Performance Practices MA

About the course

New for 2013

This MA provides you with in depth ways in which to investigate both the creative and critical contexts of performance.

A key philosophy of the programme is that you will develop skills in, and understanding of a range of key themes that are fundamental in contemporary performance practices. Themes may include (but are not limited to) the body in performance; audiences; spaces; narrative; memory and collaboration, and these are addressed with a focus on developing interdisciplinary performance.

One of the programme’s priorities is to consider your next step, post-study. Placement modules offer you the opportunity to undertake placements and internships, further preparing you for employment in a range of contexts. You may wish to become a teacher, performer, start your own company, be an academic researcher or pursue further study, and this programme will assist in developing your skills and knowledge towards achieving your goals. The programme builds upon and develops existing links with local and national organisations so that you gain real life experience through a range of opportunities offered by the industry.

The programme is designed for recent graduates who wish to further their studies to develop themselves as independent artists, practitioner-researchers, scholarly researchers and reflective practitioners who will develop their skills in a wide variety of contexts. It is suitable also for professional artists and educators who wish to reinvigorate their practices and deepen their engagement in performance making.

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Key facts

Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time

Location: Leicester City Campus

Start Date: September 2013

Entry and admission criteria

• You should normally have the equivalent of a UK Bachelor’s degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant subject such as Dance, Drama or Performing Arts.
• We also welcome applicants with professional experience and will consider your application on an individual basis.

International Students

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English language tuition| is available at DMU both before and during the course if required.

Teaching and assessment

Modules are delivered from both scholarly and practical perspectives and therefore you will engage in classroom and studio based activities. Teaching is delivered through lectures, practical studio-based sessions, presentations, small group discussions and one to one tutorials. You will also engage in independent study undertaking practical exploration, preparation and rehearsal, in research by viewing, reading and writing, and in reflection and analysis of your own work and that of others. We use a range of assessment modes in this course including essays, lecture-demonstrations, oral presentations and practice-based work. Your learning will be supported by e-learning activities through the University’s Blackboard site.

De Montfort University has an extensive stock of specialist books, videos and electronic resources and facilities.

Course modules

The programme is structured so that you combine core modules with option modules to design your own pathway. Option modules are selected from other cognate MA programmes, as well as being programme specific.

Semester 1: you must take core modules:

• Faculty Research Methods
• Research into Performance
• Perspectives

Semester 2: you must take core module:

• Performance Making

and you can choose to take either:

• Negotiated Placement
• Education and the Arts
• Animating Places and AMAN5012 Cultural Policy and Planning

Semester 3: you take either:

• Faculty Major Project: Dissertation

or

• Faculty Major Project:Design/Practice Outcomes Exhibition & Reflective Report

or

• Work Based Projects

NB: option modules may be subject to change.

Academic expertise

The course is delivered by an energetic research-active team with international profiles in performance practices and theory, including dance, drama, performing arts, digital and sonic arts, improvisation and Live Art. Visiting industry professionals complement the programme’s teaching team.

Graduate careers

The course will develop your knowledge in the field as well as skills in communication, research, presentation and performance. On completion of this course you are equipped to pursue a range of careers in the field of performance practices and the creative industries, as well as further academic study.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding options for 2013/14 entry are still under review and are subject to change.

Full-time UK/EU Postgraduate courses fees £4,200 Students Equivalent or Lower Qualification Status* £5,000 International
Postgraduate courses fees £11,700 Part-time Postgraduate courses fees (per year) £2150 Students Equivalent or Lower Qualification Status* (per year)
£2500 Continuation UK/EU Fee** £150 Continuation International Fee** £5000

For more information please take a look at our Funding|| section.

* ELQ Student definition - If you are a Home or EU status student and you already have a qualification at or above the level of the programme you wish to study from any country you will be considered as an Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) student. In 2008 the UK Government decided to stop funding universities for student in this situation and therefore the following fees will apply £5,000. Students from outside the EU are not affected by the policy.

** A fee that is charged on a periodic basis where Postgraduate or Research students need to extend their registration to complete the course.