"A centre for teaching and research that taps into a growing interest in Shakespeare as a phenomenon across the world but is not confined to a department or to a university or to a place" Professor David Schalkwyk

As a Masters student in the Global Shakespeare project you will be at the centre of a unique initiative to engage with, critique, and develop ideas of globalisation, interdisciplinarity and translation that inform a new approach to the study of Shakespeare. Global Shakespeare is committed to the idea of the ‘student as producer’ and you will be invited to work with leading Shakespearians in the production of new knowledge in the field. Scholars such as David Schalkywk, Alexa Huang, Tony Howard, Jonothan Neelands, Carol Rutter, Jerry Brotton, and Paul Prescott will contribute to the MA. They will work with you through a variety of modules and activities that allow you to form a critical perspective on Shakespeare as a global cultural phenomenon, from Elizabethan England through his transformations and translations to the twenty-first century, and to understand Shakespeare as a product and catalyst of globalisation. Digital and new-media components, and theoretical, historical, performance and pedagogical approaches to Shakespeare’s global afterlives will provide a rich mix of intellectual activity that will support you in your emergence as a Shakespearean without borders.

• About the course
• Course Structure
• Entry Requirements
• How to Apply
• Contact Information
• Teaching and Learning
• Fees and funding

About the course

The Global Shakespeare MA course provides a unique opportunity to experience postgraduate life with two world-leading institutions with strong expertise in the fields of Shakespeare, Renaissance studies, performance and Modern Languages- Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and The University of Warwick. You will spend the first semester at QMUL, and spend time in the heart of London, accessing a wide variety of theatrical performance such as the Globe, Donmar Warehouse, National Theatre and the unmatched museums, libraries and archives of the capital. The second semester, spent at the University of Warwick, will see you in close proximity to Stratford-upon-Avon with access to performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and the matchless research facilities of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. See Global Shakespeare links for more information on projects the course has connections with in this field of research.

On this programme you will:

• Have access to the expertise and scholarship at both institutions
• Have contact with established Shakespeareans across the globe, from Brazil to South Africa, Italy to China
• Attend performances of Shakespeare at local theatres and engage with actors and directors in London and Stratford-upon-Avon
• Learn academic journalism through editorial experience and reviewing on the new electronic journal – Global Shakespeare
• Engage with local communities in exploring the significance of Shakespeare for them

This programme is ideal for graduates wishing to enter careers in academia, research, cultural organisations, theatres, teaching, publishing and new media.

Course Structure

The MA Global Shakespeare is available for one year full time and two years part time. You will spend semester one at QMUL and semester two at Warwick. You can choose at which institution you spend your dissertation period.

You will take four assessed modules before proceeding to a 15,000-word dissertation.

Part-time students take one module per semester, spreading the course over two years.

Full time

Assessed modules are taught in weekly two-hour seminars. In addition to these timetabled sessions, you will attend discussions and seminars on local Shakespeare productions and with visiting Shakespeareans from across the globe. You will be expected to attend meetings with your adviser and course tutor. The dissertation is supervised through sessions with a specially designated supervisor. You will also need to undertake independent learning and research in order to progress at the required level.

Part-time

Part-time students take one assessed module per semester. You are encouraged to begin work on your dissertation at the end of the first year. Teaching is generally done during the day. Timetables are likely to be finalised in September but you may be able to get an idea of the teaching hours if you contact the course convenor.

Core modules:

The Core module at QMUL “ Global Shakespeare: History & Theory & Performance” introduces you to historical, methodological and material dimensions of studying Shakespeare in a global context by, first, a generic study and close reading of Shakespeare and his writing in a historical context, and, secondly, an examination of the afterlife of his plays as they have been read, performed, adapted and translated both linguistically and through various media in a global context.

The Core module at Warwick “Practices of Translation: Or How to Do Things with Shakespeare” focuses on the transformations of Shakespeare’s texts by a range of translational practices, in the broadest sense of the word. Offering you the chance to experiment with different models of translation it will allow you to develop your own models and practice as a “translator” of Shakespeare in relation to performance criticism, literary translation and active pedagogy, especially in relation to the ways in which Shakespeare has been “translated” into languages, performance practices, cultural contexts and in the new media across the world.

Optional modules:

You will choose two modules from a full list of options across varied disciplines such as English, Drama and Theatre, Modern Languages, History and Geography.

At QMUL options may include:

Global Interests in the Shakespearian World

Public & Private Cultures in Renaissance England

Post-colonialism Language & Identity

Early Modern Drama in Performance

At Warwick options may include:

Reviewing Shakespeare

World Literature & World Systems

Translation Studies in Theory & Practice

The Legacies of Caliban in Latin America & the Caribbean

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to have a BA (Hons) in a relevant Humanities degree (first-class or upper second) or equivalent.

Promising applicants who do not meet the formal academic criteria but who possess relevant credentials and who can demonstrate their ability to produce written work at masters level will also be considered. Applicants may be invited to interview or asked to submit examples of written and/or creative work. We welcome applications from mature and non-traditional students.

International applicants: Students from outside of the UK are especially encouraged since we are eager to form a global community Queen Mary and Warwick. If your first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English language proficiency. For this course we expect a IELTS score of 7.5.

If you do not meet language or scholarly requirements it might be possible for you to undertake foundation or pre-sessional programmes that will prepare you for the masters programme. For more information, please contact the Admissions Office at QML.

How to apply

To apply for this course candidates must apply through QMUL admissions process using the following link: Apply for Global Shakespeare MA

Contact information

Anna Boneham, Executive Officer Global Shakespeare

Email: A.Boneham@warwick.ac.uk

Phone: 07884 733069

Teaching and Learning

Independent Study

For every hour spent in formal classes you will be expected to complete further hours of independent study. Your individual study time could be spent preparing for, or following up on formal study sessions; reading; researching; producing written work; and completing projects.

The direction of your individual study will be guided by the formal study sessions you attend, along with your reading lists and assignments. However, we expect you to demonstrate an active role in your own learning by reading widely and expanding your own knowledge, understanding and critical ability.

Independent study will foster in you the ability to identify your own learning needs and determine which areas you need to focus on to become proficient in your subject area. This is an important transferable skill and will help to prepare you for the transition to working life.

Assessment

Modules are assessed via 4,000-word or 5,000 word essays. You will also prepare a dissertation of 15,000 words [J4] following the completion of your taught modules.

Fees and Funding

Fees

Tuition fees are set at the Warwick University level.

Home/EU students: £7050 per year.

International Students: £15,880 per year.

Funding

There are a number of sources of funding available for Masters students. These include a significant package of competitive bursaries and scholarships in a range of subject areas at QML and Warwick, as well as external sources of funding. Find out more by visiting the Queen Mary postgraduate funding web pages and Warwick University's postgraduate funding pages.

Alternative sources of funding

Home/EU students can apply for a range of other funding, such as Professional and Career Development Loans, and Employer Sponsorship, depending on their circumstances and the specific programme of study.

Overseas students may be eligible to apply for a range of external scholarships and we also provide information about relevant funding providers in your home country.

Detailed information about postgraduate funding options is available in the Postgraduate Funding Guide for each institution using links above.

For more information on fees and funding, please contact:

Warwick

Tel: +44 (0)24 7657 5533

Email: graduateschool@warwick.ac.uk

Queen Mary

Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 5079

Email: bursaries@qmul.ac.uk

Queen Mary's also offers one to one specialist support on all financial and welfare issues, including postgraduate funding, planning your budget and part-time/vacation work, through its Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at QML. Just call +44 (0)20 7882 8717