Drama Education and English Language Teaching (MA) (2025 Entry)
Find out more about our Drama Education and English Language Teaching, taught Master's degree.
Warwick's Drama Education and English Language Training MA is one of the only programmes in the world that looks at the role of drama education in English Language teaching.
Course overview
Study and research how drama education motivates students, creates confidence in speaking and uses language in purposeful contexts at the Departments of Education Studies. You will learn across two departments, gaining subject knowledge both in drama education and in TESOL strategies and resources from Applied Linguistics. You will work practically and collaboratively to make connections between drama education and language learning. This exciting MA programme offers an in-depth insight into the ways drama and theatre education can enhance teaching and learning in education, specifically in the field of English Language Teaching and Learning.
We introduce you to a range of hybrid pedagogic strategies that are underpinned by rigour and that aspire to make language learning accessible, playful, creative and engaging. You will engage with cutting-edge theory and practice-led research related to the ways drama and theatre can be used as pedagogical tools. This MA is aimed at individuals interested in working as practitioners in schools colleges, community and educational theatre settings and will be of interest to those working in the areas of TESOL.
The course of study provides a planned and structured programme, which is sufficiently flexible to respond to the needs of a wide range of pedagogic and cultural contexts. Practical activities are at the heart of our course structure, so there will be a number of opportunities to work with your peers, collaborating, debating, and researching practical solutions. Your interdisciplinary skill set will be developed throughout the MA, enabling you to pursue a diverse array of career pathways.
Skills from this degree
- Gain theoretical understanding of how and why drama can support language learning with particular attention to issues relating to second language learning
- Develop awareness of the social dynamics of the classroom and their implications for the teaching-learning process
- Learn how to critically analyse and evaluate current research in drama education and ELT
- Formulate a relevant research question and design a valid project for inquiry
- Ability to plan and execute successful drama workshops focusing on language development
- Ability to advocate the use of teaching of ELT
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
2:2 undergraduate degree (or equivalent).
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band B
- IELTS score to 7 overall, no more than two components at 6.0/6.5 & rest 7.0+
International qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Academic References
We typically ask for one academic reference for taught courses, and two academic references for research courses.
You will be asked to include an email address for your referee(s) when submitting your application and we will contact them for you.
View our guide to academic references.Link opens in a new window
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Core modules
You will choose one of the following modules:
Optional modules
Optional modules are available to choose from the Department of Applied Linguistics. Please refer to our module catalogue, selecting 'Applied Linguistics' and 'Postgraduate Taught Level' to see examples of optional modules that have run in previous years.
Please note, module content and availability may change until the start of summer term of the preceding year.
Teaching
Modules for this course are delivered by two departments. All modules are delivered in-person at our well-equipped university campus. Drama-focused modules provide practical experience of a wide range of drama and theatre practices. Other modules, from both Education Studies and Applied Linguistics are delivered in a range of formats to suit (these may include lectures, seminars, group work and practical workshops, for example). Modules taken in the Department of Applied Linguistics develop your understanding of key approaches to Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL).
In addition to taught sessions, you will be given various pre- and post- session tasks and readings to support your learning.
Typical contact hours
You will have core teaching contact time in each term, plus rehearsal time and regular trips to local schools and theatres and guest lectures and performances throughout the year.
Assessment
Assessment types vary depending on modules selected but may include different types of assignments, of varying lengths, as well as oral or performance presentations. You will also complete a dissertation based on an individual research project, with support from a research supervisor.
Reading lists
If you would like to view reading lists for current or previous cohorts of students, most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library on the Talis Aspire platform.
You can search for reading lists by module title, code or convenor. Please see the modules tab of this page or the module catalogue.
Please note that some reading lists may have restricted access or be unavailable at certain times of year due to not yet being published. If you cannot access the reading list for a particular module, please check again later or contact the module’s host department.
Additional course costs
You may wish to undertake some research with children or young people that may require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or a Certificate of Good Conduct for students from outside of the UK. A Certificate of Good Conduct can vary in price.
Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Find out more about our additional course costs.
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.
Your career
Many of our alumni have gone go on to:
- Study teacher training courses to become teachers of drama/theatre and/or English language
- Enhance their profile as classroom drama/theatre and English teachers, many securing promotion
- Successfully complete Doctoral study, becoming academics in the field of drama and theatre education
- Work as theatre education and outreach officers for leading arts organisations
- Develop their portfolio as freelance practitioners/facilitators in the field of drama and theatre in education
Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- Careers in Education
- Careers with Children and Young People
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
Education Studies at Warwick
Education has the power to change lives
Education changes lives through teaching, coaching, training, and through work in local and global communities. What do you understand about that power? Bring your fascination for the way we communicate and learn to Warwick.
Find out more about us on our websiteLink opens in a new window
Our Postgraduate Taught courses
- Childhood in Society (MA)
- Drama and Theatre Education (MA)
- Drama Education and English Language Teaching (MA)
- Education (MA)
- Educational Innovation (MA)
- Educational Leadership and Management (MA)
- Global Education and International Development (MA)
- Islamic Education (PGA)
- Islamic Education: Theory and Practice (MA)
- Leading Educational Change and Improvement (PGA)
- Psychology and Education (MA)
- Research Methods in Education (PGA)
Our Postgraduate Research courses
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2024/25 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
How to apply checklist
Our how to apply checklist helps you prepare for your application
I'm ready to apply
Learn more about the Applicant Portal.
Application deadlines
The application process for courses that start in September and October 2026 opens on 2 October 2025.
Applications close on 2 August 2026 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.
Explore ways to connect with us
We understand how important it is to visit and explore your future university before you apply. That's why we have put together a range of online and in-person options to help you discover more about your course, visit campus, and get a sense of postgraduate life at Warwick. Our events offer includes:
- Warwick hosted events
- Postgraduate Fairs
- Live chats
- Talk and Tours
- Department events