MSt in Writing for Performance

The Master of Studies (MSt) in Writing for Performance is designed for postgraduate students who wish to develop high-level theoretical skills and a vibrant and innovative creative practice within writing for a wide range of performance mediums.

Course Overview

Writing for performance is defined as making scripts or text for:

• theatre
• film/TV
• radio drama
• performance art podcasts
• digital platforms
• stand-up comedy

Students will develop skills initially in all mediums and then be guided to choose a specific genre of script-making for the final project.

Course Details

• Course fee:
  • Home: ｣25,494
  • Overseas: ｣50,988
• Credits: 180
• Study mode: Hybrid (in person and online)
• Application Deadline: 26 Mar 2026
• Duration: 2 Years
• Location: Various Locations
• Course code: 2628ELM9
• Course type: Master's degrees

Tutors

• Ms Clare Bayley: Joint course director, MSt Writing for Performance
• Fraser Grace: Joint course director, MSt in Writing for Performance; Consultant Fellow; Playwright

Course Overview

The MSt in Writing for Performance is structured around 4 modules taught during year 1 of the course and a presentation module during year 2, each of which students must attend.

Who is the Course Designed For?

This course is designed for people wishing to develop as dramatists to improve their professional careers in the entertainment industry as writers or directors, or to enhance their skills as dramaturgs/script editors to follow a career in literary management, publishing or agenting.

Aims of the Programme

The overall aims of the MSt in Writing for Performance are to:

• enable students to develop high levels of expertise as writers of performance
• facilitate students creative practice, and to encourage originality and experimentation with narrative structures and story-telling
• use theory and philosophy to develop and enhance students creative practice
• identify, encourage, and consolidate the distinct and individual strengths within students work
• explore, both critically and creatively, the world of dramatic writing across a range of performance genres and mediums
• develop skills relevant to professional development for those working in creative, pedagogic, or industry contexts
• create a safe and empathetic teaching environment that students can trust

Learning Outcomes

This course will allow students to develop skills relevant to professional development in a variety of creative, pedagogic or industry contexts.

Entry Requirements

We welcome applications from students with a variety of backgrounds and professional experiences.

Standard Entry Requirements

Typically, we expect a good UK undergraduate degree, such as a 2.1, or international equivalent.

Non-Standard Applications

If you do not meet the standard entry requirements, we still encourage you to apply. Youll need to show you have relevant, professional experience that makes you a strong candidate, and/or have completed higher-level study.

English Language Requirements

Our courses are taught in English and require a good level of fluency. If English is not your first language, you'll need to prove you have sufficient fluency before admission.

Visa Information

We welcome applications from international students. If youre coming from overseas, you would attend the in-person teaching sessions for this course with visitor immigration permission.

Teaching and Assessment

The MSt in Writing for Performance is structured around 4 modules taught during year 1 of the course and a presentation module during year 2.

Year 1

In the first year, students will be encouraged to build on their existing strengths but also to explore unfamiliar territories.

Module 1

Beginnings: The Fundamentals of Dramatic Writing (19 to 22 October 2026)

Module 2

Dramaturgy: Writing for Audio and Other Digital Media (11 to 14 January 2027)

Module 3

Collaboration: Writing for Theatre, Comedy or Performance (15 to 18 March 2027)

Module 4

Professional Engagement: Writing for Film and TV (7 to 10 June 2027)

Year 2

The second year is characterised by focus on a specialist genre. Students will work independently to explore further and develop their own literary and critical skills, resulting in a full-length (90 minute) script in a chosen performance medium and a reflective and critical commentary on their work.

Assessment

Students will be required to submit:

• 20 minutes of script/screenplay/performance text
• 2 critical essays of 3,000 words each
• a piece of reflective writing of 2,000 words
• a dissertation which consists of:
  • a major creative project
  • a synopsis and/or synopses
  • a one-page industry strategy document
  • a written reflective and critical commentary

Fees and Funding

The total fees for this course are shown above in 'Course details'.

Fees

To understand which fee status applies to you, whether as a home or overseas student, visit the Universitys fee status page.

Funding

We're dedicated to reducing and removing financial barriers to learning. Visit financial support ahead of the application deadline to find out what options may be available to help you in your studies.

How to Apply

Considering applying? We look forward to receiving your application.

Key Timings for Your Application

• The application deadline is 26 March 2026.
• Well hold interviews for shortlisted candidates in April.

How to Apply and What You'll Need

The application process involves:

• creating, saving, and submitting your application
• uploading your supporting documents
• submitting and managing your references
• paying your application fee
• tracking your application

Supporting Documents

When you submit your application, youll need to provide supporting information, including:

• personal statement
• CV
• writing sample
• synopsis
• research proposal
• audio/video content (spoken word applicants only)
• qualifications and transcripts
• references

College Membership

As an MSt student, you'll become a member of a Cambridge College. For the MSt in Writing for Performance, we work with the following Colleges:

• Wolfson
• St Edmund's
• Selwyn
• Lucy Cavendish

Student Support

We're committed to supporting you in your learning journey, and we offer a variety of support opportunities to meet individual needs.

University of Cambridge

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