Theatre: Socially Engaged Practice

Entry requirements

A minimum of a second-class honours degree in a related subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. Applicants may be invited to attend an interview.

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Use theatre and performance as powerful tools for social change, whether it's bringing historic events to life in museums or working with local councils or the NHS to highlight new health initiatives.

If you're looking to build on your undergraduate degree, and want to use the tools of drama to make a positive difference to the world, then this Master's degree in Theatre, which focuses on Socially Engaged Practice, is the ideal choice for you.

You'll explore methods and techniques for using drama in the community, such as in youth groups, mental health support settings, schools, museums, and centres for older people and those with illnesses.

You'll get practical experience in the community, building a portfolio of work you can showcase to employers when you graduate.

By focusing on using drama as a community-building tool, you'll learn how to use your dramatic skillset in a new context, opening doors in your career, and helping you to make positive changes in society.

• • Implement techniques from applied theatre, forum theatre, theatre for social change, and theatre for development within your own community
  • Learn the ethics of applied theatre and work with different demographics
  • Gain practical experience developing, leading and facilitating drama activities across different communities and groups
  • Use the professional-grade equipment and facilities at White Swan Studios, including lighting equipment, costume and prop facilities, music practice rooms and musical instruments
  • Engage with staff that have established connections to local community and heritage sites – you'll have a wide range of performance venues and audiences to choose from
  • Attend monthly postgraduate seminars in theatre and performance, with invited guests from around the world
  • Utilise digital storytelling equipment such as GoPro cameras and iPads
  • Develop transferable skills and experience that will be invaluable in careers beyond theatre practice and teaching, such as science communication and cultural diplomacy

Potential destinations for work experience include local venues and events, such as:

• history museums
• preservation sites
• local civic government
• charities
• schools
• youth groups and centres
• science museums

Roles you can work in include:

• applied theatre facilitator
• education officer
• dramaturge
• arts practitioner
• consultant
• director
• deviser

During your course, you'll have expert career support from your tutors and from our Careers and Employability Centre, which you can access for 5 years after you graduate.

Career support

You'll benefit from:

• Networking events
• 1-to-1 appointments
• CV and cover letter advice
• Interview preparation and practice
• Workshops to enhance your employability skills
• Recruitment events, including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
• Support starting your own business