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MA by Research in Theatre and Performance Studies (2024 Entry)

Students of Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Warwick

Find out more about our Theatre and Performance Studies Master's by Research degree.

Our MA by Research in Theatre and Performance Studies offers a unique opportunity to design a bespoke programme of research in a department with a strong international reputation for research excellence. This degree offers the flexibility to undertake a written thesis or a combination of practice as research and written component.


Course overview

The degree of an MA by Research in Theatre and Performance studies offers you the opportunity to design a bespoke programme of original and independent research at a leading department in the discipline. 

The MA by Research is designed to be flexible in terms of the topic and the assessed format you undertake. Subject to the approval of the department, your degree may culminate in a 30,000-40,000 word thesis or a combination of practice as research that may involve performance, curation, writing for performance, translation, applied theatre projects or digital outcome alongside a shorter thesis. 

Supervision for MA students will be provided by academic researchers with significant experience of undertaking research across a range of topics in theatre and performance research. Your supervisor or co-supervisors will support and guide you from the application stage to the completion of your research. We supervise a wide range of students from a variety of different countries and backgrounds and welcome this diversity among our student body. 

Teaching and learning

As a research student, your closest contact will be with your supervisor, or co-supervisors, who will meet with you regularly to discuss your work. The supervisory relationship is at the heart of your research. Your supervisor(s) are experts in their field who will guide you throughout your degree and will agree upon a programme of reading, research and writing with you.

You will also be allocated a mentor in the department to whom you may address matters related to your study.

Throughout your degree you will be integrated into the theatre and performance postgraduate community, have opportunities to undertake professional skills training and be encouraged to attend research events and workshops both in the department and the wider university.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject.


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 overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

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.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Areas for MA supervision

Research in the department is transnational, collaborative and interdisciplinary and is focused on the following main - but overlapping - research themes:

  • Ethics, Politics, Praxis
  • Cities, Places, Environments (Identities)
  • Memories, Histories, Futures
  • Theory, Aesthetics and the Popular
  • Creative Industries and the Value of Culture

Find a supervisor

Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you'd like to research.

You should start by checking whether your proposal fits in with our areas of expertise on our researchLink opens in a new window and peopleLink opens in a new window pages.

Then please fill in a research degree inquiry form for theatre and performance studies available on theatre and performance studies postgraduate webpage.

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.Link opens in a new window

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.

Find your research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.


Additional course costs

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

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.

Department content block about careers

Theatre and Performance Studies

Explore the world through the lens of Theatre and Performance Studies with one of the top departments in the UK.

Offering academic rigour, practical skills and connections with the industry, this degree has career prospects both within the arts sector and far beyond. You’ll be taught by world-leading academics and cutting-edge theatre practitioners.

Get to know us better by exploring our departmental website.Link opens in a new window

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

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Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

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Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

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A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.