GOLDSMITHS COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON · UNITED KINGDOM
MA Theatre, Performance and Participation
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
€26k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 1 year full-timeDuration
- London, UKLocation
- 26th in the world for Performing Arts (QS World Rankings 2025)Rankings
- 4 pathways: Performance Makers, Applied Theatre, Writers, Cultural ProducersSpecialisms
- Practice and theory continually intertwinedLearning Approach
- Access to dedicated theatre studios and workshopsFacilities
This interdisciplinary Master of Arts (MA) program is designed for aspiring performance makers, researchers, facilitators, and writers who are passionate about using theatre and performance to address pressing social, political, and ecological issues. You will develop your creative practice, deepen your theoretical understanding, and explore new forms of collaboration and activism within the arts and cultural sectors. The program equips you with essential skills, valuable networks, and the resilience needed to contribute to and reimagine contemporary performance landscapes.
Curriculum
The curriculum balances practical application with theoretical study through workshops, seminars, and independent research. You will attend classes two days a week during the Autumn and Spring terms. The Summer term focuses on independent projects with scheduled tutorials and supervision. Teaching emphasizes hands-on experience, critical engagement, and developing an innovative, socially responsive artistic practice.
- Year 1
- Catalysts & Foundations
- Modes & Forms
- Professional Specialisms
- Creative Research Project
Careers
This MA prepares graduates for a diverse range of careers in the arts and cultural sectors, enabling them to become leaders and innovators in their chosen fields.
- Performance writers and dramaturgs
- Performers, directors, and choreographers
- Independent community and participatory company founders
- Freelance drama workshop directors and facilitators
- Theatre practitioners working with elders, in schools, or at-risk youth
- Cross-arts project coordinators in educational and community settings
- Museum education officers
- Theatre facilitators in correctional facilities
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA minimum of a 2:2 standard in a relevant subject. Consideration may be given to candidates with relevant experience and demonstrated ability to work at postgraduate level, even without a degree in a related field.
IELTS (or equivalent)Overall 6.5, with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0.
International qualifications are accepted. Goldsmiths offers English language preparation courses for those who need them.
Fees
Tuition (international)£22,000 per year (full-time)
Tuition (home)£11,800 per year (full-time)
Living—
Part-time fees are £5,900 per year. International students cannot study part-time on a student visa. Additional costs for stationery, photocopying, field trips, specialist materials, and theatre tickets may apply. Please check the programme specification for details.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online Application FormAccess the application system via the Goldsmiths website.
2. Prepare Required DocumentsGather details of your academic qualifications, educational transcripts or certificates, and a personal statement. You will also need the email address of a referee or an academic reference.
3. Write Your Personal StatementClearly indicate which specialism (Performance Makers & Theatre Artists, Applied Theatre & Participatory Artists, Writers & Dramaturgs, or Cultural Producers & Critical Researchers) you are interested in studying within your personal statement. Guidance for writing is available on the Goldsmiths website.
4. Submit Your ApplicationUpload all required documents and submit your completed application.