(MFA) Master of Fine Arts
Theatre Directing
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
East 15 Acting School
East15 (Loughton) Campus
Masters
Full-time
None
MFA W42124
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
Our applicants need to undertake a successful audition or video audition, plus have a first degree with an overall 2.2, or equivalent or suitable life and/or professional expertise.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
Please refer to the full time version of this course for information on Core and Compulsory modules.
External examiners
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
- Develop advanced skills in theatre directing.
- Understand diverse or innovative approaches to directing.
- Evaluate and use appropriate rehearsal processes.
- Develop ability to work within complex or diverse groups.
- Develop critical self-reflection and originality in theatre directing.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Knowledge and understanding of the dynamic and emotional uses of theatre or other performance spaces
A2: Knowledge and understanding of character analysis and its application in casting of roles or performers
A3: Knowledge and understanding of relationships between theoretical and practical challenges for directors
A4: Knowledge and understanding of complex directing processes and techniques, eg the musical structure of performance, the building and resolution of tensions
A5: Knowledge and understanding of appropriate research methods to establish the historical material contexts from which dramatic work emerges
A6: Knowledge and understanding of autonomous professional production planning, preparation and implementation
Learning methods
A1toA6 will be learnt in seminars, workshops and through written module log books.
Additionally, A2 to A4 will be learnt through master classes and observation and critical analysis of professional theatre rehearsals.
Assessment methods
A1to A6 are assessed through written module log books, a 12,000 word dissertation or directors workbook and continuous assessment of contribution to practical sessions and seminars.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: The ability to communicate interpretations in clear and dynamic language using advanced or innovative theatrical vocabulary
B2: The ability to translate complex theoretical models or intentions to practical application in performance
B3: The ability to synthesise diverse sources of knowledge to identify, interpret or implement theatrical solutions
B4: The ability to apply advanced critical self-knowledge and awareness of creative processes to develop original work
B5: The ability to understand, construct or communicate complex meanings through performance or other visual forms
B6: The ability to adapt diverse cultural approaches to directing processes or techniques
Learning methods
B1 to B6 cognitive skills are learned through seminars, workshops and master classes and written module log books.
Assessment methods
B1 to B6 are assessed by continuous assessment of contribution to practical sessions and seminars and a 12,000 word dissertation or directors workbook.
B1 and B3 skills are also assessed through module log books.
C: Practical skills
C1: Able to demonstrate and put into practice creative or original story telling using a range of advanced physical or verbal theatrical language
C2: Ability to facilitate communication between performers and audience using a range of advanced directing techniques
C3: Able to demonstrate and put into practice creative, original or innovative interpretation of diverse texts or original devised material
C4: Ability to self create or negotiate opportunities for production
Learning methods
C1 to C4 will be learned through workshops, master classes and observation and critical analysis of professional theatre rehearsals.
In addition C1 and C3 to C4 will be learned through seminars and written module log books.
Assessment methods
C1 to C4 Continuous assessment of contributions to practical sessions and seminars.
C3 to C4 are additionally assessed through logbooks and a 12,000 word dissertation or directors workbook.
D: Key skills
D1: The ability to present complex or original ideas or arguments in visual, oral or written form
D2: Ability to apply relevant IT resources to research, present or communicate original work
D3: Ability to propose creative, original solutions to complex directing problems
D4: Ability to direct ensembles and groups to interpret, devise or create original work
D5: Ability to apply appropriate research, analysis and critical self awareness to advance the creative possibilities of theatre directing
Learning methods
D1 and D4 to D6 skills are learnt through seminars and workshops and written module logbooks.
D6 is learnt in addition through master classes and theatre rehearsal visits.
Assessment methods
D1 and D4 to D6 Continuous assessment of contributions to practical sessions and seminars.
D1to D6 skills are all additionally assessed through logbooks and the 12,000 word dissertation or directors logbook.