Program Overview
The Shakespeare Institute offers postgraduate research options (PhD, MA by Research, MLitt) in Shakespeare Studies, with flexible study modes and access to exceptional resources, including RSC theaters, extensive libraries, and expert guidance. The program provides specialized training, seminars, and connections with industry professionals, preparing students for careers in academia, the performing arts, and cultural heritage institutions.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Shakespeare Institute offers three options for postgraduate research in Shakespeare Studies: PhD, MA by Research, and MLitt. The program allows students to study full-time or part-time, on campus or by distance learning. The College of Arts and Law is experienced in delivering high quality distance learning to students all over the world. The program provides an unrivalled academic experience with access to the theatres of the Royal Shakespeare Company, extraordinarily rich libraries and archives, and a lively postgraduate community.
Teaching:
The program includes weekly seminars, an annual international conference organized by students for students, and regular interactions with senior RSC personnel. Specialist training is offered as necessary in areas such as editing, palaeography, theoretical, educational, historical, digital, philosophical, and EDI approaches to Shakespeare. All students are invited to attend the weekly Thursday seminar where leading academics or practitioners share their cutting-edge work.
Careers:
The program provides excellent preparation for a future career in teaching, performing arts, publishing, and museum, library, and archive work. Graduates have gone on to work for employers such as the National Trust, Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Shakespeare's Globe, University of Birmingham, and University of Oxford.
Other:
The Shakespeare Institute boasts a world-class specialist library with 60,000 items, including the archives of honorary fellow Sir Kenneth Branagh’s theatre and film projects. The Institute also has the world’s largest collection of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century dramatic manuscripts on microfilm. Students have access to the most comprehensive Shakespeare studies collection in the UK, including the nearby archives of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and the rare book holdings of the Cadbury library on the main Birmingham campus.
- Annual tuition fee 2024 entry:
- UK: £4,786 full-time; £2,393 part-time
- International: £21,840 full-time; £10,920 part-time (distance learning only)
- The same fees apply to both campus-based and distance learning study. The distance learning programme also includes one fully-funded visit to campus in the first year of study.
- The above fees quoted are for one year only; for those studying over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
- For UK postgraduate research students the University fee level is set at Research Council rates and as such is subject to change. The final fee will be announced by Research Councils UK in spring 2024.
- Payment of tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments.
University of Birmingham Summary
Overview:
The University of Birmingham is a leading global university with a strong focus on research and innovation. It is committed to developing solutions for a thriving planet and improving the health of people around the world.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Birmingham offers a welcoming environment for students, with opportunities to settle in, make new friends, discover the city of Birmingham, and prepare for their studies. The university also has a vision for its campus development in the next 20 years, aiming to enhance and refine the global campuses.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Global Impact:
The university's research is focused on addressing major global issues, such as climate change and global health.Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
The university encourages collaboration across disciplines to drive innovation and find solutions to complex problems.Pioneering Breakthroughs:
The university is known for its pioneering research and breakthroughs in various fields.Academic Programs:
Other:
The university has five research challenge themes that guide its focus and draw on its vast expertise and resources. These themes showcase the university's pioneering breakthroughs, multidisciplinary collaboration, and significant global impact.
Entry Requirements:
- For MRes and MA by Research programmes:
- A good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.
- For PhD programmes:
- A Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.
- For Distance Learning Research Programmes:
- Applicants must demonstrate that they have the time, commitment, facilities, and experience to study by distance learning.
International Students:
- General Requirements:
- A Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 14/20 from a recognised institution to be considered.
- Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.
- Specific Requirements by Country:
- The document provides detailed entry requirements for students from various countries, including GPA requirements, specific degree titles, and other relevant qualifications.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Standard Requirements:
- IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band.
- Equivalent Scores:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 21 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- English for Academic Purposes Presessional Course: If you successfully complete the course, you will be able to fulfil the language requirement without retaking a language qualification.
