Program Overview

MA Theatre Practice

Overview

For theatre-makers, educators, and performance scholars, this MA offers rigorous training in physical and vocal performance, ensemble collaboration, directing and dramaturgy - equipping students to innovate and lead within contemporary theatre and performance contexts.

Entry Requirements

• We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above in their first degree in drama.
• While we normally only consider applicants who meet this criterion, if you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.
• Practical and/or professional experience may be taken as constituting the equivalent of a degree qualification.
• Applicants are invited to submit a portfolio, including videos excerpts from previous performances or links to others types of material.

International Students

• International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
• The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.

Course Content

• Our MA Theatre Practice nurtures the theatre scholar-practitioners of the future.
• You will be taught advanced skills in movement, voice, text, adaptation and devising and will be invited to work collaboratively and imaginatively across various types of performance.
• This programme is ideal for anyone wishing to further their practical training, integrate this with the study of cutting-edge performance practices, and the cultivation of advanced research skills.

Modules

• 180 credits of compulsory modules
• Choose either CDFM001 Dissertation - Written or CDFM002 Dissertation - Practice (you cannot choose more than one module from this group)
• DRAM167 Contemporary Performance Practices is pre-requisite for DRAM168 Performance Practice Project

Compulsory Modules

• DRAM103 Cultural Adaptation (30 credits)
• DRAM167 Contemporary Performance Practices: Training (45 credits)
• DRAM168 Performance Practice Project (45 credits)
• CDFM002 Dissertation - Practice (60 credits)
• CDFM001 Dissertation - Written (60 credits)

Fees

• 2025/26 entry
• UK fees per year: £12,500 full-time; £6,250 part-time
• International fees per year: £25,300 full-time; £12,650 part-time

Scholarships

• The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships.

Teaching and Research

• Our MA Theatre Practice introduces you to significant international practices and the core aspects of the theatre-maker’s craft: physical and vocal training, ensemble-making and collaboration, dramaturgy, directing and devising, space, props and technology.
• Programme staff are experts in actor training, directing and devising.
• We offer a rich programme of esteemed visiting speakers and practitioners throughout the year.

Facilities

• Alexander Building
• White House
• Roborough

Careers

• An MA Theatre Practice from Exeter enables you to develop a wide range of skills, such as those involved in creativity and public performance; research; analysis and source assessment; writing and verbal communication; managing and interpreting information; and developing ideas and arguments.
• There are many career options open to students including acting, directing, performing, teaching and technical roles.
• Graduates also find work in other areas outside of theatre and performance: e.g., website design, press relations, magazine editing, copywriting, account managing, national health practice, law, and journalism.

Selected Alumni

• Previous graduates lead performance companies around the world, including:
  • Oregon Shakespeare Festival (USA)
  • London Demidov Studio (UK)
  • Brite Theatre (UK)
  • Jammy Voo (UK)
  • Zero Point Theater (Greece)
  • Guild of the Goat Theatre (India)
  • Theatre P’yut (South Korea)
  • Doorstep Arts (UK)
  • Anthos Arts (UK)
• Others work for arts organisations, including:
  • China Radio International, (China)
  • State Administration of Radio, Television and Film (China)
  • National Theatre of Northern Greece
  • Attis Theatre (Greece)
  • Grassroots Shakespeare (USA)
  • Marebito Theatre (Japan)
  • Exeter Northcott (UK)
  • Plough Youth Theatre (UK)
  • MED Theatre (UK)
• Several graduates have become university lecturers in institutions including:
  • Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (UK)
  • De Montford University (UK)
  • University of Sussex (UK)
  • University of Chester (UK),
  • Roger Williams University (USA)
  • Clark University (USA)
  • Korean National University of the Arts (Korea)
  • the Drama School in Mumbai (India)
  • the Real Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático de Madrid (Spain)
  • Aristotle University (Greece)