This programme, delivered by and taught at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon, offers an unrivalled opportunity for the study of Shakespeare.
It develops a critical but appreciative understanding of Shakespeare’s contribution to literary and theatrical history, and the place his works occupy in today’s cultural landscape. The programme has gained a strong reputation both in Britain and abroad. It has proved invaluable for students heading towards a variety of careers, and it provides a solid foundation for research at a higher level.
The dynamism of Shakespeare studies owes much to the sheer diversity of critical, theatrical, and historical approaches.
It offers sustained study in a variety of fields, drawing on the special interests of a dedicated team of Shakespeare scholars.
You will study five core modules:
Plays and Poems of Shakespeare A
Plays and Poems of Shakespeare B
Textual Studies in Shakespeare
Research Skills in Shakespeare
History of Shakespeare in Performance OR Shakespeare’s Legacy
You will also choose one optional module from a range of Shakespeare Institute modules.
Each module is assessed by one 4,000-word essay with the exception of the optional module in Shakespeare and Theatre Practice which is assessed by either two performance assignments and a 2,000-word research paper, or by one 4,000-word research paper. You will also submit a 15,000-word dissertation at the end of the programme. The dissertation will focus on a relevant topic of your choice, agreed with the programme convenor earlier in the year.
You will also attend Thursday Seminars held once a week during term-time at the Shakespeare Institute which feature papers presented by a range of established visiting scholars as well as fellows of the Shakespeare Institute and other
University of Birmingham academic staff.
About the School of English, Drama and American & Canadian Studies
"Welcome to the School of English, Drama and American & Canadian Studies, in the College of Arts and Law. This is one of the largest Schools in the College, and variety is our watchword. We offer one of the most extensive ranges of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the country. Our research expertise is equally diverse, and we welcome students and researchers from all over the world." - Professor Andrzej Gasiorek, Head of School.
We particularly encourage creative thinking, with a range of pioneering programmes including Masters opportunities in Creative Writing, Film and Television and Shakespeare and Creativity. Our creative offerings are also strengthened by the development of our Department of Film and Creative Writing – established in 2015 – which has opened up exciting new opportunities for postgraduates to benefit from synergies between the two fields.
Our well-established Departments also provide an excellent environment for postgraduate study. The Department of Drama and Theatre Arts has a highly respected national and international reputation for excellence in teaching and research. We are also one of the leading centres for the postgraduate study of English in the UK, spanning language and literature. The Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics is a world-leading centre of excellence for both teaching and research in this field.
We are also proud to be home to the world-renowned Shakespeare Institute, based in Stratford-upon-Avon. Situated within walking distance of Shakespeare’s birthplace, school and grave, and the theatres of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), the Shakespeare Institute offers postgraduate students and scholars an academic experience unrivalled by any other university.
Funding and Scholarships
There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the
University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit:
http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding Open Days
Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at:
http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit Virtual Open Days
If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit:
http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk
