COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA in Playwriting offers a structured curriculum designed to develop students’ skills in creating work for the stage and preparing them for professional careers in theatre and performance writing. Core modules such as Playwriting: Forms and Playwriting: Structures provide a foundation in the essential techniques of storytelling, narrative design, character development, and dramatic structure, equipping students to craft compelling and coherent plays across a variety of genres. The Festival Play module gives students the opportunity to write for performance in festival contexts, focusing on audience engagement, timing, and practical considerations in production. Plays, Politics and Power: The Working Playwright explores the role of theatre in society, examining how playwrights engage with political, social, and cultural themes, while considering the professional realities of working as a playwright. The program culminates in a dissertation, allowing students to undertake a substantial independent project, producing a portfolio of original work that demonstrates their creative development, research skills, and mastery of playwriting techniques. Through a combination of practical workshops, guided writing exercises, and critical reflection, the course prepares graduates to enter the theatre and performance industries with a strong body of work, professional confidence, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to contemporary dramatic practice.