This new programme is unique in the UK, offering a composite coverage of the socio-historical contexts and philosophical bases of drama, performance and theatre practices and traditions in Africa.

The programme will involve you in a study of indigenous performance and theatre practices, colonial and postcolonial literary drama and theatre, popular performances, theatre-for-development, television drama, and video drama/movie.

The aim is to allow you scope for creative yet rigorous and critical thinking combined with cumulative knowledge of drama, performance and theatre in Africa. The programme will equip you with the analytical tools to enhance critical engagement with and understanding of the various performance practices and traditions in Africa. The programme also aims to encourage and foster independent research, carried out through the scholarly channels of books and visual archives, as well as through access to practice, if/when available.

What you study

You study four core courses:

• Indigenous African Theatre and Performance
• African Drama, Theatre and Performance
• Theories and Practices of Theatre-for-Development in Africa
• Dissertation

You are also able to take an option from a range of courses available.

Please see more detailed information about this programme.

Skills

The MA will enable you to develop skills including:

• the ability to think and work in an interdisciplinary manner using a range of methodologies
• the ability to work collaboratively and to facilitate and participate in group discussions
• the ability to conceive, pursue and complete an independent project
• writing and oral skills at a high academic level
• enhanced time management skills
• intellectual and practical competence and flexibility necessary for creative insertion into the job market

Careers

Students can hope to find professional employment in any position to do with the theatre/performance in any form that requires solid intellectual preparation; administrative and support services; government organisations (immigration, cultural policy, funding bodies); journalism (including radio, television and print journalism); and teaching at all levels. In addition, graduates can use the programme as a springboard for further study.

Assessment

Essays (usually 4,000 words each) and a dissertation (12,000 words).

Register your interest

If you register your interest in this programme we will keep you informed about open days and send you relevant further information. If you subsequently decide to apply for this programme you will be able to use the same login details to apply.