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About the course
The Shakespeare and Theatre MA at the University of Birmingham's Shakespeare Institute offers students a unique opportunity to study the great playwright's works in performance. The flexible programme takes a historical approach to interpretation and styles of presentation, promoting the value of close reading as the basis for evaluating plays on page, stage, and screen. Students have access to world-class resources including the Royal Shakespeare Company archives and can take part in specially programmed workshops with input from RSC artists and practitioners. The course is delivered via distance learning or on site in Stratford-upon-Avon, making it perfect for those who want to fit their studies around other commitments.
Entry Requirements
Our usual entry requirement for this programme is a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in English or a related subject.
However, if you do not meet the academic entry requirements, we would still encourage you to apply and we will consider you for our Affiliate entry route. This enables you to register for the programme’s core modules initially, and upon successful completion you are able to register for the full programme.
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Student Profile(s)
Alex Whiteley
Alex is based at the University's Shakespeare Institute, in Stratford-Upon-Avon. She also undertook her undergraduate degree at the University of Birmingham.
Alex is a postgraduate mentor, you can contact her online with questions or read further about her experience at the University of Birmingham on her mentor page: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk/mentor/alex-whiteley/
Ella May McGrail

Why did you choose Shakespeare at the University of Birmingham?
“Studying Shakespeare in the centre of Stratford-Upon-Avon has been incredible. Being just a short walk away from the RSC theatres and Shakespeare’s Birthplace has really enhanced my studying. I chose the course because of the amazing links UoB has with The RSC. Knowing that on this course I would have the opportunity to be involved with two projects at The RSC theatres made it a very easy decision and I did not apply for anywhere else.”
What is life like as a student at the Shakespeare Institute?
“Student life at the Shakespeare Institute is wonderful. The staff are all extremely talented, knowledgeable and at the same time, friendly and supportive. Being in the centre of Stratford-Upon-Avon really enhances student life as there are often discounted tickets available to students for the RSC, and there are amazing events and lectures being held at the Institute and at the Birthplace Trust, just up the road. One of the most fantastic events I have been to, was when the outstanding actress Harriet Walter came to visit the Birthplace Trust to talk about her book Brutus and Other Heroines. Her lecture was magnificent, and afterwards she answered all of our questions and signed copies of her book. It was an evening I shall never forget.”