Program Overview

Introduction to the MA by Research in Theatre and Performance

The MA by Research in the field of Theatre and Performance is a conventional research degree that requires the production of a standard research dissertation. This program is designed for students who have sufficient expertise in their proposed field of research and wish to obtain a Master's degree by independent research under the guidance of an approved supervisor.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates of this program include:

• Choreographer
• Critics
• Director
• Designer
• Performer
• Theatre-Maker
• Writer
• Production and Arts Manager
• Teachers/Facilitators/Academics
• Theorists
• Writer

Entry Requirements

To be considered for this program, applicants must provide the following supporting documents:

• All former academic transcripts of prior degrees
• All prior qualification certificates
• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages) detailing all professional experience and including all qualifications and/or training certificates
• A recent academic writing sample (for example, an essay or research report) that gives a good reflection of academic writing capacity equivalent to Honours level and understanding of academic writing conventions
• A short personal motivation (maximum 1 page) reflecting on why the applicant wants to apply for the program and how it relates to their personal and career trajectory and history
• An expression of interest (maximum one page) that provides a brief overview of the proposed research topic, including the research question, a concise expansion on the topic, and an initial bibliography with at least 5-10 readings
• Any other relevant supporting documents, such as a creative writing sample, performance or directing showreel, online portfolio, or website showcasing creative practice

University Application Process

Applications are handled centrally, and once an application is complete, it will be referred to the relevant school for assessment. The selection process for programs with limited intake may only finalize applications at the end of the application cycle. Meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee a place, as final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results, and other entry requirements.

Tuition Fees and Funding

The current average tuition fees are available, and the fees site provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, are available, and the University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities. The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies.