How to apply
Advice to applicants
There are only a limited number of places on this competitive course each year.Once all places are taken, the programme will be closed. If the programme is closed before your application is assessed, any successful applicants chosen thereafter may be offered deferred entry to September 2025 and/or the opportunity to be retained on a waiting list for September 2024.
How your application is considered
The application cycle
The Programme Director will assess applications in rounds throughout the year at the following points:
- Stage 1: applications submitted by 12th January; decision by 26th January
- Stage 2: applications submitted by 15th March; decision by 29th March
- Stage 3: applications submitted by 14th June; decision by 28th June
- Stage 4*: applications submitted by 30th August; decision by 13th September.
Applications that pass the portfolio assessment by the Programme Director will be invited for online interview, after which a decision to reject, make an offer, or waitlist, will be processed.
Offers must be accepted within one month of the offer being made, or by 30th August for any offers made after 2nd August.
* After 30th August, if places remain (or become) available, waitlisted candidates may be informed of any available places up to 13th September. Candidates can apply during the waitlist review stage and considered alongside any remaining waitlisted applications. If the course is closed, we can make offers for 2025/6 entry.
Closing date for applications and acceptances
We will update the website as soon as all places are taken and the course is closed.
Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests
Deferrals
Applicants may defer entry for 12 months provided they contact MASALC@manchester.ac.uk before 1 September.
Please note that applicants are subject to the fees for the entry year they will start the course.
Portfolio requirements
You will need to submit a portfolio of written work, including:
- three original ideas for stage plays (each 1-2 pages long). Applicants should submit a title for the play and a line of publicity, brief details of staging, genre, and a description of what the play is about;
- a 500-word statement about why you want to do the MA, including references to plays and live performance that have influenced and interested you;
- a writing sample (no less than 10 pages, playscript format), to demonstrate that you can write dramatic scenes and dialogue. This writing sample should be a draft of one of the play ideas you are applying with, or of another play or form of live performance. It should demonstrate your potential and ability to create character, lively dialogue and tell a story dramatically;
- a CV/biography.