Program Overview
The Master of Research in Theatre and Performance at University of Worcester is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at University of Worcester. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in humanities & arts, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in humanities & arts.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at University of Worcester.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Humanities & Arts.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Careers
From working with professional directors to providing industry standard facilities and experiences, we foster an environment where our students feel prepared to pursue a career in the arts, highlighted by the achievements of our alumni.
Our graduates go on to work in theatre, TV, radio and film. They have often set up their own business, for example as touring theatre companies or drama education providers.
Our graduates have also gone on to succeed as:
- Performers
- Stage managers
- Theatre technicians
- Directors
- Theatre producers
- Youth theatre leaders
- Voice actors
- Arts marketers
Teaching
Some of our graduates also decide to become teachers. You can train to teach with a one-year Primary or Secondary PGCE at Worcester.
Postgraduate opportunities
After completing this course you could progress onto our Drama and Performance MPhil/PhD course .
Program Curriculum
Course content
Each year you will study a mix of mandatory and optional modules. This flexible course lets you explore different subjects and career paths in theatre, acting and performance before choosing to specialise in your final year.
We regularly review our courses to reflect the latest research and developments in the subject area, as well as feedback from students, employers and the wider sector. As a result, modules may change to ensure the course remains current and relevant.
Optional modules will run if enough students choose to study them. It is not guaranteed that all modules will be offered every year.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff points required: 104 Typical Offer Qualification Grade A-level BCC BTEC National Extended Diploma DMM T-level Merit
We do accept Access to HE Diplomas and other qualifications which may not exactly match the combinations above. Work out your estimated points with the UCAS tariff calculator .
Any questions? If you have any questions about entry requirements, please call our Admissions Office on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk .
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 12,500/year (international)
Fees
Fees contents UK and EU students In 2026/27 the standard fee for full-time home and EU undergraduate students on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees is £9,790 per year. Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year for both new and continuing students. For more details on course fees, please visit our course fees page . £9,790 International students In 2026/27 the standard tuition fee for full-time international students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees is £17,200 per year. Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year for both new and continuing students. For more details on course fees, please visit our course fees page . £17,200
Student case studies Some recent graduates reflect on their time on the course. Jordan Smith Jordan Smith achieved First Class Honours in his Drama and Performance degree. “It was the best three years of my life and it is fantastic that the hard work paid off,” said the 21-year-old, from Milton Keynes. “For many years I have wanted to become a secondary school teacher - as I have a real passion for education and inspiring young people. That is certainly something I will look to go into in the future.” Read Jordan's story. Al Linforth Al, from Swansea, joined the University of Worcester in 2018 following a difficult journey through the education system. “I didn’t think I would get into university,” Al said. “But I applied and was accepted by Worcester. In my second week I visited the disability and dyslexia team and took a dyslexia test. During those early weeks I was diagnosed with dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD. Everything finally made sense as to why I found school and college so difficult, and I was finally able to receive the right support to help me study.” Al has graduated with First Class Honours. “I couldn’t have done this without the staff on the Drama and Performance degree, who were extremely accommodating and supportive during my time here,” Al said. Laura Kane - Loving Life In La La Land Many aspiring actors grow up dreaming of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. From Sunset Strip to the Santa Monica Pier and the Griffith Observatory, the landmarks of Los Angeles are immortalised in our minds by the movies, mapping out a land full of adventure and possibility. But dreams can come true, and for University of Worcester graduate Laura Kane, Hollywood Boulevard and Venice Beach are no longer the names of exotic locations thousands of miles away, but rather a new home where she is building a successful career as an actor. Jordan Smith Jordan Smith achieved First Class Honours in his Drama and Performance degree. “It was the best three years of my life and it is fantastic that the hard work paid off,” said the 21-year-old, from Milton Keynes. “For many years I have wanted to become a secondary school teacher - as I have a real passion for education and inspiring young people. That is certainly something I will look to go into in the future.” Read Jordan's story. Al Linforth Al, from Swansea, joined the University of Worcester in 2018 following a difficult journey through the education system. “I didn’t think I would get into university,” Al said. “But I applied and was accepted by Worcester. In my second week I visited the disability and dyslexia team and took a dyslexia test. During those early weeks I was diagnosed with dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD. Everything finally made sense as to why I found school and college so difficult, and I was finally able to receive the right support to help me study.” Al has graduated with First Class Honours. “I couldn’t have done this without the staff on the Drama and Performance degree, who were extremely accommodating and supportive during my time here,” Al said.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial Aid & Funding Opportunities
A range of funding options may be available to students enrolling at University of Worcester. Explore all options early — many scholarships have deadlines months before programme start.
- University Scholarships: University of Worcester may offer merit-based, need-based, or programme-specific scholarships for postgraduate students. Contact the international or financial aid office for current awards.
- Government Scholarships (): National governments often fund outbound and inbound student mobility. Check your home country's government scholarship schemes (e.g., national student loan bodies, ministry of education awards).
- International Scholarships: Major funders include: Commonwealth Scholarships, Fulbright (USA programmes), Chevening (UK), Erasmus+ (Europe), DAAD (Germany), Campus France, Australia Awards, and many more.
- Employer Sponsorship: Professionals returning to study may negotiate tuition sponsorship with their employer, particularly for MBA or executive programmes.
- Graduate Assistantships / Fellowships: Some universities offer funded research or teaching assistant positions that include a stipend and partial or full tuition waiver.
- External Foundations: Rotary Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, Ford Foundation, and many discipline-specific bodies fund postgraduate study globally.
- Payment Plans: Flexible instalment plans may allow you to spread tuition payments across the academic year.
About University of Worcester
University of Worcester
Worcester, United Kingdom
The University of Worcester is a public research university based in Worcester, England. With a history dating back to 1946, the university began awarding degrees in 1997 and was granted full...
University Profile- Application Deadline 2018-01-22
- Start Date 2017-09-18
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)
