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MA Shakespeare Studies

This Shakespeare Studies programme at University of Birmingham offers an unrivalled opportunity to study Shakespeare in the heart of his hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: 1 year (Full-Time)
2-3 years (Part-Time)
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £21,960 per year
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

Delivered by and taught at The Shakespeare Institute, it develops a critical but appreciative understanding of Shakespeare’s contribution to literary and theatrical history, and the place his works occupy in today’s cultural landscape.

The Shakespeare Studies programme at University of Birmingham provides you with a rigorous and wide-ranging knowledge of approaches to the study of Shakespeare, with emphasis on criticism, textual studies, the plays in performance, and the history of Shakespeare’s reception.

The dynamism of the programme owes much to the sheer diversity of critical, theatrical, and historical approaches. It offers sustained study in a variety of fields, drawing on the special interests of a dedicated team of Shakespeare scholars.

It has proved invaluable for students heading towards a variety of careers, and it provides a solid foundation for research at a higher level.

Courses included:

  • Plays and Poems
  • Research Skills and Methods
  • History of Shakespeare in Performance
  • Shakespeare and Early Modern Playhouse Culture
  • Shakespeare and Theatre Practice
  • Shakespeare’s Legacy

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University’s Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

Requirements

  • Our usual entry requirement for this programme is a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in English or a related subject.
  • Please note that all applications are treated on their merits, and we will review your references, personal statement and past experience alongside your qualifications when considering your application.
  • In addition to the usual supporting documents, when you apply for this course we ask you to submit an example of your written work; this will preferably be an essay on Shakespeare, of about 2,000 words. If you do not have a piece of work that is of the right length it is better to send something that is longer rather than shorter so that we have a better chance to assess your critical writing on a literary topic.

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