MA Popular Performances

Graduates of this Popular Performances course pursue employment in the popular entertainment industry or within arts administration.

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MA Popular Performances at University of Winchester

MA Popular Performances is unique in the UK. It is designed for students to engage in the advanced study of popular performances, which can include anything from musical theatre and pantomime to the Olympics and X Factor.

Fact File

Entry requirements: Normally a first or second-class Honours degree in a related subject or professional experience in the area of study

Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 2 years

Programme Leader: Dr Millie Taylor
Telephone +44 (0) 1962 827446
Email Millie.Taylor@winchester.ac.uk

If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.5 (including 6.5 in academic writing) or a TOEFL score of 575 (paper-based) or 232 (computer-based) or equivalent

Start dates: September

Application process: UKPASS (full-time applicants only) or Direct Entry Application Form (part-time applicants only)

Programme Content

The course provides a programme of study that explores how theories and debates apply to individual instances or genres of performance. It also provides a variety of methods of research and enquiry that can be applied more widely. So, there are two directions to study – looking at the larger picture to challenge conceptions of the individual instance of performance, and identifying how methods of enquiry used in one instance might apply to a greater range of materials.

This strategy allows students to choose to focus on a single popular performance genre (for example, applied drama or clown, music hall or burlesque) for the whole programme or to explore several genres before identifying a topic for Independent Study.

Modules

• Introduction to Popular Performances
• Historiography and the Popular
• Politics and the Popular
• Dramaturgies of Popular Performances
• Research Methods
• Gateway to Independent Study
• Independent Study

Learning and Teaching

Masters-level study provides opportunities for independent study and research, development of research skills and in-depth reflection. The teaching style focuses on interactive seminars and debates for which detailed preparation and analysis of performances is required.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by a combination of live oral presentation and written submission. The Independent Study is assessed by a 20,000-word written dissertation or by a negotiated combination of performance and writing.

Careers

Graduates pursue employment in the popular entertainment industry or within arts administration, as community arts officers and as curators and outreach workers. The programme also provides a solid preparation for postgraduate research study, teaching or further training.