MA Playwriting

Overview

The MA Playwriting programme is designed to prepare students for a writing career in the theatre and performance industries. The course is vocationally-oriented and industry-focused, with a strong emphasis on developing skills in writing for performance across a diverse range of contexts, genres, and themes.

Entry Requirements

The school considers all applications holistically, so exceptional candidates, portfolios, and/or writing experience and potential will be assessed even if the minimum academic entry criteria have not been met.

For recent graduates, we usually require an Upper Second class honours degree or its overseas equivalent in a humanities-based subject area.

Course Options

• Full-time: Y
• Part-time: N
• Full-time distance learning: N
• Part-time distance learning: N

Course Overview

• Prepare for a writing career in the theatre and performance industries.
• Learn from practitioners on our vocationally-oriented and industry-focused master's course.
• Develop skills in writing for performance across a diverse range of contexts, genres, and themes.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:

• MA (full-time)
  • UK students (per annum): £14,000
  • International, including EU, students (per annum): £28,500

Policy on Additional Costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application.

Scholarships/Sponsorships

Please visit the School's funding page.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high-quality education that prepares them for the future, and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

Degree Awarded

• Master of Arts (MA)

Duration

• 1 year

Related Subject Areas

• English Literature, American Studies and Creative Writing
• Drama

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Degree Overview:

• Overview: Prepare for a writing career in the theatre and performance industries.
Develop skills in writing for performance across a diverse range of contexts, genres and themes.
• Objectives: The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in playwriting for theatre and performance.
• Writing for different contexts, genres, and themes
• Developing strong storytelling skills
• Understanding the relationship between playwright and director
• Exploring the process of play development and production
• Engaging with the contemporary theatre landscape
• School Awards and Subject-Specific Bursaries: Each year the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures offer a number of School awards and Subject-specific bursaries (the values of which are usually set at Home/EU fees level), open to both Home/EU and international students.
The deadline for these is early February each year.
• Manchester Alumni Bursary: For University of Manchester graduates, the Manchester Alumni Bursary offers a £3,000 reduction in tuition fees to University of Manchester alumni who achieved a First within the last three years and are progressing to a postgraduate taught master's course.
• Manchester Master's Bursary: The Manchester Master's Bursary is a University-wide scheme that offers 100 bursaries worth £3,000 in funding for students from underrepresented groups.

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• MA (full-time)UK students (per annum): £13,500
• International, including EU, students (per annum): £27,500

University of Manchester

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Overview:

The University of Manchester is a renowned public research university located in Manchester, England. It is known for its academic excellence, research impact, and vibrant campus life.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Manchester offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students can enjoy a range of activities, including:

Social events:

The university hosts numerous social events throughout the year, providing opportunities for students to connect with their peers and explore different interests.

Student clubs and societies:

There are over 300 student clubs and societies catering to various interests, from sports and music to academic and cultural pursuits.

Campus facilities:

The university boasts modern facilities, including libraries, sports centers, and student unions, providing students with access to resources and support services.

City life:

Manchester is a vibrant city with a thriving cultural scene, offering students access to museums, theaters, music venues, and a diverse range of restaurants and shops.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic excellence:

The University of Manchester is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, offering high-quality education across a wide range of disciplines.

Research impact:

The university is a leading research institution, making significant contributions to various fields, including medicine, engineering, and social sciences.

Global reputation:

The University of Manchester has a strong international reputation, attracting students and researchers from around the world.

Career opportunities:

The university provides excellent career support services, helping students to develop their skills and secure employment after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Manchester offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties and schools, including:

Faculty of Humanities:

Arts, Languages, History, Philosophy, and more.

Faculty of Science and Engineering:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, and more.

Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences:

Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and more.

Faculty of Law, Economics and Social Sciences:

Law, Economics, Sociology, and more.

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Other:

The University of Manchester is committed to social responsibility and sustainability, actively engaging in initiatives to promote equality, diversity, and environmental protection.