Contemporary Performance, MA
Explore new performance media and develop your portfolio of practical work with our new Master’s in Contemporary Performance.
This MA Contemporary Performance degree focuses on emerging practices in the fields of performance, live art, interactive theatre, contemporary dance and game design, from the immersive to the digital and participatory. The course prepares graduates to work as independent artists, curators, producers, across artistic disciplines and cultural contexts.
Delivered in collaboration with the internationally acclaimed performance company ZU-UK, the course enables you to assemble a substantial body of practical work. You will develop learning tools for cross-disciplinary collaboration, organising, managing, promoting and documenting your practice to tour and exhibit at venues, festivals, galleries and specific sites as well as other cultural platforms.
The course is based on our Greenwich Campus, but you will use additional performance facilities, including GAS station in West Ham and the Bathway Theatre in Woolwich.
This course is now closed for international applicants for September 2021, but we welcome applications to begin in January 2022. Applications are still open for UK applicants for September 2021.
Department
Campus
Duration
- 1 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
Start month
September; January
Home/international fees
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
Welcome to our Master's in Contemporary Performance, which is taught from within the School of Humanities & Social Sciences in collaboration with award-winning ZU-UK. The teaching team includes both academics and practitioners with experience in contemporary performance, live art, theatre, interactive, digital and participatory art. Every member of the course leadership holds a teaching qualification and a significant research profile. Key industry experts are invited to work with students at every stage.
Come and meet us
Given the current situation with Covid-19, we are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
If you are
You should have a UK undergraduate degree at 2.1 or above (or an equivalent qualification - both level and grade - from a recognised non-UK university) in a relevant humanities or social sciences subject. Other areas and professional experience may also be considered.
As part of the application process, you will be required to submit a one-page proposal on your intended Performance Project along with your application. If your application and proposal is considered of interest, you'll be invited to an interview to assess your suitability for this course.
For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.
For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.
Alternatively, please contact us:
- By telephone: +44 (0)20 8331 8136.
- By email: international@gre.ac.uk.
Further information about entry
- Promising applicants will be invited to an interview.
- We welcome applications from mature students.
- International students will be interviewed by phone or Skype.
Please note that as part of the application process, applicants will be required to submit a one-page proposal on their intended Performance Project along with their application. Applicants whose application and proposal is considered of interest will then be invited to interview in order to further asses their suitability for this course.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use prior learning?
For entry: applicants with professional qualifications and/or four years of full-time work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
For exemption: If you hold qualifications or courses from another higher education institution, these may exempt you from courses of this degree.
How you will learn
Covid safe teaching and learning
We are looking forward to welcoming students to our campuses for 2021/22 and we are committed to delivering as much of our teaching, learning and student activity as possible face-to-face and on campus for the 2021/22 academic year. Please note that UK Coronavirus policy continues to adapt to ongoing changes. Our plans may need to change and we may need to move activity online at short notice in response to any changes in Government guidance and Covid safety requirements.
Teaching
Information coming soon.
Class sizes
Class sizes vary to suit the type of activity. Workshops will normally hold around 25 people, whereas lectures may be larger.
You will be put in to smaller groups for particular assessment tasks, projects and performances.
Where you will learn
Most of your lessons will be taught at the Bathway Theatre site in Woolwich.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you will need to dedicate time to self-study to prepare for coursework, presentations and exams. Our library and online resources with support your further reading and research.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of scheduled learning activities which include online lectures, online and on campus discussions, workshops and practical sessions.
For full-time students, the workload should be roughly equivalent to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of modules you are studying.
Assessment
Information coming soon.
Feedback summary
We aim to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
2020/2021 fees
| Full-time (per year) | Part-time (per 30 credits) | |
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* January 2021 starters pay the 2020/2021 fees.
2021/2022 fees
| Full-time (per year) | Part-time (per 30 credits) | |
|---|---|---|
| View fees |
Fees information International fees
Fees are assessed based on your country of domicile, with students domiciled in the EU charged international fees. If you are unsure, find out more about how your fee status is assessed.
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. We have dedicated accommodation for postgraduate students (Devonport House) available from just £160 per person per week, with bills included. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost. Students based at the Medway Campus can also reside in student halls in Chatham or rent privately in the local area.
There is a range of financial support available to support your studies. This includes postgraduate loans, international scholarships, and options for current students and alumni to continue studying at the university. EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Other costs
Resources: You will need comfortable clothing for practical modules (including steel toe capped boots for technical theatre students). You will also need to buy a limited number of texts for your studies. Many other texts and resources are available from our Stockwell Street Library.
Trips: Drama students typically attend 3-4 theatre trips per year (typically in/around London). We subsidise these so you only pay half the ticket cost.
Transport: You face any costs for travelling to/from our theatre facility in Woolwich, where several of our drama modules may be taught.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Contemporary performance graduates will work as an independent artists, curators, producers, facilitators, directors, performers, dramaturges, designers, workshop leaders and may work in a wide variety of creative roles across the cultural and education sector. Graduates will also be equipped with research skills to pursue doctoral-level study.
Are internships available?
Credit-bearing work placements are unpaid. However, sandwich placements are normally paid full-time positions. The salary should reflect the going rate for an entry level role in the relevant industry.
Do you provide employability services?
On our course you will learn to work as an independent artist and producer developing, a wide range of skill sets, many of which transfer to workplaces in the cultural sector and beyond. Our services are designed to help you achieve your potential and support your transition towards a rewarding graduate sector.
The Employability and Careers Services provides support when you are preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles, it includes CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops.
More about Careers.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre. As a School of Humanities & Social Sciences student, you will be eligible for writing tutorials with our Royal Literary Fellows.
Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics. If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we provide training for this.
Accommodation information
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate taught prospectus or check our related courses below.
Drama at the University of Greenwich
Drama at Greenwich offers innovative and practice-led courses. Students learn and work out of the Bathway Theatre, a specialist drama facility with six studios and a flexible theatre space, or at Bird College.
Visit our drama subject page.
Creative Futures
Engaging students, staff and the local community, in conversation about the arts and about careers in the creative arts sector.
Mode of study
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Need more help?
020 8331 9000• Live chat• courseinfo@gre.ac.uk• More information