
Overview
The Theatre Directing programme at Birkbeck, University of London includes a nine-month secondment with a theatre company, providing the opportunity to direct and work with professional actors, and a three-month secondment to a leading drama school. Extended mentoring relationships between students and professional directors, regular observation of the course by a highly experienced group of professional directors.
Highlights
- Arts and humanities at Birkbeck are ranked fifth best in London, 18th in the UK and 87th globally in the 2019 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject.
- In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), English Language and Literature at Birkbeck achieved 100% for a research environment conducive to producing research of the highest quality, while 91% of eligible staff submitted research, of which 75% was recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent.
- Direct input of professional theatre practitioners; Mike Leigh, Vicki Mortimer, Lyndsey Turner and Mike Alfreds have been recent contributors.
- Includes a nine-month secondment with a theatre company, providing the opportunity to direct and work with professional actors; a three-month secondment to a leading drama school; extended mentoring relationships between students and professional directors; and regular observation of the course by a highly experienced group of professional directors.
- Our Centre for Contemporary Theatre runs a postgraduate reading group and offers opportunities to show work in progress as part of the School of Arts summer festival Arts Week.
Careers and Employability
Recent graduates have directed productions at prestigious theatres including: the National Theatre, the RSC, the Royal Court, English National Opera, the Almeida, the Young Vic, the Lyric Hammersmith, the Gate and in the West End. Others have established their own companies, such as Coney, Curious Directive, Rough Fiction, commonpractice and Red Herring.
Many graduates have directed at regional theatres, including Sheffield Theatres, the Royal Exchange, West Yorkshire Playhouse and Nottingham Playhouse, and many have assisted on productions at the RSC, the National Theatre, the Globe, the Old Vic, the Young Vic and in the West End.
Others have won awards, such as the 2014 Olivier Award for Best Director, the James Menzies-Kitchin Award (the JMK) in 2012 and 2015, the Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme (RTYDS) Award, and the Stage Award for Best Fringe Theatre.
Possible professions include theatre director, artistic director, associate director, opera director, theatre producer, literary manager and dramaturg.
Get more details
Visit official programme websiteProgramme Structure
Courses include:
- Course Induction (MFA Theatre Directing)
- The Director and Directing: Dissertation
- The Director and Production: Dissertation
- The Director and the Actor
Check out the full curriculum
Visit official programme websiteKey information
Duration
- Full-time
- 24 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- StartingApply anytime.
You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places on your chosen course and to give you time to complete the admissions process.
Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Film, Photography & Media Theatre & Dance View 176 other Masters in Theatre & Dance in United KingdomExplore more key information
Visit official programme websiteAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- Either a minimum second-class honours degree from a UK university (or a directly comparable qualification from a non-UK university), together with some significant experience of professional or professional-level theatre; or an undergraduate- or postgraduate-level diploma from a recognised UK drama school (or a directly comparable qualification from a non-UK drama school), together with some significant experience of professional or professional-level theatre (normally three years); or extensive professional experience.
- Considerable importance will be attached to your ability to demonstrate commitment to professional theatre directing.
- If you are considered to be initially qualified, you will then be interviewed
Make sure you meet all requirements
Visit official programme websiteTuition Fee
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International
15200 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the original amount of 15200 GBP per year and a duration of 24 months. -
EU/EEA
8350 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the original amount of 8350 GBP per year and a duration of 24 months.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.