Information regarding our 2022/23 admissions cycle
Our updated course listings for the 2022/23 postgraduate admissions cycle will be published at the beginning of October. Applications for 2022 entry will be available shortly after this. Check our how to apply pages for updates.
MA Playwriting / Application and selection
Year of entry: 2021
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How to apply
Advice to applicants
You should include:
- 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.
If your academic background is not directly related to the programme, you should supply an academic-standard writing sample on a subject related to the programme.
If English is not your native language, then you should provide an academic-standard writing sample in English directly related to the subject.
For more advice on the application process, please visit our Applying page.
How your application is considered
Applications are mainly considered on the basis of an assessment of past and predicted academic achievements, the academic reference(s) and any other supplementary evidence that supports the application. Once we have an application that is ready for a decision, the admissions tutor (often the Programme Director) will relay the decision to the admissions team, who will send you this decision.
Please note that your application is usually received by the School 24 to 48 hours after the time you submit it. If you have not provided documentation that allows the admissions tutor to make a decision, we will contact you.
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.