Program Overview

Theatre, Performance & Critical Culture MA

Key Information

• Delivery mode: In person
• Study mode: Full time, Part time
• Duration: One year full-time, September to September, two years part-time
• Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 180/ECTS 90
• Application status: Open
• Start date: September 2025

Course Essentials

This master’s blends theatre and performance studies with a focus on critical culture to examine the contexts and material conditions within which performances take place. You’ll explore how to engage with questions of subject position and identity politics through the arts of writing and performance, considering how contemporary critical practice expands your own experience of theatricality and creative engagement.

Key Benefits

• Build a strong research foundation in theatre and performance studies.
• Tailor your syllabus with two optional modules drawn from across English and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, including the flagship Performance Lab that culminates in a solo or collaborative research-led festival performance.
• Learn from King’s dynamic intellectual community and a wealth of guest speakers and artist residents.
• Enjoy the abundance of cultural opportunities and the world-class research libraries on your doorstep.
• Develop a unique body of work – leading to a substantial dissertation supported by leading experts in the field.
• Hone your skills for a vibrant career in the cultural, performance and arts sectors, as well as in further research and education.

Entry Requirements

UK Applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
• Programme-Specific Requirements: An undergraduate honours degree with minimum 2:1 classification, in Theatre, Performance Studies, English or related fields. Strong interest and/or engagement in performance practice an asset.

International Applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view equivalent qualifications
• English language requirements: English language band: C

Selection Process

• Your application will be reviewed by the Admissions Tutor, who may consult with additional staff members.
• Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal.
• A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
• Applicants from non-traditional academic backgrounds (e.g. conservatoires, professional work in the field) may be invited to an interview with the department after application submission.

Personal Statement and Supporting Information

• Personal Statement: Yes, please provide a personal statement of around 750 words, answering the following questions:
  • Briefly explain why you are applying for this specific programme and how it fits with your future plans? (max 250 words)
  • How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (max 250 words)
  • What was distinctively ‘theatrical’ about the last thing you saw on a stage, and which performance theorist has expanded your sense of what theatre might be?" (max 250 words)
• Previous Academic Study: Yes, a copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained.
• References: Yes, one Academic Reference is required. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
• Writing Sample: Yes, the writing sample should consist of:
  • Preferred: one academic essay (approximately 4,000 words) that shows engagement with both primary and critical sources;
  • Alternatively, we will consider a collection of shorter writing, totalling approximately 4,000 words. This should include a 1,000-word commentary on a key critical text (e.g. article, book chapter, book) that is relevant to your research interests.

Teaching & Structure

• Teaching methods: Our required modules will provide you with a deep understanding and critical awareness of current problems and new insights in the field, and the ability to critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship.
• Assessment: Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Coursework contributes 100% to your final mark.
• Location: This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand Campus.

Structure

• Required modules:
  • Critical Practice: Genealogies of Performance (30 credits)
  • Contemporary Theatres: London in Performance (30 credits)
  • Dissertation (60 credits)
  • Research Methods and Practices (30 credits)
• Optional modules: In addition, you are required to take 30 credits from a range of optional modules. If you are a part-time student, you take these modules in your second year. The list of options may typically include:
  • Performance Lab (15 credits)
  • Global/Local Shakespeares (15 credits)
  • A range of performance-focused modules from across the Faculty including from Departments such as Music, Film and French.

Careers

• Graduates from this Theatre, Performance and Critical Culture MA have worked in the arts and other related industries, including museums, curatorial, archival work, production, dramaturgy, journalism, performance and theatre and performance-related arts management and administration.

Fees & Funding

• Tuition Fees:
  • UK: Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26), Part time: £6,750 per year (2025/26)
  • International: Full time: £30,000 per year (2025/26), Part time: £15,000 per year (2025/26)
• Deposit: If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
• Additional Costs: In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies
  • Library fees and fines
  • Personal photocopies
  • Printing course handouts
  • Society membership fees
  • Stationery
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
  • Graduation costs

Funding

• To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.