London Theatre

Entry requirements

A first degree at second-class level or above (or equivalent) is required.

Additional requirement information

Students without such qualifications may, in some circumstances, be considered for entry if they are deemed to have substantial equivalent qualifications or experience.

Candidates will also be interviewed for a place on this degree.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Why study London Theatre

The London Theatre postgraduate programme is designed for students who have a thirst to understand the unique contribution that London theatre makes to the development of theatre practices in the UK and why London is recognised as an international centre for theatre development.

This degree gives you opportunities to explore the diverse and ever-changing nature of the theatre scene and critically comment on it through academic study and professional theatre criticism.

The UK theatre scene is a world leader in the creation of new plays, showcasing the most exciting voices in drama.

On the MA London Theatre degree, you will learn how to develop your skills as a theatre critic, writing and reviewing shows on the contemporary London stage. You will practice writing for different kinds of readers, both conventional printed and online publications. You will gain experience of what’s going on in the London Theatre environment by:

• seeing and writing about London plays, actors, writers, directors, theatres and theatre companies
• attending live theatre in London and finding out what is being programmed in London’s West End and Fringe venues
• visiting lectures from industry professionals in a range of roles
• experience of theatre research and critical writing
• the Dissertation module (across two semesters) where you can create your own portfolio of work to showcase your writing skills
• insight into different kinds of writing for theatre and ideas to get started in your writing career.

You will complete the course with an invaluable grounding in writing for theatre on paper and online, and gain a headstart in navigating your own writing career.

In our current academic year, guest lecturers have worked at venues like the National Theatre, The Old Vic, The Bush, The Arcola, The Vaults Festival, The London International Festival of Theatre and The Lyric Hammersmith. These include:

• Guy Jones (Director/Dramaturg, Orange Tree Theatre)
• Steve Harper (Literary Manager, Theatre 503)
• Jon Britain (Writer, Rotterdam)
• Jesse Dupre (Co-Artistic Director: Haste Theatre Company)
• Cameron Abbott-Betts (Artistic Director: Royal Kung Foolery)
• Mitch Mitchelson (Actor, specialist in Commedia Del’Arte)
• Ken Emson (Writer, Plastic, Rust)

Students participated in behind-the-scenes visits to venues like the Orange Tree, Hampstead Theatre, and Theatre 503. They gained valuable work experience with literary departments and also conducted research at the National Theatre Archive and the archive of Shakespeare’s Globe.

Why St Mary's

St Mary’s is a warm and welcoming University with a vibrant undergraduate and postgraduate training in theatre. Our postgraduate courses offer the opportunity to develop your writing skills by giving you the best academic and practical training, supported by university academics and visitors from the theatre industry. Come and join our group of students and develop your skills by working with our strong core team of academics alongside skilled visiting practitioners.

Studying in London means that you can take full advantage of the new developments in theatre happening in theatres across the city every season. Musicals, devised shows, comedy, ‘Fringe’ productions, revivals, puppetry, circus skills, innovations in sound, lighting and costume – you will find all this in theatre in London. You can be part of writing about new discoveries in London Theatre and expanding your own knowledge and understanding of all that is offered on the London stage. Our established links with London theatre venues and organisations means you will see and hear about new developments as they happen.

Information for international students

International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section (or equivalent).

We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.