Teaching
The MSt in Writing for Performance is structured around four compulsory teaching modules in Year 1. Each of these modules is preceded by guided preparatory reading and other activities, and followed by summative and formative writing assignments in modules one, two and three and a summative assignment in module four. A virtual learning environment (VLE) offers learning support to students while they are on the programme, including learning resources, peer-to-peer and student-to-tutor discussion between modules to build a virtual community of practice.
In Year 2, there is a session during which students present an extract from their creative work to the cohort.
| One to one supervision |
Second year: five one-hour sessions |
|---|---|
| Seminars & classes |
Year 1: Four modules, each of four days, with a total of 114 contact hours Year 2: A two-day module with a total of 12 hours contact time. |
| Posters and Presentations |
Students give a presentation on their dissertation during the 2 day module in Year 2. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Predominantly Taught
|
Feedback
Students are given formal feedback on each assignment and informal feedback throughout their course, including during supervisions. Supervisors also submit an annual progress report at the end of Year 1 and termly reports during Year 2
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The Year Two dissertation consists of:
- A major creative project comprising 90 minutes of writing for performance. This may comprise a whole 90 minute script in a chosen performance medium, or the first 90 minutes of a longer piece. It may also comprise two 45 minute episodes, or 90 minutes of performance text/in a number of units, or the equivalent intext for a different digital form eg a video game;
- Where the submitted script is an extract of a longer piece, a one page synopsis of the remaining script must be submitted which clearly indicates where in the story the extract comes from, and/or synopses of 150 words maximum for each of the remaining episodes;
- A one page industry strategy document of a maximum of 400 words (formatively assessed);
- A written reflective and critical commentary, totalling 5,000 words.
Essays
Students are expected to produce formative work (work that helps students develop, but which does not contribute to the final degree) creative writing throughout the first year, both independently and during residential sessions.
Students will also produce a portfolio of summative creative work (work that directly contributes to the degree), totalling 20 minutes (20 pages) of script/screenplay/performance text; two critical essays of 3,000 words each and one piece of reflective writing of 2,000 words.