Theatre Studies, M.A.

University of Amsterdam, Graduate School for Humanities

Disciplines:

Film and Theatre Studies

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Quick facts

Country:	Netherlands	Duration:	12 Months
City:	Amsterdam	Start Date:	September
Educational Form:	Taught	Languages:	English
Education Variants:	Full Time
Application Deadline:	April 1; Early Bird: January 1
Annual Tuition Fee:	€ 1672 € 10500 (non-EEA)

Programme Description

Aspects of theatre and performance are omnipresent in today's global community. It is therefore important to study theatre in the broadest sense of the word, not only as part of the national (Dutch) culture but also as a cultural phenomenon currently undergoing a process of globalisation.

Studying Theatre Studies at the University of Amsterdam

The Master's programme in Theatre Studies at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) provides a wide range of opportunities for acquiring insight into processes of theatrical creation and perception as well as aspects of theatricality both within and across cultures. The courses are organised around four themes: theatre and history, theatre and society, performance and theatre analysis, theories of theatre, performance and performativity.

While a limited number of courses are offered only in Dutch, international students completing the Master's in English are always assured of a broad range of courses to choose from.

Career prospects

Graduates in Theatre Studies pursue a career in theatre, criticism or government institutions and cultural organisations, international festival organizations among other fields. Research has shown that most graduates find a job within their field of study in less than a year. Many students already become closely associated with the theatre during their degree programme. In this way they acquire experience and connections that may subsequently help them find a job.

Contents
Requirements
Accreditation
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The Master's programme in Theatre Studies yields 60 ECTS credits: 40 credits for electives and 20 credits for a Master's thesis.

The specific number of coursework a student is required to obtain through coursework is determined by the admissions committee and is based on the student's previous qualifications. Fulfilment of all the requirements will take at least one year.

Courses and performance

Each student chooses four elective courses, enabling them to focus on either:

Theatre and History
Theatre and Society
Performance and Theatre Analysis
Theories of Theatre, Performance and Performativity

Students can also prepare a performance together with students of the Professional Master in Dramaturgy. In this practical course, students cooperate with fellow students on staging a play. This project enables students to acquire first-hand experience regarding what happens when a text becomes a performance (including the potential problems associated with this process).

Thesis

The Master's thesis reports on research carried out by the student under the supervision of two academic staff members involved in the programme. The subject of the thesis must be mutually agreed upon by the student and the academic adviser(s).

You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.

Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.

More information

Requirements

Specific entry requirements

Applicants for the Master's programme should have at least a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in theatre studies or a relevant field. The level of the Bachelor's degree must be comparable to that of a Dutch Bachelor's degree.

Admission is not necessarily limited to students with a degree in Theatre Studies, however, and students from other degree programmes are also encouraged to apply. The admissions committee assesses each applicant's academic qualifications on a case-by-case basis.

General entry requirements

Applicants must fulfil the general entry requirements of the Graduate School for Humanities regarding academic background, grade average and English language proficiency.

English language proficiency

All non-native English speakers applying to the Faculty of Humanities are required to demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English to enrol in university-level courses. Students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and undertake written work in English.

Applicants must submit one of the following tests. Please note that no other tests are accepted, this includes TOEFL test scores. For contact information regarding these tests please visit their websites.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

The IELTS exam is offered by the British Council at least once a month upon request. Students are required to have an average score of at least 6.5, with no component of the test scored lower than 6.0. Students should contact the nearest British Council centre in their home country to register for this test as soon as possible. Original test scores should be sent either by IELTS directly or by the student to the admissions Office of the Graduate School for Humanities.

Cambridge International Examination

Students can also take the Certificate in Advanced English exam (CAE) or the Certificate of Proficiency in English exam (CPE). The minimum scores are: 'A' for the Certificate in Advanced English or 'B' for the Certificate of Proficiency in English. Original scores should be sent either by Cambridge Examinations or by the student to the Admissions Office of the Graduate School for Humanities. Chinese applicants are recommended to do the IELTS (academic) language test in order to apply for the NESO Certificate.

Accreditation

Theatre Studies is a track of the master's programme in Theaterwetenschappen (Theatre Studies in Dutch). The quality of this master's programme has been positively assessed (accredited) by the Accreditation Organisation of The Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This means that upon successful completion of the programme students will receive a legally recognised master's degree and the title Master of Arts (MA).