An intensive, practical course which is committed to developing the next wave of innovative theatre directors.
The core principle of the MA is to develop the distinctive voice of each student director, and build the skills required to stage unique and challenging productions.
Alongside teaching by top industry practitioners, students will be given the opportunity to create their own work and gain experience of working with professional directors.
Mountview’s Theatre Directing students have gone on to work for the UK’s leading theatre companies, in the West End and on Broadway. Graduates have a reputation for clarity, imaginative engagement and leadership and include:
Read an interview with MA Theatre Directing graduate Liam Maddin.
Teaching is led by Peter James CBE, co-founder of Liverpool Everyman, former Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, Lyric Hammersmith and Principal Emeritus of LAMDA. Peter is supported by resident and freelance staff and leading professional theatre practitioners from various disciplines.
Guest practitioners and companies have included:
The MA takes place over five days per week, in 41 weeks split into three terms. This course consists of:
All modules are compulsory and you will have continuous assessment. You will have regular tutorials with the course leader, in addition to creating and developing your own directing projects. This is backed up with a written dissertation (or a practical equivalent).
The MA Theatre Directors produce a festival in the summer term to showcase their work. Several productions staged in these festivals have had a restaging at other fringe venues in London and beyond.
2023/24 Term Dates
Autumn term 11 September – 15 December 2023
Spring term 8 January – 28 March 2024
Summer term 15 April – 28 June 2024
Writing up period (MA only) 29 June – 9 September 2024
2024/25 Term Dates
Autumn term 9 September – 13 December 2024
Spring term 6 January – 4 April 2025
Summer term 22 April – 18 July 2025
2023/24 Term Dates
Autumn term 11 September – 15 December 2023
Spring term 8 January – 28 March 2024
Summer term 15 April – 28 June 2024
Writing up period (MA only) 29 June – 9 September 2024
2023/24 Term Dates
Autumn term 11 September – 15 December 2023
Spring term 8 January – 28 March 2024
Summer term 15 April – 28 June 2024
Writing up period (MA only) 29 June – 9 September 2024
| Interview Fee | £20 |
| 2024/25 UK/Republic of Ireland Students Course Fee | £15,750 |
| 2024/25 International Students Course Fee | £19,515 |
| Additional Costs (e.g. cultural trips) | £100 |
Fees are subject to annual review. One term’s notice will be given of any increases.
Limited interview fee waivers and reductions are available for candidates with a household income of less than £21,000.
There are a number of student scholarships available.
Funding and ScholarshipsPrevious experience of directing is essential. In your application, please mention at least one production or project which you have worked on as a director.
Admission onto the course is by interview. Applicants must be aged 21 years or over at the start of the course. Students who do not hold an undergraduate degree will need to undertake an access assignment to establish suitability for undertaking the MA.
If an applicant requires a student visa and their first language is not English, they will need to prove their knowledge of the English language before applying for their student visa. This must be demonstrated by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider or having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that they began when they were under 18.
Mountview welcomes applications from people with disabilities and is keen to support all applicants to achieve their best. If applicants have any special requirements or access needs, these should be discussed with the course leader/administrator.
Mountview is committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities for students in which individuals are selected and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. No applicant will receive less or more favourable treatment on grounds of sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnic origin, disability, religion and marital/parental status or any comparable grounds.
Upon offer, students must be sure that they are prepared to engage with a wide range of material that may challenge their personal ethical, religious, spiritual or moral beliefs, and present it in a wide range of settings including public production.
You will take part in an interview with the course leader at which you will discuss your interests, influences and previous experience. This will take place in-person at Mountview and you may be required to submit a portfolio of work.
For international candidates and those with exceptional circumstances, the option of an online interview is available.
Please be aware that due to the limited amount of places available, this course may become full before June and in this event applications will close early. Please apply earlier to avoid disappointment.
Auditions and Interviews"My time at Mountview was inspiring, challenging and empowering: I started the year with a very raw and uninformed passion for directing (that was, in reality, little more than an enthusiastic student hobby coupled with ambition) – and finished it well prepared to enter the profession..."
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