MA Validated by the University of East Anglia
Accredited by the National Council for Drama Training (NCDT)
The MA option can be applied for before the course starts or may be taken up on arrival on the Diploma/Certificate programme.
Candidates without a recognised degree qualification or with a third class degree will be required to undertake an access assignment before being considered (further details can be found under Admission Requirements).
Students pursuing the MA Option work with and follow exactly the same programme as students taking the Diploma Course Option (see Course Structure) There may also be some flexibility in switching between the MA and the Postgraduate Diploma. It should be practicable in principle for an MA student to switch to the Diploma during the course if this becomes the more appropriate choice. MA students undertake an additional Module:
The module is delivered over 3 terms and following an initial induction session, takes the form of five distinct strands which span the duration of the module:
The module requires students to attend a series of lectures and participate in group and one to one seminars where they will be able to develop ideas and look at issues suggested by the talks as well as consolidating their understanding of what MA thinking involves through the use of task based exercises. As the year progresses students are encouraged to reflect on their learning in the other course modules and on their growth and development as an actor/performer in the particular context of the term's Performance Projects. Students are assisted to develop appropriate approaches to the analysis of acting/performing and their own practical work in classes and rehearsals. Through this analysis the student begins to identify areas for their Creative Project.
In this part of the module the student will demonstrate an analytical, critical and most importantly a practical exploration of performance practice. The eventual form and content of the presentation are negotiated between the students and the module tutors. Following the performance of the Creative Project the student participates in a question and answer session.
The Creative Project is supported by the submission of
Assessments take place at the end of each term and following each Performance Project. These assessments are central to the development and the individual journey of each student - examining the work and progress to date and advising on the focus for the next steps of the apprentice actor's journey.