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 verified certificate for the MicroMasters in Writing for Performance and the Entertainment Industries, studied on the edX platform, allows students to begin the MSt in module 2, as the assessment and learning outcomes for module 1 are covered in the edX course. Receipt of the certificate is one of the admissions requirements of the course.
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, students 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 |
Students who have successfully completed the MicroMasters in Writing for Performance and the Entertainment Industries will join the MSt in Writing for Performance from module 2, as the assessment and learning outcomes for module 1 are covered in the edX course. The MicroMasters course is comprised of 8 online modules, each of 4 weeks. The MSt in Writing for Performance for edX applicants will comprise of: Year 1: Three modules (starting with module 2), each of four days, with a total of 86 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. Supervisions 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 formatively assessed (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 who have joined the MSt in Writing for Performance having successfully completed the MicroMasters in Writing for Performance and the Entertainment Industries will have already met the assessment and learning outcomes for module 1 and therefore will need to produce the following summative work during year 1 of the course:
Students will submit the following for summative assessment ((work that directly contributes to the degree) - a portfolio of creative work totalling 20 minutes (20 pages) of script/screenplay/performance text; a critical essay of 3,000 words and one piece of reflective writing of 2,000 words.