The course

Drama, Theatre and Dance MA by Research (MA by Research)

The MA by Research (Drama, Theatre and Dance) is a flexible programme that allows you to undertake in-depth study (both full and part-time), under the supervision of international experts, on a broad range of subjects, including cultural studies, drama, theatre studies, dance studies, performance studies or comparative topics.

The core of the MA by Research is a 25,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choosing, intended to give you the scope to explore your area of interest in real depth and to develop sophisticated critical and analytical research and writing skills.

You will also complete a research-focused, taught course, ‘Ways of Working’ which will equip you with a range of methodological and skills-based approaches to the study of the arts, enabling you to articulate, refine and persistently test your approach to your chosen topic within this broader critical framework, and to enhance your profile and employability as a researcher.

From time to time, we make changes to our courses to improve the student and learning experience. If we make a significant change to your chosen course, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Teaching & assessment

You will take one taught component and complete a dissertation.

Ways of Working

This is a programme of research training open to all postgraduate researchers in the School of Performing and Digital Arts. It provides you with knowledge of a range of methodological and skills-based approaches to the study of the arts. It refines your theoretical understanding and provides you with the methodological tools to proceed to PhD research if you so wish.

Dissertation

A 25,000 word dissertation on a subject of your choice. You will receive one-to-one support from your supervisor. The dissertation is examined by a Visiting Examiner and includes a Viva Voce examination.

Entry requirements

2:1

Normally we require a UK 2:1 (Honours) or equivalent in relevant subjects but we will consider high 2:2 or relevant work experience.

Candidates with professional qualifications in an associated area may be considered. Where a ‘good 2:2’ is considered, we would normally define this as reflecting a profile of 57% or above.

If you are interested in applying, please visit our how to apply page where you can find more information on the application process.

Before applying we recommend securing a supervisor in order to apply for your chosen research project.

Please submit the following supporting information when making your application:

a short research proposal
a sample of written work in English, which should take the form of a short academic essay or review of a theatre production (2,000 words in total)
a copy of the degree certificate/transcript from your undergraduate degree (this can be a transcript of your progress so far if you have not yet completed it)
a copy of your English language qualification (if English is not your first language) - if you have not completed an IELTS or recognised test yet, you can submit your application without it and then forward your results once they are available
a personal statement explaining your motivation for studying your chosen programme
one academic reference

Please note that we will not be able to consider applications until we have received the writing samples.

We may invite suitable applicants for an interview, either in person or online.

International & EU requirements

English language requirements

All Postgraduate Research degrees (i.e. PhD and Masters by Research) require:

IELTS: 6.5 overall. Writing 7.0. No other subscore lower than 5.5.
Pearson Test of English: 61 overall. Writing 69. No other subscore lower than 51.
Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
TOEFL iBT: 88 overall, with Reading 18 Listening 17 Speaking 20 Writing 26.
Duolingo: 120 overall, 135 in Literacy, 135 in Production and no sub-score below 100.

Your future career

Our graduates are highly employable and recent years they have entered many different fields, including international management, consultancy, sales and marketing, media and publishing, banking, the arts, politics, the Civil Service, teaching, and travel and tourism.

This course also equips you with a solid foundation for continued PhD studies.

Fees, funding & scholarships

Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £4,786

EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £21,500

Other essential costs***: There are no single associated costs greater than £50 per item on this course

How do I pay for it? Find out more about funding options, including loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries.

* and ** These tuition fees apply to students enrolled on a full-time basis in the academic year 2025/26. Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year.

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually. Be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree (if longer than one year’s duration), and that this also means that the overall cost of studying the course part-time will be slightly higher than studying it full-time in one year. The annual increase for continuing students who start their degree in 2025/26 will be 5%.  For further information, see the  fees and funding , and terms and conditions.

** This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2025/26. Find out more

*** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2025/26 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.

We adopt the minimum fee level recommended by the UK Research Councils for the Home tuition fee. Each year, the fee level is adjusted in line with inflation (currently, the measure used is the Treasury GDP deflator). Fees displayed here are therefore subject to change and are usually confirmed in the spring of the year of entry. For more information on the Research Council Indicative Fee please see the UKRI website.