Drama Education and English Language Teaching MA

Find out more about our Drama Education and English Language Teaching, taught Master's degree.

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P-X3BA

MA

1 year full-time

29 September 2025

Education Studies

University of Warwick

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.

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  

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. 

Class Size

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 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.

2:2 undergraduate degree (or equivalent).

• Band B
• IELTS score to 7 overall, no more than two components at 6.0/6.5 & rest 7.0+

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

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.

This programme has a number of optional modules to choose from. At least one optional module should have a childhood focus. Our optional module lists are subject to change each year to keep the student learning experience current and up-to-date.  

Find the most up-to-date optional module list on the Education Studies website.

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