Dramaturgy and Writing for Performance

Goldsmiths, University of London
Postgraduate MA Full-time 1 Year Drama

About this course

A unique programme for dramaturges and playwrights, this programme concentrates on the process of writing for live performance, together with an ongoing evaluation of the work in process.

Why study MA Dramaturgy & Writing for Performance at Goldsmiths

  • This Masters will help you establish a distinctive, individual approach as a writer and dramaturg. You will work on projects including site-specific work, writing for a specific audience, verbatim theatre and interdisciplinary collaboration.

  • You will develop texts for performance, and refine your intellectual understanding of the diverse forms and contexts in which live performance can be made.

  • You will be taught by experienced permanent staff, as well as visiting tutors, including Goldsmiths alumni David Lane, Juliet Gilkes Romero, Penny Black, Hanna Slattne, Somebody Jones and Morgan Lloyd Malcolm.

  • You will have the opportunity to work on an interdisciplinary project with students from MA Performance Making and composers from the Department of Music. Your final project texts, performed and directed by industry professionals at the Soho Theatre in London, and attended by key industry representatives.

  • Graduates from this programme are highly successful in obtaining commissions, dramaturgy posts and artistic directorships. All students receive Professional Orientation and career development support. Recent successes include:

    Kendal Feaver (commissions for The Almeida Theatre and The National Theatre 2024) David Luff (Artistic Director Soho Theatre 2024) Juliet Gilkes Romero (Writer in Residence National Theatre 2023-2024) Somebody Jones (Tony Craze Award Winner 2023)

  • You will be based in one of the world’s biggest artistic and performance hubs: London. The capital is world-leading in new writing and contemporary performance, and offers many platforms for emerging artists, as well as professional and creative networking.

  • The programme has strong links to a number of London-based practitioners, international networks, and venues in the field of new performance writing. Many of these contribute directly to the teaching of the programme.
  • Study Options

    This course is available in 2 study options:

    Full-time Shown above

    Duration: 1 Year

    Qualification: MA

    Location: London

    Part-time

    Duration: 2 Years

    Qualification: MA

    Location: London

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    2317 Teachers of English as a foreign language
    2319 Teaching professionals
    3416 Arts officers, producers and directors
    3414 Dancers and choreographers
    3413 Actors, entertainers and presenters
    2324 Early education and childcare services managers

    Course Details

    Qualification
    MA
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    1 Year
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    London
    Scheme
    Postgraduate
    Subjects
    Drama