MA Theatre Directing
MA Theatre Directing is perfect for aspiring directors ready to refine their artistic voice, explore innovative storytelling methods, and gain hands-on industry experience. This comprehensive course combines rigorous practical training with cutting-edge theoretical exploration, enabling you to develop your unique directing style across diverse theatrical genres.
Working in state-of-the-art performance spaces, you’ll collaborate with professional actors, designers, and technicians in industry-standard environments. You’ll receive mentorship from accomplished directors whilst exploring emerging technologies in performance and staging, pitching and funding strategies, and developing creative leadership skills through research-led directing practice.
Practical experience is central to your development, with opportunities to direct projects presented to public, private, and industry audiences. These showcases allow you to build your professional portfolio whilst receiving valuable feedback from established theatre professionals. You’ll work across multiple performance mediums from traditional stages to digital and immersive performance spaces.
Course Specification
Mode of attendance: Full-time (one year)
Awarding institution: BIMM University
Campus delivery: Birmingham
Language of study: English
Final award: MA Theatre Directing
Minimum Requirements
A degree (normally 2.2 or above) in a creative industry-related subject or significant experience in a relevant field. Overseas students where English is not their native language may be required to meet a minimum English language requirement of an Academic IELTS 6.5. We require a minimum of 6.0 to be achieved in each band.
All applicants will be subject to interview and a portfolio may also be requested for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPCEL).
Progression
Graduates emerge as confident creative leaders, equipped to work with production companies, direct independent projects, or pursue academic careers in directing and research. With comprehensive training in both artistic and business aspects of directing, you’ll be prepared to transform your creative vision into powerful theatrical experiences that engage and inspire audiences.
Year 1
All students take the following core modules in their first year of study. Full module detail is subject to final approval.
This core module bridges practice and theory, allowing you to explore research methods such as practice research, action research, and auto-ethnography. Guided by a specialist mentor, you’ll develop a concept and proposal for your Trimester 3 Professional Project, producing an initial piece of practical work supported by theory. This module emphasises strategies for maintaining creative well-being, giving you a strong foundation for both your academic and professional journey in the performing arts sector.
Core module (30 credits) in the Autumn Trimester
This module immerses you in the collaborative nature of performing arts, introducing you to the roles and relationships in theatre, TV, and film through industry-led practical workshops. You will develop leadership, negotiation, and teamwork skills by working on a real-world project with industry professionals, placements on cross-course productions, and the opportunity to collaborate with an industry stakeholder on a 1-2-1 basis. Your interactions within the module culminate in your assessed collaborative output, providing you with feedback on your roles and contributions, providing direct insight into the professional creative processes in the working sector.
Core module (30 credits) in the Autumn Trimester
Explore the creative potential of technology in this module, where you’ll learn to integrate cutting-edge tools and platforms into performance practice, enhancing your creative output. Through technological workshops and industry masterclasses, you’ll collaborate with your peers and create an innovative piece of work. You have the opportunity for a cross-course placement, where you could contribute to the technical or creative development of the Final Showcase module, further developing your tech-driven creativity for your future modules and future career.
Core module (30 credits) in the Spring Trimester
Focusing on business development and self-promotion, this module gives you the entrepreneurial toolkit needed to develop performing arts related business practices, discovering the exponential business possibilities within the performing arts sector. You’ll explore business start-up strategies, funding opportunities, and innovative PR methods. The module culminates in a student-led exhibition where you’ll present your business ideas to industry stakeholders for feedback, helping you refine your concepts and build a solid foundation for your creative enterprise.
Core module (30 credits) in the Spring Trimester
You will direct a significant piece of work, bringing everything you have learnt together. Under mentor guidance, you’ll produce an ambitious, research-led project that showcases your advanced skills and knowledge, built on the previous four modules. This significant project serves as the culmination of your studies, with a public dissemination or performance, marking your entry into the professional world of performing arts.
Core module (60 credits) in the Summer Trimester
Course Fees
Please visit our Fees page for information on access to Student Loans. Please note, UK students eligible for loans are able to borrow the full course fee for Performers College degrees.
Alumni Discount
Eligible BIMM University alumni commencing a postgraduate programme with an intake year from 2024 will receive a £1,000 discount on their tuition fees.
Career Support & Graduate Destinations
You’ll receive tailored career advice and have direct introduction to working industry practitioners.
Take a look at some of our exciting graduate success stories here.
Application Process
Applying for a masters is easy, but if you have questions, we’re here to help!
Any questions?
Our enquiries team is always available to answer your questions. Just call 01273 840 346 or email [email protected]
