creative and critical practices.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Research essays and exercises.
- Performance presentations.
- Creative projects.
- Group presentations.
- Critical reflections on practical work.
- Group and individual vivas.
Assessment Criteria:
- Depth of understanding and knowledge of the subject matter.
- Critical analysis and evaluation skills.
- Originality and creativity.
- Communication and presentation skills.
- Research and writing skills.
- Teamwork and collaboration skills.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures.
- Seminars.
- Workshops.
- Laboratory work.
- Tutorials.
- Dissertation supervision.
- Practical classes.
- Visits and field trips.
Faculty:
- World-renowned academics and practitioners with extensive experience in theatre and performance.
- Active researchers at the forefront of their fields.
- Strong industry connections and insights.
Unique Approaches:
- Interactive and engaging teaching methods.
- Emphasis on student-led learning and active participation.
- Access to live theatre experiences and industry professionals.
- Opportunities for independent research and creative projects.
Careers:
Career Paths:
- Author.
- Journalist.
- Arts administrator.
- Charity officer.
- Theatre director.
- Higher education lecturer.
Graduate Outcomes:
- 95% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of completing the program.
Other:
Location:
- Birkbeck, University of London.
- Heart of London's vibrant arts and cultural scene.
- Close proximity to renowned theatres, galleries, and museums.
Highlights:
- Ranked 2nd in the UK for English Language and Literature research.
- Top four for Art and Design research.
- Opportunities to attend public events and performances.
Fees:
- Varies depending on the year of entry and study mode.
Entry Requirements:
- Standard requirements: two A-levels or equivalent.
- UCAS tariff points: 96-128 points (e.g., A-levels CCC-ABB).
- International students: equivalent of IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each sub-test.
Application Process:
- Via UCAS for full-time courses.
- Lifelong Learning Guarantee for returning students.
- Extensive financial support and scholarships available.
- Careers and Enterprise support for career planning and development.
Academic year 2024–25, starting October 2024 Full-time home students: £9,250 per year Full-time international students: £17,620 per year Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025 To be confirmed Part-time home students: £6,935 per year Part-time international students: £13,215 per year Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025 To be confirmed Part-time home students, Year 1&2: £4,625 per year Part-time international students, Year 1&2: £8,810 per year Part-time home students, Year 3+: £6,935 per year Part-time international students, Year 3+: £12,615 per year Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025 To be confirmed Full-time home students: £9,250 per year Full-time international students: £17,620 per year Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025 To be confirmed
