Program Overview

Introduction to the Playwriting & Dramaturgy MLitt Program

The Playwriting & Dramaturgy MLitt program at the University of Glasgow offers a unique blend of practical and theoretical engagement with the various forms of writing and production for theatre. This program is designed for individuals wishing to develop their playwriting skills and knowledge of script development and support, opening up opportunities for many roles in theatre, including dramaturgy.

Program Description

The program combines practice, theory, and history, allowing students to learn about the changing roles of the playwright and dramaturge in contemporary theatre, both in the UK and globally. Students are supported in defining their own creative practice while developing valuable transferable skills in research, project management, and critical reflection.

Career Prospects

The role of the dramaturg is increasingly recognized within the theatre industries, as is the capacity of playwrights to apply their skills and knowledge to other tasks. This program aims to equip playwrights and potential dramaturges with knowledge of other writing roles in theatre. Graduates have gone on to become commissioned playwrights, production dramaturges, theatre critics, literary advisors, doctoral students, theatre makers, and academics.

Fees & Funding

• Tuition fees for MLitt:
  • Home & RUK: Full-time fee ｣11,367, Part-time fee ｣1,263 per 20 credits
  • International & EU: Full-time fee ｣27,720
• Deposit for International and EU applicants: ｣2,000
• Additional fees:
  • Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): ｣370
  • Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: ｣350
  • Registration/exam only fee: ｣170

Funding Opportunities

Several scholarships and funding opportunities are available, including:

• Beatrix Whistler and James McNeill Whistler Scholarship
• Banco de Mexico
• The Snowdon Trust Masters Scholarship
• CONACyT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia) / FUNED Agreement
• ANID (la Agencia Nacional de Investigaci y Desarrollo)
• University of Glasgow African Excellence Award
• University of Glasgow Caribbean Excellence Award
• World Changers Glasgow Scholarship
• Global Leadership Scholarship
• GREAT Scholarships 2026
• The Humanitarian Scholarship
• Chevening Scholarship
• India Excellence Award
• Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans
• Postgraduate Student Loan (Scotland and EU)
• Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students
• Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans England only (PTFL)
• Colfuturo Fundacion para el Futuro de Colombia
• Commonwealth Scholarship Schemes
• DAAD-University of Glasgow 1-year Masters grant
• Sanctuary Scholarships
• Alumni Discount
• The Clan Gregor Society Prize
• Travel Bursary for Forced Migrants
• The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
• Glasgow Highland Society Scholarship

Entry Requirements

• Academic requirements: 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Drama, Performance, Theatre, Acting, Playwriting, Dramaturgy, Shakespeare, Design, or Performance Studies.
• English language requirements:
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
  • TOEFL: 90 overall with no subtest less than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
  • Pearsons PTE Academic: 65 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 60; Speaking 65; Writing 60
  • Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall with no subtest less than 169
  • Oxford English Test: 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
  • LanguageCert Academic: 70 overall with no subtest less than 65
  • Password Skills Plus: 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
  • Trinity College Integrated Skills in English II: Two subtests at 96 or higher, and two subtests at 80 or higher
  • Kaplan Test of English: Any two subtests at 480 or higher, and any two subtests at 450 or higher
  • University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

How to Apply

To apply for the Playwriting & Dramaturgy MLitt program, applicants must submit their application online, including supporting documents such as official degree certificates, academic transcripts, English language proficiency tests, and any additional required documents.

Application Deadlines

• International & EU applicants: Application rounds with specific deadlines
• Home applicants: 21 August 2026

Program Structure

• Semester 1 (September to December): Three compulsory core courses - Research Methods, Playwriting 1, Debating Dramaturgy
• Semester 2 (January to March): One compulsory core course - Contemporary Dramaturgical Practices, and optional courses including Theatre Studies PGT Work Placement and Playwriting 2
• Summer (April to September): Individual Research Project (Dramaturgy)

Why Choose This Program

The program offers a unique opportunity to engage with world-class scholars and professional writers, dramaturgs, and theatre-makers, ensuring a wide variety of practices and up-to-date content. The inclusion of masterclasses, workshops, work placement options, and a visiting speaker series further enhances the learning experience.