MA in Shakespeare (On-campus or by distance learning)

This programme offers an unrivalled opportunity to study Shakespeare in the heart of his hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Delivered by and taught at The Shakespeare Institute, it develops a critical but appreciative understanding of Shakespeare’s contribution to literary and theatrical history, and the place his works occupy in today’s cultural landscape

It provides you with a rigorous and wide-ranging knowledge of approaches to the study of Shakespeare, with emphasis on criticism, textual studies, the plays in performance, and the history of Shakespeare's reception

The dynamism of the programme owes much to the sheer diversity of critical, theatrical, and historical approaches. It offers sustained study in a variety of fields, drawing on the special interests of a dedicated team of Shakespeare scholars

It has proved invaluable for students heading towards a variety of careers, and it provides a solid foundation for research at a higher level

Students have the opportunity to study this programme on-site at The Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon or by online, distance learning. Studying via distance learning means you can continue in employment alongside studying for your Masters

Why Study this Course?

• Location– studying at The Shakespeare Institute in the heart of Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon offers you an academic experience unequalled by any other university. You will study within walking distance of Shakespeare's birthplace, school and grave, and the theatres of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
• Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) collaboration – Our exciting collaboration with the RSC offers students a truly unique learning experience, blending academia and creativity in an exciting new way to foster innovative methods of theatre and learning. Since its launch, students in the MA Shakespeare and Creativity programme have experienced unique and extensive opportunities to work with RSC artists on a variety of projects and modules.
• Access to fantastic resources– you will be surrounded by a number of resources. The Shakespeare Institute’s own library is a renowned collection of international importance and you will also have access to the outstanding picture collections, records and library holdings of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
• A vibrant and active community– the Institute provides an intense learning experience in the study of Shakespeare from a range of perspectives, with the support and encouragement of the Institute’s staff, who are all respected in their own field.
• Postgraduate conferences– the Institute plays host to a number of national and international conferences. The highlight of the academic year is the annual Britgrad conference organised by students for students. You will be able to join postgraduate students from all over the world to give and hear short papers on all aspects of Shakespeare and early modern drama. Britgrad provides a unique opportunity for graduate students to share their work with their peers and to hear what other graduates in similar and related fields are working on.

Studying in Stratford-upon-Avon

Student working in Stratford. The Shakespeare Institute offers an unrivalled opportunity for the study of Shakespeare in Stratford upon Avon - Shakespeare's birthplace. Just a short walk away from the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Shakespeare Institute is a postgraduate-only department that offers dedicated support and resources to its students. As well as teaching space, study space and a dedicated Shakespeare library, the Institute hosts a range of events and activities including Thursday seminars, the annual Britgrad conference and performances.

Postgraduate Employability

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities, especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team that offers tailored advice and a program of College-specific career events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

• Receive one-to-one career advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV, and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
• Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
• Attend an annual program of careers fairs, skills workshops, and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
• Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

What’s more, you will be able to access our full range of career support for up to 2 years after graduation.

Postgraduate employability: The Shakespeare Institute

As a postgraduate at the Shakespeare Institute, you will develop a broad range of creative, research, and theatre skills, as well as in-depth subject knowledge.

In recent years, our postgraduates have successfully entered a variety of sectors from teaching in secondary and higher education to performing arts, publishing, and museum, library, and archive work. Employers that graduates have gone on to work for include the National Trust, Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Shakespeare's Globe, University of Birmingham, and the University of Oxford.

Core Modules

You will study three core modules:

• Plays and Poems A
• Plays and Poems B
• Research Skills and Methods

Optional Modules

• History of Shakespeare in Performance
• Early Modern Drama in Context: Playhouse, Culture and Society
• Shakespeare and Theatre Practice (on-site but available to DL students)
• Shakespeare’s Afterlives
• Performing Shakespeare in Asia (distance learning only)
• Shakespeare's Bodies of Knowledge
• Textual Studies in Shakespeare
• Shakespeare on Screen
• Shakespeare’s Worlds / The World’s Shakespeares

Dissertation

On successful completion of the six taught modules, you will begin work on your dissertation.

In this module, you will undertake a substantial piece of independent research. This may be based on - but will extend - work undertaken for previous modules in the program. There should be some element of originality in the research and the research may make a contribution to the field of study. You will report the research in a dissertation of 15,000 words. In designing, carrying out, and writing up the study, you will be supported by a supervisor.

We have three teaching terms per year, the autumn, spring, and summer terms. Term dates can be found on our website.

As a full-time student, you will typically take three modules in each term followed by your dissertation. Depending on the modules you take, you can typically expect five to eight hours of classroom time per week. If you are a part-time student, you will study the program for up to six years.

In addition, all students are expected to attend the weekly Thursday Seminar for all Institute members.

Each module represents up to 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, assignment preparation, and independent study.