MFA Theatre Directing
Course overview
Start date
September 2021
Subject area
Music and Performance
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Learning
On campus, dual delivery
Course summary
This is a practice based programme for those wishing to develop a career as a professional theatre director, an innovative theatre praxis and an understanding of creative producing in London, the centre of British theatre.
The programme is practice-based and industry-facing, and aligned with both main stage and contemporary arts practice. The programme gives students the support to develop as theatre directors and, crucially, independent creative producers with the ability to make high quality and innovative performance work. The teaching team are both experienced academics and professional practitioners and have wide networks within the creative industries, including production houses, directors, actors and industry bodies. Students will have the opportunity to take master classes with industry professionals and each will be assigned a professional mentor to advise on their artistic and professional development.
They will also have the opportunity to work with writers and actors on other MFA programmes in the school or externally. Teaching will take place in the industry standard studio facilities at USS and the professional arts venue Rich Mix.
The programme is delivered in the evenings and offered full and part time to enable access for those with work and family commitments.
Return to campus: dual delivery
In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of-the-art campuses and flex between online delivery
Find out moreHands-on approach
We’ll give you the opportunity to develop the technique and knowledge which will equip you for professional theatrical practice.
Access London's world-class theatres
Produce your final shows in a professional venue in London, the heart of British theatre.
Flexible teaching
The programme is delivered in industry-standard studio facilities in the evenings and weekends to enable access for those with work or family commitments.
What we're researching
An impressive 50 per cent of the research we’re undertaking in the field of Music, Drama, Dance and Performing Arts was judged to be either ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘world-leading’. We have a reputation as a leading university offering practice based PhD’s.
Our Centre for Performing Arts Development (CPAD) has become an international centre for research in the performing arts and supports research that is concerned with political, philosophical, cultural, ethical, socially-engaged and community applied issues.
All of our academics are teachers, practitioners and researchers.
Dr Dominic Hingorani, is a Reader in Theatre and Performance, Programme Leader for the MFA Acting and MFA Theatre Directing and Postgraduate Research Leader. He is also an accomplished writer, director and producer who runs his own cross arts theatre company; Brolly Productions. Dr Jorge Lopes Ramos is Programme Leader of MFA Contemporary Performance Practices and joint artistic director of ZUUK a critically acclaimed theatre company based in east London and Rio de Janeiro.
Making a difference
UEL is one of the UK’s leading modern research universities. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 17 per cent of our overall research submission was classified as ‘world-leading’ for its quality and impact – almost double our previous REF score. A further 45 per cent of our work was considered ‘internationally excellent’.
Fees and funding
£10,280 to fund your Masters Programme under the Postgraduate Loans (PGL) scheme
Postgraduate Loans (PGL)
The Postgraduate Loan (PGL) provide non means-tested loans of up to £10,906 to taught and research masters students. It will be paid to students as a contribution towards tuition fees, living costs and other course costs.
Applications are made directly through Student Finance England
Eligibility
Whether you qualify depends on:
• if you’ve studied on a postgraduate course before
• your course
• your age
• your nationality or residency status
Full eligibility can be found here
Please take a look at the Postgraduate Loans for an overview of the new funding.
The scholarship is open to full-time and part-time UK and EU students of taught postgraduate courses. *Exclusions apply.
Find out more about full eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Terms and conditions apply.How we can help you
Did you know that with a postgraduate qualification you can expect to earn more than someone who only holds an undergraduate degree?If you want to build new skills, change career paths, or further your career prospects, a postgraduate degree can help you. Our range of scholarships and bursaries will make financing your education that much easier. Below is some of the funding available to support you in your studies:
- Alumni Discount – up to 15% fee waiver *exclusions apply. Please see Alumni Discount page for information.
- Early Payment Discount – 5% fee waiver
- Asylum Seekers scholarship – 100% fee waiver
- Civic Engagement – £1,000
- Hardship Bursary – up to £2,000
- Sport Scholarships – Up to £6,000
Terms and conditions apply.
• By telephone
• In person at our Docklands or Stratford campus
• Bank transfer
- Apply for a Postgraduate Loan
- Take advantage of UEL scholarships and bursaries
- Ask your employer to sponsor your study
- Study part-time so you can work at the same time (applicable to courses that have a part-time mode)
- Look at UK Research and Innovation funding options
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate
your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and
university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Fees per year for the MFA:
Year 1 (180 credits) - £9120
Year 2 (120 credits) - £6080
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
£10,280 to fund your Masters Programme under the Postgraduate Loans (PGL) scheme
Postgraduate Loans (PGL)
The Postgraduate Loan (PGL) provide non means-tested loans of up to £10,906 to taught and research masters students. It will be paid to students as a contribution towards tuition fees, living costs and other course costs.
Applications are made directly through Student Finance England
Eligibility
Whether you qualify depends on:
• if you’ve studied on a postgraduate course before
• your course
• your age
• your nationality or residency status
Full eligibility can be found here
Please take a look at the Postgraduate Loans for an overview of the new funding.
The scholarship is open to full-time and part-time UK and EU students of taught postgraduate courses. *Exclusions apply.
Find out more about full eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Terms and conditions apply.How we can help you
Did you know that with a postgraduate qualification you can expect to earn more than someone who only holds an undergraduate degree?If you want to build new skills, change career paths, or further your career prospects, a postgraduate degree can help you. Our range of scholarships and bursaries will make financing your education that much easier. Below is some of the funding available to support you in your studies:
- Alumni Discount – up to 15% fee waiver *exclusions apply. Please see Alumni Discount page for information.
- Early Payment Discount – 5% fee waiver
- Asylum Seekers scholarship – 100% fee waiver
- Civic Engagement – £1,000
- Hardship Bursary – up to £2,000
- Sport Scholarships – Up to £6,000
Terms and conditions apply.
• By telephone
• In person at our Docklands or Stratford campus
• Bank transfer
- Apply for a Postgraduate Loan
- Take advantage of UEL scholarships and bursaries
- Ask your employer to sponsor your study
- Study part-time so you can work at the same time (applicable to courses that have a part-time mode)
- Look at UK Research and Innovation funding options
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate
your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and
university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Per 30 credit module
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA page for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
Fees per year
Year 1 (180 credits) - £13,860
Year 2 (120 credits) - £9,240
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
Entry requirements
Overall IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening (or recognised equivalent).
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course.
What you'll study
We consistently review and develop our courses and modules to ensure they are up-to-date with sector and industry graduate skills demands. Course structure, modules and options are subject to change.
- Director and the Text (Core)
- Contemporary Performance Making (Core)
- Devised Project (Core)
- Research Methods in Creative Practice (Core)
- Performance Platform (Core)
- Mental Wealth: Professional Life - Performance Praxis (Core)
- MFA Creative Practice (Core)
- MFA Professional Platform (Core)
How you'll be assessed
The assessment is underpinned by our approach which integrates theory and practice. The weighting of assessment, not surprisingly for a programme focused on industry practice, is towards process and performance while the reflective writing is a vital space to articulate and locate your performance practice.
We use a range of assessment formats from performance, rehearsal surgery, presentation, project proposals, and essays and support your learning through lectures, demonstrations, master classes, seminars and so that you feel confident articulating, performing and disseminating your work.
Course specificationHow you'll learn
Dominic is a professional playwright, academic author, producer and director and Co-Artistic Director of Brolly, a cross-arts company supported by Arts Council England. He has recently written, directed and produced a national tour of a new play for teenagers ‘her’ in partnership with Half Moon Theatre and a new opera ‘Clocks 1888 the greener’ in partnership with Hackney Empire.
Dominic originally trained as an actor and worked on stage in the USA with Sir Ian McKellen and has performed on TV, radio and film.
Another teacher is Dr Jorge Lopes Ramos, the multi-award-winning joint artistic director of the internationally acclaimed ZUUK – an independent and innovative theatre company based in both Rio de Janeiro and east London.
As well as their support, we’ll give you the opportunity of being able to work alongside an experienced professional actor who, if you want, will act as your mentor.
Through our unique partnerships, you’ll have opportunities to engage with a variety of professional companies. Our current partners include Theatre Royal Stratford East, London International Festival of Theatre, Hoxton Hall, Hackney Empire, Stratford Circus and Half Moon Theatre.
You’re also benefit from a programme of guest speakers. Recently, our students heard from British movie star Terence Stamp and the artistic director of Theatre Royal Stratford East, Kerry Michael.
“This course was created especially for those wishing to pursue a professional career in the theatre and develop the skills to be an independent creative artist,” says Dr Hingorani.
“Our teaching ethos is tailored to the individual student to develop their own unique creative voice, underpinned by academic rigour and an understanding of professional art practice, delivered in industry-standard studio facilities."
“I can’t think of a more exciting place to start your career, build your networks and access world-class professional theatre than in London.”
What you'll learn
Dominic is a professional playwright, academic author, producer and director and Co-Artistic Director of Brolly, a cross-arts company supported by Arts Council England. He has recently written, directed and produced a national tour of a new play for teenagers ‘her’ in partnership with Half Moon Theatre and a new opera ‘Clocks 1888 the greener’ in partnership with Hackney Empire.
Dominic originally trained as an actor and worked on stage in the USA with Sir Ian McKellen and has performed on TV, radio and film.
Another teacher is Dr Jorge Lopes Ramos, the multi-award-winning joint artistic director of the internationally acclaimed ZUUK – an independent and innovative theatre company based in both Rio de Janeiro and east London.
As well as their support, we’ll give you the opportunity of being able to work alongside an experienced professional actor who, if you want, will act as your mentor.
Through our unique partnerships, you’ll have opportunities to engage with a variety of professional companies. Our current partners include Theatre Royal Stratford East, London International Festival of Theatre, Hoxton Hall, Hackney Empire, Stratford Circus and Half Moon Theatre.
You’re also benefit from a programme of guest speakers. Recently, our students heard from British movie star Terence Stamp and the artistic director of Theatre Royal Stratford East, Kerry Michael.
“This course was created especially for those wishing to pursue a professional career in the theatre and develop the skills to be an independent creative artist,” says Dr Hingorani.
“Our teaching ethos is tailored to the individual student to develop their own unique creative voice, underpinned by academic rigour and an understanding of professional art practice, delivered in industry-standard studio facilities."
“I can’t think of a more exciting place to start your career, build your networks and access world-class professional theatre than in London.”
Your future career
We’re proud that our students go on to make their names as designers, design coordinators, pattern cutters, fashion technologists, product developers and retail managers.
As one of our graduates Lucy Johnson, who now owns streetwear label Brahboys, says of the course, “It was a fun and emotional experience that I’d recommend to anyone thinking of a career in fashion."
At Graduate Fashion Week 2016, one of our students, Antonia Nae, won the prestigious Lipsy Red Carpet Award for her sweeping black dress.
The quality of our students’ work is held in such high regard that a
group of our undergraduates were commissioned to create the costumes for a pivotal scene in the hit movie, Absolutely Fabulous.
UEL Fashion and Textiles area has strong links with industry that have been developed over the past 30 years and have worked with companies such as Erdem, Polo Ralph Lauren, Jenny Packham, The Collection, Asos, Marks and Spencer, Timothy Everest to name some. UEL fashion students are in high demand in industry for placement candidates as well as graduate employees due to their high level of skills and professionalism.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal
