Theatre MFA - 2026/7
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MFA Theatre (Distance Learning)
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| PGDip | Theatre |
| PGCert | Theatre |
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Part-time | PRC77001 | 240 credits and 120 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Dance, Drama and Performance
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences - Guildford School of Acting
Programme Leader
WAGNER Matthew (GSA)
Date of production/revision of spec
18/12/2024
Educational aims of the programme
- 01. MA/MFA Years 1 and 2
- 02. To enable geographically diverse cohorts of students to develop their academic skillset with minimal disruption to their ability to sustain family and/or career responsibilities
- 03. To enable students to acquire a rigorous critical understanding of theatre
- 04. To produce students who can contribute more creatively and intelligently to their chosen field as a result of a developed contextual, analytical and critical awareness with an ability to apply that awareness to a variety of texts and/or contexts
- 05. To produce students who are able to comply with professional/academic standards of presentation relevant to their selected area of work
- 06. To provide a significant contribution to the University of Surrey and GSA's strategy for innovative approaches to enabling and developing life-long learners
- 07. To enable students to widen their career prospects and employment opportunities
- 08. MA Year 3
- 09. To enable students to acquire and apply knowledge of a range of professional and/or pedagogic practices
- 10. To develop students critical reflection and self-reflection upon processes and outcomes within their selected pedagogic and professional practice
- 11. To facilitate students original practice and research
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories of acting and styles of theatrical performance | K | PGCert, PGDip | |
| Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key theories of performance, theatrical reception and critique | K | PGCert, PGDip | |
| Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key historical, political, social and ethical developments in theatre | K | PGCert, PGDip | |
| Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a broad range of influential theatrical texts and their contexts | K | PGCert | |
| Analyse and evaluate key theories of performance, theatrical reception and critique | C | PGCert, PGDip | |
| Analyse and evaluate the impact of past traditions and contexts upon contemporary theatrical practices | C | PGCert, PGDip | |
| Analyse and evaluate key historical, political, social and ethical developments in theatre | C | PGDip | |
| Apply critical thought and understanding to key historical, political, social and ethical developments in theatre | P | PGCert, PGDip | |
| Apply theories of performance and critique to influential theatrical texts and their contexts | P | MFA | |
| Apply key theories of performance, theatrical reception and critique to own critique of theatrical productions | P | MFA | |
| Apply influences from past traditions and contexts upon contemporary theatrical practices and/or examination | P | MFA | |
| Demonstrate the ability to retrieve and process information and to communicate clearly in writing | T | MFA | |
| Evaluate the work of others with critical objectivity | T | MFA | |
| Understand the need to take initiative and work independently to further own learning | T | MFA | |
| Apply high levels of personal discipline and time-management, analysing own working practices | T | MFA | |
| Apply knowledge of a range of professional and/or pedagogic practices | P | MFA | |
| Analyse and evaluate a broad range of influential theatrical texts and their contexts | C | PGDip |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Part-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied part-time over three academic years, consisting of 240 credits at FHEQ level 7.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | N | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
Students can apply to this programme directly or apply to it once they have completed the GSA MA, or another MA in a related subject, by APEL entry, to allow it to be used as a 'conversion course', enabling those from UK and international locations to upskill and convert their existing qualification to an MFA, which is internationally recognised and a teaching standard in Higher Education.
The design and structure of this programme enables all students to develop and deepen their understanding of key concepts, specialist skills and knowledge of theatre. The high-quality graduates also benefit from a critical and practical understanding of pedagogical delivery and design, preparing them effectively for work across a variety of teaching and learning contexts, embedding an enviable toolkit of transferrable skills. The programme employs inclusive approaches throughout, drawing upon a range of cultural perspectives and practices. Students engage critically with socio-political contexts and questions surrounding theatre through independent research, group tutorials, and via the VLE. Students are encouraged to consider the environmental and social impact of theatre creation through their research and through the development of their personal teaching practices. An ethos of self-reflection permeates the design of this programme, encouraging inquisitive, self-aware, and resilient cohorts with a keenness to understand the implication of creative choices, opinions and concepts in a variety of theatrical contexts. The online delivery of this programme ensures that the digital capabilities of all students are enhanced, through engagement with tools such as the virtual learning environment and other online resources. Expertise in delivering online presentations and assessment work underline the focus of this programme as one that fosters progressive transferable skills, cultivating highly employable graduates.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.