Applied Theatre refers to the practice of theatre and drama in non-traditional settings and/or with marginalised communities. It encompasses theatre practices which tackle areas of social and cultural policy such as public health, education, housing, social welfare, and the care system.
This course provides a specialist route for graduates who wish to develop as educational practitioners using theatre and drama.
- You will deepen your knowledge and practice in the field of Applied Theatre
- This course enables you to engage in real-life practice within and alongside a professional producing theatre
- You will develop your ability to interpret, understand and conduct practice as research relevant to the theatre and education at a masterly level
- You will become industry ready for employment in Theatre Education
Hear from our students
Gain an insight into this course with the following video about MA Applied Theatre and Education. Hear from students about their experience of the course and see the performance and rehearsal spaces at Derby Theatre.
Derby Theatre
The UK's unique professional, producing and learning theatre
As a Learning Theatre, Derby Theatre provides a unique opportunity for students to learn to their craft by working alongside both academics and theatre professionals in the heart of a professional producing theatre, to develop your skills in technical theatre or performance.
Students, academics and artists work, create and learn side by side at Derby Theatre. All decisions about the development of both the art and the learning opportunities are made together. At every stage, there is huge potential in the crucible of the arts, learning and research combining to both underpin and inform our future work.
Derby Theatre provides an extraordinary platform for real life learning to take place, not only through the exciting main stage and studio programmes, but also through the work that the Theatre does with young people, young people in care, emerging artists and the community. Graduates of the programme can also be supported by our Artist Development Programme, In Good Company, which is part of a large regional funding programme.
#ThisIsDerby award winning project
Derby Theatre has won the Excellence in Arts Education Award at the UK Theatre Awards in 2019 and the Guardian University Award 2020 for Social and Community Impact in recognition and celebration of the #ThisIsDerby project. Delivered by Derby Theatre and other cultural and sports organisations in the city, including Derby County Community Trust, Cultural Campus: Derby's Cultural Education Partnership and the City's Sports Forum, the project provides opportunities for young people to take part in high-quality arts, sports and cultural activities across the city and aims to develop their essential life skills.
Winner of the Creativity for Good category at the Mainframe Awards 2022
Senior Lecturer and MA Applied Theatre and Education Programme Leader Dr Ava Hunt won the Creativity for Good category at the Mainframe Awards 2022 for the Destinies theatre and music production. The project, a partnership between Dr Ava Hunt Theatre, Sinfonia Viva, Orchestras Live and co-created with young people and Derbyshire County Council Virtual School, celebrates the stories and creativity of young refugees and asylum seekers living in Derbyshire.
Mainframe, based at QUAD, is an initiative that aims to bring together a community of digital and creative business across Derby and Derbyshire, enabling real business growth and jobs. The Mainframe Awards were launched to highlight and celebrate the talented digital and creative businesses that call Derby and Derbyshire home.
You will study modules such as:
Postgraduate Certificate
Applied Theatre Context and Work-based Learning (20 credits)
This module will ground your understanding of Applied Theatre practice, drama methodologies and historical context. This will include an historical overview of the legacies of key practitioners Healthcote, Spolin, Way and Boal critically reflecting on and how these contribute to contemporary developing practice and academic discourse including Balfour, Dolan, Nicholson and Thompson.
Crafting Your Masters Study (20 credits)
This module is concerned with identifying and developing the key personal and academic competencies associated with successful study at Masters Level in a global context of continuous educational change. Through crafting of a journal in which you will address what you are doing professionally (and/or academically) with what you are experiencing as a person will encourage the critical reflection and development of your own academic needs.
Applied Educational Thinkers and Theorists (A) (20 credits)
This module provides the opportunity for participants to consider the role, purpose and contribution of educational theory on and for educational practice. Drawing on a range of theorists, for example but not exclusively, Etienne Wenger, Paulo Freire and Pierre Bourdieu, the module invites participants to critically consider their contributions to the practices of contemporary education across a range of learning environments.
Postgraduate Diploma
Performance and Practice as Research (40 credits)
This module provides the opportunity for you to develop a supported practical performance piece which could be delivered in multiple locations or the opportunity to have a longitudinal experience in a community or school environment. The module will provide you with the opportunity to work in small teams to devise material and deliver off-site, as well as development of performance and facilitation skills under direction from the tutor.
Applied Educational Thinkers and Theorists (B) (20 credits)
This module provides the opportunity for participants to consider the role, purpose and contribution of educational theory on and for educational practice. Drawing on a range of theorists, for example but not exclusively, Etienne Wenger, Paulo Freire and Pierre Bourdieu, the module invites participants to critically consider their contributions to the practices of contemporary education across a range of learning environments.
Optional Education Module (20 credits)
You will study these modules alongside students from other MA Education programmes. This brings an advantage in terms of being able to discuss common themes across the different but related discipline areas.
MA
Independent Study (Major Project) (60 credits)
Whilst working in project groups’, this module provides you with the opportunity to consider a specific Applied Theatre role as actor, facilitator, or director delivering a high quality educational project within a community setting. Understanding the reciprocal relationship between research and practice, you will draw together Education theorists and Applied Theatre studied throughout the programme to critically evaluate your project whilst assessing impact with your chosen client group.
Optional Education Module (20 credits)
You will study these modules alongside students from other MA Education programmes. This brings an advantage in terms of being able to discuss common themes across the different but related discipline areas.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
The sessions are designed to be interactive, utilising a variety of teaching and learning strategies such as lectures, seminar discussions and ‘hands on’ practical activities related to theatre and education. Working alongside industry professionals, you will gain a wide range of skills and understanding over and above the course content e.g. fundraising and marketing.
How you will be assessed
You will be assessed through both written and practical assessments, which could include essays, portfolios, performances, workshops and presentations.
Graduates of this programme are prepared for careers in a range of private and public sector opportunities for example: As creative learning officers in theatres, museums and other community-based organisations; education directors and managers for cultural organisations; facilitators of youth theatres and other projects; health and wellbeing theatre specialists; freelance practitioners working in a wide range of settings including schools, prisons and the care system. Graduates will develop a sense of confidence as artists, facilitators, project managers and those that will help develop arts policy of the future.
You will normally be expected to have a first degree appropriate to apply for the MA (minimum 2:2 or above), or a professional qualification of equal standing, or significant practical or professional experience gained following your initial qualification that would support your application. You will also be invited to an interview as part of the application process to ensure that this is the right course for you, and to demonstrate your prior or ongoing practical experience in the field, whether this may be paid or voluntary.
If English is not your first language, you'll also need an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent.
Disclosure and Barring Service
A large component of the course involves work with clients and therefore a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application is required at the point of accepting a place at the University.
2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £9,450 for the full course* | £1,050 per 20 credits |
| International | £14,900 for the full course | N/A |
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £9,720 for the full course* | £1,080 per 20 credits |
| International | £16,900 for the full course | N/A |
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
About postgraduate awards
Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.
| Award | Credits |
|---|
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 Credits |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 Credits |
| MA or MSc | 180 Credits |
This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.
Funding your studies
Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.
Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies
Alumni discount for Derby graduates
We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.
Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount
How to apply
Please look at our before you apply.
Download programme specification
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
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