Master of Applied Theatre Studies

The Master of Applied Theatre Studies provides students with a unique opportunity to study applied theatre and performance at a postgraduate level entirely via distance education. This is currently the only course of its nature in Australia.

Students will be able to extend their knowledge and skills in the areas of theatre production, dramaturgical research, and academic writing. The course is aimed at students who have prior experience of theatre practice as a performer, director, designer, playwright or teacher. This is a creative practice as research course integrating theoretical and practical study. Students take part in a performance or other theatre event as playwright, director, actor or designer, and produce a short dissertation which builds on the knowledge and understanding gained during the practical work on the production. There is room within the course of study for listed units which will allow students to further develop their academic skills in writing, contemporary theoretical approaches, research methodology and/or the study of theatre history.

Candidates enrolling in the course are required to arrange to participate creatively in a practical theatre project with an appropriate organisation, such as a professional, amateur or community theatre company, or a school or university. It is the responsibility of the candidate to arrange facilities and resources for the practical component of the course as the University of New England cannot provide these online.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of theatre theory and production; research and apply established theories to a body of knowledge or practice;
2. demonstrate expert cognitive, technical and creative skills in theatre and performance to interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
3. research, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice;
4. plan and execute a substantial research based performance project, capstone experience and/or piece of scholarship;
5. apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability and ethical conduct as a practitioner and learner; and
6. show initiative in exploring career and further learning pathways and opportunities with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability; consistently take responsibility for seeking improved learning and maintaining accurate evidence of learning achievements from within formal course experiences; and demonstrate the ability to plan a course of action for further learning and continuing professional practice.