Masters applications for 2025 entry are now closed.
Applications for September 2026 will open on Wednesday 24 September. Applications are now open for programmes with a January 2026 start. View our programmes »
| UCAS code |
1234 |
| Duration |
Full time (24 months)
Part time (36 months) |
| Entry year |
September 2026 |
| Campus |
Streatham Campus
|
| Discipline |
Drama
|
| Contact |
|
| Typical offer View full entry requirements |
We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above in their first degree in Drama, Theatre Practice, Screen Writing, Performance Studies, English Literature or Creative Writing. |
Contextual offers
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|
Overview
Designed for aspiring theatre practitioners and cultural leaders, this distinctive two-year MFA offers advanced training in performance, cultural leadership, and socially engaged practice - equipping students to innovate and lead across diverse creative and community contexts.
- A distinct two-year programme from a top Russell Group university that extends the foundations of the MA Theatre Practice into a second year that enables you to prepare and design a meaningful career trajectory.
- In your second year, you will have opportunities to shadow, assist and observe change-making practice in professional arts, cultural, education, and community settings.
- Dedicated time, space and support to gain new and refreshed insight into your professional practice in a location of outstanding natural beauty, with access to world-leading research facilities and professional performance spaces.
- This programme will connect you to a rich community of international peers, artists, researchers and teaching staff who are leaders in their field.
- Work closely with regional arts organisations and sector-leading national organisations, such as the world-renowned Globe Theatre in London.
- Options to develop project-based learning with professional theatre makers and cultural leaders that connects to your area of interest.
- You will have the opportunity to extend your portfolio of practice into teaching environments and cultural contexts, with developmental exercises and mentorship.
- Exciting postgraduate exchange and collaboration, shared learning across leading practitioner talks, activities and workshops. You will have access to the Exeter Digital Archives, one of the largest collections of recorded training and performance sessions in the world. Teaching staff run professional companies and regularly collaborate with world-leading theatre organisations and culture centres.
4th in the UK for Drama, Dance and Cinematics
Industry placement options
Professional standard performance spaces and state-of-the-art production facilities for video, sound and scenic design
6th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
4th in the UK for Drama, Dance and Cinematics
Industry placement options
Professional standard performance spaces and state-of-the-art production facilities for video, sound and scenic design
6th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Entry requirements
We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above in their first degree in Drama, Theatre Practice, Screen Writing, Performance Studies, English Literature or Creative Writing. While we normally only consider applicants who meet this criterion, if you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application. Practical and/or professional experience may be taken as constituting the equivalent of a degree qualification.
Applicants are invited to submit a portfolio, including videos excerpts from previous performances or links to others types of material.
*Accepted social science subjects include:
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Area and Development Studies
- Criminology
- Demography
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Economic and Social History
- Education
- Environmental Planning
- Human Geography
- International Relations
- Law
- Linguistics
- Management and Business Studies
- Media and Communication Studies
- Philosophy
- Politics and International Studies
- Psychology
- Science and Technology Studies
- Social Policy
- Social Statistics, Methods, and Computing
- Social Work
- Socio Legal Studies
- Sociology
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
Read more
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B1. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
180 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
aChoose either CDFM001 Dissertation - Written or CDFM002 Dissertation - Practice. You cannot choose more than one module from this group.
| Code | Module |
Credits |
|---|
| CDFM001 |
Dissertation - Written [See Note a] | 60 |
| CDFM002 |
Dissertation - Practice [See Note a] | 60 |
| DRAM103 |
Cultural Adaptation | 30 |
| DRAM167 |
Contemporary Performance Practices: Training | 45 |
| DRAM168 |
Performance Practice Project | 45 |
180 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module |
Credits |
|---|
| DRAM152 |
Extending Your Practice: Teaching and Facilitation | 60 |
| DRAM153 |
Changing Cultural Leadership | 60 |
| DRAM154 |
Independent Project | 60 |
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£12,650 full-time; £6,325 part-time
International fees per year:
£25,550 full-time; £12,775 part-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships *. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship towards the cost of your tuition fees. Full details can be found here.
*Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details..
Why an MFA in Theatre Practice?
The MFA in Theatre Practice is a distinct two-year programme that equips and inspires the cultural practitioners, artists and creative leaders of the future, for the future.
In today’s fast-changing world, there is a growing need for thoughtful, technically skilled, and adaptable creatives who can contribute across a range of contexts. This MFA is designed to nurture intellectually bold and imaginative practitioners and facilitators, equipping you with a refined portfolio grounded in the arts sector, strong professional networks, and the ability to confidently position and advocate for yourself in the field.
The course is deliberately flexible and responsive to your individual interests, while also engaging with local, national, and global cultural dynamics. With dedicated time, space, and expert support, you’ll gain fresh perspectives on your practice and clarity on the next steps in your professional journey within the cultural and arts industries.
It offers you the opportunity to extend, strengthen and demystify the immense possibility of your professional practice, and where it can take you in changing, complex times.
We believe in developing technically skilled, versatile creatives prepared to deliver in a variety of contexts, working as intellectually brave and imaginative practitioners and facilitators.
We aim to empower our MFA graduates with rigor and care; the end of your degree should feel like the beginning of what’s next for your creative and working life. You will graduate with an enhanced portfolio rooted in the arts sector, strong professional networks and an understanding of how to situate and advocate for yourself in the field.
Performer training, Thornlea Studios
Performance, Roborough Studios, University of Exeter
Performance, Roborough Studios, University of Exeter
Performer training, Roborough Studios, University of Exeter
Rehearsals, Thornlea Studios
Technical Rehearsals, Roborough Studios
Performer training, Roborough Studios, University of Exeter
Performance, Roborough Studios, University of Exeter
Rebecca Loukes in Red Cape Theatre Performance 'Luminous'
PGT students working with Teacher and Theatremaker Peta Lily
Beyond Face Theatre Company, post show talk 'Alright Petal'
Erin Walcon, Huge Malyon, Collaboration with Professional Company (Undivided Attention)
Performer Training, Roborough Studios
2025 Theatre Practice cohort
Performance, Roborough Studios
Tech Rehearsals, Thornlea Studios
Lee Hart, Lead teaching Artist, Doorstep Arts, Devising Discovery
Autumn, Roborough Studios
Teaching and research
Course structure
Year 1
Year 1 will introduce you to significant international practices and the core aspects of the theatre-maker’s craft: physical and vocal training, ensemble-making and collaboration, creativity, dramaturgy, directing and devising, space, design and technology.
In Year 1 you will explore the variety, richness and range of such practices, with opportunities for you to focus on the elements of practice that most interest you. You will be able to specialise, deepen and hone your understanding of one or more key areas of practice. You will regularly take part in ‘Toolkit’ sessions with visiting specialists, masterclasses and training. You will develop full-length projects (solo or ensemble), with support by our expert staff and tech team.
If you choose, you can perform your pieces to festivals of theatre work hosted by the University of Exeter and beyond. You will have opportunity to self-reflect throughout and embed this into your process. This is valuable for students who come into the course with a substantive body of practice as it is for students with more limited experience. We value that each learning journey is unique.
Year 2
Year 2 extends your practice via three distinct modules that enhance your professional portfolio and networks, setting you up for post-degree working life. You will have opportunities to shadow, assist and observe change-making practice in arts, cultural, education, and socially engaged settings. With a culminating project of your design.
Teaching
Our teaching draws from the department's world-leading research and professional sector expertise. Our staff run professional companies and frequently collaborate with renowned theatre organisations and cultural centres. Throughout the year, esteemed visiting speakers and practitioners will help enrich your learning.
Research
Our research is wide ranging, international and interdisciplinary. We engage with the ethical, political and social challenges of our time, through the lens of practice, performance and facilitation. We have a well-established reputation for excellence in contemporary performance practice, cultural leadership and applied/community theatre.
Facilities
As one of the country's largest and best-equipped Drama departments, we offer excellent teaching and performance spaces. The Alexander Building houses studios, seminar rooms, sound studios, meeting rooms, computer suites, workshops, and a costume store.
Roborough Studios provides three fully equipped adaptable studio spaces, a seminar room, and technical facilities for performances, rehearsals, and practical sessions. Additionally, the White House offers three large rehearsal spaces.
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Dr Erin Walcon
Lecturer in Applied & Educational Theatre
Dr Konstantinos Thomaidis
Associate Professor in Drama, Theatre & Performance
Professor Rebecca Loukes
Associate Professor of Performance Practice
Emily Kreider
MFA Theatre Practice Programme Director
Dr Erin Walcon
Lecturer in Applied & Educational Theatre
Erin is Co-Director of Doorstep Arts, a non-profit arts education organisation based in Torbay, providing sustainable long-term participatory arts engagement opportunities for children and young people in an area of statistically low socio-economic status. For Doorstep Arts, Erin administers and produces 14 ongoing drama groups across youth clubs and schools. Erin is a regional producer for Battersea Arts Centre's Collaborative Touring Network and was former Artistic Director of Devon Youth Theatre. Erin serves as the Chair of the Torbay Arts in Schools Network (the regional Cultural Education Partnership) and also serves on the board of Theatre Alibi.
Erin researches participatory arts, social justice, community engagement and theatre in education, and is a regular contributor to blogs and other open-access, public-friendly platforms.
Profile page
Dr Konstantinos Thomaidis
Associate Professor in Drama, Theatre & Performance
Konstantinos performs internationally. Credits include: Hamlet in Ophelia, Interrupted (The Grotowski Institute, Poland / UK tour), Raskolnikov in What Happened to the Tyrant? (Camden People’s Theatre, UK), Perlimplin in Lorca’s Don Perlimplin and Belisa (Ora Theatre, Greece), Chi Chi Bunichi (National Theatre of Iasi, Romania, UK and Poland tour). Directing credits include: Semele by Handel (London and Berlin), A Voice Has. A Voices Does. A Voice Is. and Portable Soundscapes (New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth). Recently, he was Voice Consultant to Sophocles’ Trackers (Epidaurus) and Music Director for David Greig’s The Events (National Opera of Greece).
He has taught actor training, movement and voice at the Estonian Academy of Theatre and Music, the GEOKS Center in Bali, the Norwegian Theatre Academy and the Drama School of the National Theatre of Greece. He co-edits the Journal of Interdisciplinary Voice Studies and Routledge Voice Studies.
Profile page
Professor Rebecca Loukes
Associate Professor of Performance Practice
Rebecca is a professional director, leading industry- and public-facing work. She is joint Artistic Director of award-winning company RedCape Theatre. She co-created and performed in The Idiot Colony Project, which was performed 96 times across 30 UK venues (including the Institute for Contemporary Arts, London, Warwick Arts Centre, Birmingham Rep and Plymouth Theatre Royal). The piece won a Scotsman Fringe First and Total Theatre Award for Visual Theatre in 2008. Other projects include 1 Beach Road and Be Brave and Leave for the Unknown; both received funding by the Arts Council England, toured extensively and were favourably reviewed.
She is a regular collaborator of ArtsCross, a long-term initiative bringing together academics, artists and producers across cultural, national and artistic borders (partners include: Beijing Dance Academy, Taipei National University of the Arts, Shanghai Theatre Academy and Hong Kong Academy of the Performing Arts). She researches histories of performer training, with a particular focus on women’s legacies, and co-edits Routledge’s Perspectives in Performer Training.
Profile page
Emily Kreider
MFA Theatre Practice Programme Director
Emily is a US/UK-based award-winning teacher, creative practitioner, and leader in practice and experiential learning, who joined the University of Exeter's Drama department in 2014. She currently serves as the Director of the MFA Theatre Practice programme, where her teaching approach is characterised as responsive, experiential, inclusive, and student-led. Her research interests include practice-as-research, applied theatre, and the development of innovative pedagogical methods within drama education.
Profile page
Careers
Our MFA programme opens doors to diverse career opportunities. Across the two years you will be equipped with advanced critical and creative skills, cross-sector knowledge, rigorous training and professional experience.
Key areas of work and career may include:
- Substantive creatives and artists in a range of contexts: actors, directors, performer trainers, choreographers, designers, production managers
- Cultural and community leaders, artistic directors, facilitators, entrepreneurs, creative sector directors and innovators
- Teachers, researchers, facilitators, coaches and space holders in international college and higher education contexts
- Facilitators and leaders in community and socially engaged contexts
Graduate destinations
Upon graduation, you'll be well-prepared for roles as advanced educators, cultural leaders, academics, or you could use your professional transferable skills in other leadership positions. The programme also nurtures research expertise, enabling graduates to pursue future roles as global researchers with profound knowledge in practice-research and creative analysis, positioning them for high-level roles.
Alumni from our department have achieved remarkable careers, from running theatre companies to becoming academics in international universities, arts curators, and cultural leaders.
