Shakespeare
Entry requirements
If you don't have the required academic background, you can study our Fall in with Shakespeare or Spring into Shakespeare short course before applying for the MA. Completing one of the short courses can be used instead of a 2:1 Honours degree as entry onto the MA Shakespeare or MA Shakespeare with Education pathway.
We may also require you to submit a writing sample of approximately 2000 words on Shakespeare or a similar topic related to Early Modern drama, but this will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Months of entry
September
Course content
Immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare in his beautiful hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon. Our dedicated Shakespeare Institute research centre means you’ll benefit from the expertise of our academics and join a community of staff and students who share your love of Shakespeare.
The University has a unique collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), offering you opportunities outside the MA to enhance your studies and see Shakespeare’s works brought to life on-stage.
Pursue your passion for Shakespeare and discover new ways to approach his works. Study Shakespeare through different lenses based on the latest research of our Shakespeare academics. If you work in education, or you’re interested in working in education, our Shakespeare and Education pathway offers insights into teaching Shakespeare.
Whether you choose to study on-site at the Shakespeare Institute or by distance learning, you’ll benefit from our dedicated research activity and wide ranging expertise in the study of Shakespeare. You'll explore critical, historical and theatrical approaches to Shakespeare, deepening your understanding of his impact on literature and theatre.
What’s more, you can specialise with our Shakespeare and Education pathway. This pathway blends the expertise of our academics at the Shakespeare Institute with practical insights from the RSC on the ‘Teaching Shakespeare’ module taught in collaboration with the RSC.
- Stratford-upon-Avon is the perfect place to study Shakespeare, with RSC theatres and Shakespeare’s birthplace on your doorstep.
- The Shakespeare Institute is home to many resources, academic expertise and a dedicated Shakespeare Library to enhance your studies.
- Join a welcoming postgraduate community at the Shakespeare Institute: take part in student theatre or seminars and conferences.
The University of Birmingham is ranked in the Top 40 for English Literature and Linguistics (QS World University Rankings 2025).
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Shakespeare studies.
You can study this course on-site at The Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-Upon-Avon full time or part time, or you can study online through distance learning part time.
If you choose to study by distance learning, you'll access learning materials through the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Dissertation – you'll undertake a 12,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.
Information for international students
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
Fees and funding
The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MA
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
The course provides a unique opportunity for 1 year of postgraduate study of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate enquiry service