UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Annex C: Programme Specifications Template
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to
achieve and demonstrate if he/she passes the programme. More detailed information on the
learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module
can be found by following the links provided and in the programme handbook. The accuracy of
the information contained in this specification is reviewed by the University and may be
checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
MA European Theatre
1. Awarding Institution/Body
University of Kent
2. Teaching Institution
University of Kent
3. Teaching Site
Canterbury
4. Programme accredited by
5. Final Award
MA
6. Programme
European Theatre
7. UCAS Code (or other code)
8. Relevant QAA subject benchmarking
Drama, Dance and Performance
group(s)
9. Date of production/revision
July 2008/Revised February 2011
10. Applicable cohort(s)
2011 onwards
11. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme aims to:
1. provide an internationally focussed taught Masters programme that offers a
sustained and intensive engagement with the forms, practices, traditions and
histories of theatre in Europe, as well as current theoretical debates in the field
2. attract intellectually able and talented students from the UK and overseas to
develop their analytical, critical, conceptual and methodological skills, and to
prepare them for further postgraduate research beyond Masters level through their
integration into the “European Theatre Research Network” (ETRN), hosted by the
University of Kent, the UK’s European University.
3. enhance the students’ conceptual understanding, creative skills and practical
competences with a specific emphasis on the sensitivity for differing cultural
contexts and practices, thereby equipping students with relevant intercultural
competence and confidence to engage with modes and patterns different from the
established patterns and preparing their prospects for future international
employment in the theatre sector and beyond.
1
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
12. Programme Outcomes
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge
and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas. The programme
outcomes have references to the subject benchmarking statement for
(SB).
Knowledge and Understanding
Teaching/learning and assessment
methods and strategies used to enable
outcomes to be achieved and
demonstrated
A. Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. the history, forms, practices, traditions
and current configurations of theatre
performance in Europe
2.
3.
4.
5.
A combination of tutor-led and student-led
seminar/workshop sessions, small group
discussions and presentations, and
specialist lectures and seminars, including
advanced critical, artistic and
the input of visiting scholars and
conceptual paradigms in order to
professionals.
comprehend, interpret and intelligently
Students will also have the opportunity to
engage with the work of significant
attend research lectures, seminars, and
practitioners and theorists in the field
workshops in Drama & Theatre Studies, as
of European theatre
well as those offered by other subjects
variant aesthetic, aesthetic, political,
within the School of Arts and wider Faculty
social, and intellectual contexts of
of Humanities.
European culture
An optional module from an approved list
the wider interdependence of creative of modules from across the entire Faculty,
practice, critical theory, production
taken in Spring term, in particular
processes and cultural policies
enhances, develops, and tests the
students’ interdisciplinary knowledge and
the inherent interdisciplinary and transunderstanding.
national location and context of theatre
Assessment will be through a variety of
art and performance practice
largely written coursework, which may take
the form of essays, performance reviews
and analysis, research portfolios, reports,
and similar forms, and culminating in a
final dissertation project.
Skills and Other Attributes
B. Intellectual Skills:
1. to critically reflect, drawing on a range
of sophisticated perspectives, way
about practices, theories, contexts and
ideas that shape theatre in Europe
2. an awareness of intercultural and
cross-European differences
3. ability to engage creatively and
imaginatively with textual, visual, and
performed sources and artworks
4. appreciate and critically evaluate their
Initially, students across all Masters
programmes will develop their
fundamental intellectual skills required at
postgraduate level in a joint module,
delivered by lecture and stimulating
individual proposals for practical work or
research projects. Additionally, students
will be invited to develop their advanced
intellectual skills at postgraduate level by
shared programmes directed by the
Graduate School and other sectors of the
2
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
own work and the work of others,
demonstrating to listening, dialogue,
and discussion
5. to understand the interplay between
theory and practice, and their mutual
enrichment
6. to devise, undertake and contextualize
original research in a self-directed way
7. the opportunity to acquire or expand
skills in foreign languages
University.
As appropriate for M-level work, a large
emphasis will then be placed on
advancing in the ability to undertake selfdirected learning, acquisition, and testing
of intellectual skills, supported – especially
in the initial stages of the Masters year –
through group project work and
discussion. These skills will be tested
through engagement in classes and
workshops, in group work as well as their
achievement in a variety of written
assignments, including critical analyses
and reflections.
C. Subject-specific Skills:
1. to describe, analyse and critically
interpret theatre texts, production
techniques and performance events
from a wider European context,
including works in languages other
than English
2. to trace, assess, and synthesize
information and data from a range of
appropriate sources in the field, both
primary and secondary, printed,
electronic, and other
3. to undertake research at an advanced
level
4. bibliographical and documentation
techniques, performance and textual
analysis, as well as other research
methodologies
5. use archives, texts, electronic
technology and other knowledge
resources in theatre studies and the
wider disciplines of the humanities
6. to support creative work with rigorous
research, appropriate documentation,
and efficient conceptual consideration
7. to engage confidently and competently
in advanced academic research at the
forefront of the discipline
Students will acquire and test their
subject-specific skills both in tutor-led as
well as peer-led classroom discussions
and workshop-based explorations.
Students will receive input and feedback
from a variety of departmental staff and
invited external scholars through guest
lectures and research seminars. An
inherent component of the course is the
continuous engagement with current
theatre practice, reflected in joint (and
compulsory) theatre visits to London as
well as locally.
In-depth subject-specific skills will also be
acquired through the visit of special
collections and the use of the wider
infrastructure for research at the
University, and the visit to conference,
festivals, or other relevant events as part
of the course.
These skills will be assessed through a
variety of both written and other methods,
including research essays, contextual
studies, portfolios (including appropriately
documented sources), group
presentations, documentation and critical
reflection of theatre works, to culminate in
the final dissertation project.
8. to undertake comparative study of
practices and concepts from a diverse
range of socio-cultural frameworks
3
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
within the European context
D. Transferable Skills:
1. ability to negotiate and successfully
bridge cross-cultural barriers
2. confidence in interacting, negotiating
and collaborating with others, even
across international borders and
language barriers
3. ability to source, organize, articulate
and disseminate advanced ideas
appropriately and effectively, in a way
that advances knowledge and adds
value
4. ability to work and learn independently
and autonomously, as well as
continuous self-reflection, in order to
be able to expand one’s skills- and
knowledge base
5. proficiency in presenting complex
thoughts, arguments, and data in
coherent and lucid ways, both verbally
and in writing, pitched appropriately to
a range of audiences
6. initiative in identify, create, address
and successfully execute complex
tasks and problems to a professional
level
Independent learning and self-directed
study and research are the pivotal
prerequisites to develop the transferrable
skills developed at Masters-level, and
these will be supported through learning
by contact teaching and group work.
Students will also be able to engage with
the additional training and other
opportunities to acquire generic skills
offered by the University. This includes the
opportunity to expand or develop new
language skills in foreign languages,
through the University’s Centre for English
and World Languages (CEWL).
Feedback will be given from tutors, both in
class and in individual tutorials, as well as
from peers, and students are encouraged
to continue their personal and professional
development of these skills-sets through
extra-curricular activities as well as
placements and research in the sector
which can contribute to assessed
coursework. Mark components for aspects
such as project and resource
management, presentation and
communication, and the contribution to the
programme specifically assesses these
wider transferable skills.
For more information on which modules provide which skills, see the module mapping
attached.
13. Programme Structures and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards
Code
Title
Level
Credits
Term(s)
Required Modules
DR890
European Theatre:
Landscapes and Dramaturgies
M
45
Autumn
DR893
Theatre Research: Theories,
Methodologies and Practices
M
15
Autumn
DR996
MA Dissertation
M
60
M
30
Recommended Modules
DR894
Thinking Theatre: Theories
and Aesthetics of Performance
Spring
4
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
DR899
Theatre Practices:
Professional Research and
Study
M
30
Spring
Optional Modules
In Spring Term, students may chose 30 credits from a list of optional modules drawn from
interdisciplinary modules and approved modules from other MA programmes within the School
of Arts as well as the Faculty of Humanities.
Students may apply to replace, on approval by the programme convenor, up to 60 credits (30
ECTS) of the prescribed module programme through contributing credits from an approved
cognate partner programme, such as the taught MA programmes at the Universities of Ghent
and Utrecht, for which Erasmus-exchange agreements at M-Level are in place.
14. Work-Based Learning
Disability Statement: Where disabled students are due to undertake a work placement as part
of this programme of study, a representative of the University will meet with the work placement
provider in advance to ensure the provision of anticipatory and reasonable adjustments in line
with legal requirements.
Students on this programme may draw on opportunities provided by Erasmus exchange
funding or other sources in order to spend a period of work placement/practical research with a
theatre company, venue, or festival, usually during the vacation period and the Summer Term.
The placement provider would agree to due care and would be asked to complete a
questionnaire exploring and recording their assessment of the student’s attendance, progress
and achievement. The student’s assessment would be based on the processes outlined in the
national practical research module DR899 “Theatre Practices”, or – where the placement would
constitute practical research for their dissertation project or other components of their
coursework – through the relevant assessment submissions. Where such placement periods
are intended to contribute to assessed coursework, prior approval by the Course Convenor is
required.
15. Support for Students and their Learning
Consultation and tutorial support through:





MA Programme Convenor
Director for Graduate Studies, Drama & Theatre Studies
Director for Graduate Studies, School of Arts
Graduate School
All staff are available for tutorials and office hour appointments, and are contactable by
email.
 Students are encouraged to seek advice from other member of staff to discuss any matters
of academic or non-academic concern.
Personal Academic Support System (PASS):





School of Arts Student Support Officer
University Medical Centre for health-related issues
Counselling Service
Disability Support Unit
The Students’ Union particularly offers advice on welfare
Learning:
5
UNIVERSITY OF KENT







Induction in postgraduate studies at Subject, School, Faculty and University Levels
Extensive library provision including the specialist collections in Drama & Theatre Studies
Postgraduate Student representation on subject, school and Faculty level
Student Learning Advisory Support Service offers both online and classroom courses on
many learning activities: revision, essay writing, making presentations, effective learning in
lecturers and seminars, time management.
The Library runs induction courses in how to use its facilities.
Opportunity to take classes at the University’s Centre for English and World Languages
Access to University’s Career Services on employment and career advice
16. Entry Profile
Entry Route
For fuller information, please refer to the University prospectus


Graduates with a first degree, with a classification of II.i or higher, typically in the
subject of Drama, Theatre or Performance Studies, or in related disciplines, such as
Dance, Music, Literature, Film, History, Culture or Media Studies. Applicants should
submit a statement of intent, and a sample of written work relevant to the
programme of study, ideally with relevance to European theatre.
International students from a country where English is not the native language will
need to demonstrate proficiency in English to enter directly onto this programme
through a minimal score of IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 620 (260 computer based test) or
equivalent.
What does this programme have to offer?





a unique opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of European theatre
beyond the horizon of British art-practice and English-language contexts, and an
engagement with historical, conceptual and contemporary contexts of European
theatre, located in an ideal situation both close to London and the European
continent. The course regularly schedules visit not only to London and regional
theatres, but also excursions to the University’s Paris campus, and our partner
universities on the Continent.
the opportunity to engage with and participate in the activities of the “European
Theatre Research Network” (ETRN), hosted at the University of Kent, the UK’s
European University, and to draw on the networks contacts to academic and
professional partners across Europe
an opportunity to spend a term/semester at a European partner university on an
approved cognate programme, such as the MA Theatre & Performance Studies at
the Universities of Ghent and Utrecht, with whom Erasmus-exchange contracts at
M-Level are in place
the opportunity to acquire or enhance foreign language skills through the
University’s Centre for English and World Languages (CEWL)
dynamic interdisciplinary links and opportunities within both the School of Arts and
the Faculty of Humanities, their interdisciplinary research centres Aesthetics,Film in
the Humanities and Cognition, Kinaesthetics, Performance (CKP) and others.
Personal Profile
6
UNIVERSITY OF KENT




a desire to engage in an understanding beyond the horizons of English-language
culture, combined with an interest in and curiosity in innovative theatre and
performance practices and traditions across various European countries
intellectual curiosity and the desire to debate, critically reflect, and to challenge
prevalent ideas, as well as being challenged by foreign practices, contexts and
approaches
very good critical and research skills and the ability to undertake self-directed,
independent study
preferably skills in another European language
17. Methods for Evaluating and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and
Learning
Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum
and outcome standards






Student module evaluation
Annual Programme Monitoring
External Examiner’s reports
Subject Curriculum review
Periodic programme review
staff development, peer observation, and teaching mentoring
Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards




Board of Studies, Drama & Theatre Studies
School of Arts Graduate Studies Committee
Faculty Graduate Studies Committee
Graduate School
Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning
experience





module evaluation
end of programme evaluation
postgraduate representation on subject, school and faculty committees
subject Staff/Student liaison committee
office hours for informal discussion, consultation and supervision
Staff Development priorities include:


continuous training, qualification and developing in learning and teaching
support for research activity, conference attendance, and study leave to support
research activities
18. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Independent review of educational provision in Drama by the Quality Assurance
7
UNIVERSITY OF KENT




Agency review (1997): 24 out of 24 points
Research Assessment Exercise 2008: 35% of submissions as world class (4*), 35%
achieving international excellence (3*) with specific commendation of the European
Theatre Research Network
2008 Periodic Programme Review commended the programme and teaching as
“innovative and leading in the field”
Staff contributing to the programme hold external appointments on the AHRC Peer
Review College, the RAE panel, as editors for leading journals in the field, external
examiners at other institutions.
Staff contributing to the course are actively involved in international subject
organisations, and contribute regularly to national and international conference and
other events in the field.
The following reference points were used in creating these specifications:



QAA Benchmark Statement for Dance, Drama and Performance, revision
January 2008
University Mission Statement and International Strategy
University Code of Practice for Taught Programmes
Programme Specification Template
Last updated June 2010
8