Theatre

Qualification(s) available: MA

Fees for the 2025-26 academic year
UK: £12,500
International: £25,500
Entry requirements
2:1
Full-time
1 year
Part-time
Up to 3 years
Location
Loughborough
Start date
October 2025
Department
Creative Arts

Our MA Theatre degree is an actively interdisciplinary programme, combining practice-based enquiry and scholarly study.

Taught by expert staff with a broad range of industry specialisms, this programme has professional practice at its heart, offering students the opportunity to work collaboratively to create innovative practice and performance pieces. It offers a fascinating insight into the practice and study of theatre, with teaching that covers a broad range of topics to give you an in-depth understanding of the theatre industry and its wider implications. 

MA Theatre is concerned with preparing students for careers in the creative industries, by providing opportunities to undertake placements, gain work experience and/or participate in prestigious research projects. Placement opportunities are embedded within the semester structure, so students are not required to take time away from the programme in order to seek experience.

The focus of MA Theatre is on honing individual development as students transition from undergraduate to postgraduate level, developing your expertise and experience as a theatre maker and producer. The programme encourages creative collaboration between postgraduate students across the School of Design and Creative Arts, enabling them to produce dynamic and innovative performance and theatre together. At the end of the programme students have the opportunity to work together as a professional theatre company for the major project, creating work that is suitable for the summer festival season. Alternatively, you can select to devise and perform a solo project, or a traditional written dissertation.

Why you should choose us

Why you should study this degree

  • You will develop your personal research/practice within a collaborative, interdisciplinary setting.
  • You will benefit from a dynamic environment in which to gain experience of postgraduate theatre study and move towards a future career in the arts sector.
  • You will have access to several state-of-the-art performance, study and rehearsal facilities, including a proscenium arch theatre.
  • You will develop a range of practical, theoretical, and research skills, including across performance and presentation, project design and delivery, digital media, applied theatre, and arts management.
  • You will gain an innovative understanding of various historical, political, and cultural theatrical contexts.
  • You will be taught by specialist staff with a broad range of experience across performance, acting, writing, playwriting, storytelling, film studies, adaptation, textual analysis, and media production.

MA Theatre is an opportunity to extend your skills and experience, translating your undergraduate studies into professional working practice.

Dr Catherine Rees Senior Lecturer

What you'll study

The following information is intended as an example only and is typically based on module information for the 2024/25 year of entry. Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes. Updated Programme and Module Specifications are made available ahead of each academic year. Please also see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.

Our MA Theatre programme offers a fascinating insight into the practice and the study of theatre. It teaches a range of topics to give you a broad understanding of the wider implications to working in the theatre industry.

Compulsory

Research Methods for Theatre (30 credits)

This module provides the multidisciplinary context and learning space to facilitate inter and cross disciplinary research projects. The aim of this module is to give students an appreciation of issues involved in the collection, archiving and analysis of data for theatre research projects. The module takes a hands-on approach, combining textual and theoretical analysis with embodied, practice-led methods.

Digital Storytelling for Creative Practice (15 credits)

The aims of this module are to introduce students to the practice of Digital Storytelling and its underpinning theoretical and methodological foundations. It also aims to familiarise students with a range of participatory storytelling techniques and how to adapt and develop them in a variety of Digital environments. It also aims to provide students with real world experience and research to develop a range of creative and analytical skills and encourage critical discussion.

Optional (choose one)

Arts Management (15 credits)

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the discipline of management in the context of an arts organisation/creative industries. It provides students with skills and experience in professional practice and offers them the opportunity to enrich their understanding of the relationship between the interdisciplinary subjects of arts and management, as well as developing professional skills in decision-making, marketing, organisation, and project management.

Performative Writing (15 credits)

The aim of this module is to enable students to develop their own writing for performance practice. The module also aims to equip students with an understanding of the relationships between medium, text, space, audiences, and performer. The module includes creative workshops which aim to provide a stimulating and encouraging environment to develop writing and performance skills.

Compulsory

Translating Theory into Practice (30 credits)

This module builds directly on the Research Methods for Theatre / Storytelling module, providing an opportunity to put the methods discovered in the former module into practice. The primary aim is to discover how these methods might influence, extend and enable new practice and scholarship.

Optional (choose two)

Developing Professional Practice for Theatre (15 credits)

The aim of this module is for students to develop their understanding of a chosen professional environment. This module gives students the opportunity to develop a productive dialogue between their academic work, professional practice and career development. Working with Loughborough University's Placement Team (with full support from the MA Theatre teaching staff), students will be encouraged to identify a suitable placement opportunity which will stretch and challenge them. This may be in an arts/theatre venue, or with a theatre company, and may be overseas.

Thinking about Storytelling (15 credits)

This module aims to engage students with the theoretical underpinnings, core concepts and current debates within the interdisciplinary field of Applied Storytelling. Storytelling is both an old and emergent discipline, in that the study of story has taken place within various disciplines, but as a discipline in its own right it has surfaced much more recently. It draws from a range of disciplinary approaches, including Performance studies, Literary Studies, Folklore, Narratology, Sociology, Anthropology, Oral History, Community Studies, Applied Arts, etc. This module aims to equip students with an understanding of the key terminology and concepts used in storytelling so that they can fully participate in the current disciplinary debates and strengthen their own practice with a strong theoretical foundation.

Place-based Theatre and Storytelling (15 credits)

This module focuses on performance in 'real world' spaces, exploring the dramatic and educational techniques used for making theatre in heritage and/or community venues. The module aims to equip students with an understanding of the contexts in which theatre can be made for non-traditional audiences in non-traditional spaces. It includes exploratory devising workshops, historical study, and analysis of oral history/storytelling. Reflecting the interests and connections of staff, the specific content of the module will change yearly, uncovering the potential fruitful dialogue between place, space and performance in a different way with each cohort.

Compulsory (choose one)

Dissertation (60 credits)

The aims of the module are to enable students to initiate, devise, develop and successfully complete an original dissertation exploring the ways in which theatre is made, understood, researched and performed in global, contemporary and transdisciplinary contexts. Within the dissertation students will demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline.

Major Project (60 credits)

The aim of this module is to offer students the opportunity to combine the traditional solo project dissertation with an opportunity for creative collaborative practice. Students will therefore have the opportunity to either work together to produce a piece of performance in the format of a theatre company or to create their own piece of devised performance. In either case, the students will manage and develop every aspect of performance themselves and the final performance should be of professional standard. The student will also produce an accompanying written commentary.

How you'll be assessed

You will be assessed using a mixed-methods approach. This includes practical assessments, presentations and essays.

How you'll study

The MA Theatre programme features a variety of teaching and learning methods.

  • Seminars
  • Independent study
  • Group work
  • Practical sessions

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

A 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject. Relevant professional experience will also be considered.

Afghanistan

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters 95% 85% 70%

Albania

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010) 9.5 8.5 8

Algeria

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures 16 14 12

Argentina

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura/ Licenciado (4 year) 8.5 7.5 6.0

Armenia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavri Kochum required but typically a Magistrosi Kochum 90% or 3.9 80% or 3.5 70% or 3.0

Australia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree (AQF level 8) First Class, 80% Upper Second, 70%, H2A Lower Second, 60%, H2B
Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50) High Distinction (80% or 85%) Distinction (75% or 80%) Distinction (70% or 75%)

Austria

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree / Diplomstudium / Fachhochschuldiplom (Diplom (FH)) A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden 60% / B / (or 2) 60% / B / (or 2)

Azerbaijan

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr Diplomu/ Diplomu (Specialist Diploma) 4.5 or 90% 4 or 80% 3.5 or 70%

Bahamas

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)

Bahrain

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8

Bangladesh

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Bachelor of Science in Engineering (IEB and BAETE accredited courses only) 1st (70%) / 3.5 2nd (60%) / 3.0 2nd (55%) / 2.75
Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree 80% / 4.0 65% / 3.25 50% / 2.5

Barbados

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
University of the West Indies, Honours degree 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Barbados Community College 1st or GPA 3.75 2:1 or GPA 3.5 2:2 or GPA 3.0

Belarus

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Specialist Diploma (5Yr) 9 7 5

Belgium

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree/Licenciaat/Licencie 80% or 17 70% or 14 60% or 12

Belize

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)

Benin

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise 18 15 or Bien 12 or Assez Bien

Bermuda

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)

Bolivia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private) 85/78 75/66 67/55

Bosnia and Herzegovina

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani 10 9 8

Botswana

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's degree A or 80% B or 70% C or 60%

Brazil

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or Título Profissional 8.5 7.5 6.5

Brunei

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brunei First Upper Second (60%/B/3.1) Lower Second (50% or C or 2.5)

Bulgaria

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education) 6 5 4

Burundi

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters or Diplôme d'Études Approfondies or Diplôme Ingénieur (professional title) 18 15/20 (Bien) 12.5/20 (Assez Bien)

Cambodia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters 80% or B+ or 3.5 70% or B or 3.0 60% or C+ or 2.5

Cameroon

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce or Diplome d'Ingenieur or Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Conception or a Maitrise, 4 year Licence or Master 1 (M1) 1st / 3.6 or 15/Tres Bien 2:1 / GPA 3.0 or 14 / Bien 2:2 / GPA 2.5 or 12.5/ Assez Bien

Canada

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0/Percentage 3.7/85% 3.3/75% 2.7/68%
Out of 9 8 6 5
Out of 12 10 8 6

Chile

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Grado de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years) 6 5.5 5

China

Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below:

First class (70%) Mid 2:1 (65%) 2:1 (60%) Mid 2:2 (55%) 2:2 (50%)
Shanghai Rank Top 250 83% 79% 75% 73% 70%
Shanghai Rank 251-500 88% 84% 80% 78% 75%
Shanghai Rank 501+ 92% 87% 84% 82% 80%

Affiliated colleges

The University will consider students from Affiliated Colleges in the following way:

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities in the top 250 Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 75%-84%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are 251-500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are above 500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered as follows:

  • School of Business and Economics: not considered
  • All other programmes if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.

Universities given special consideration

Applicants from a small number of Chinese universities that specialise in business, management, finance or creative arts will be given special consideration by the University. The full list of these universities and the Shanghai band under which they will be considered can be found below:

Table of Chinese universities for special consideration

‌*Special consideration for programmes in School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and Institute for Sport Business only.

Students who do not meet the above requirements may occasionally be considered if they have a relevant degree, can show good grades in relevant subjects, and/or have substantial relevant work experience.

Colombia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 4.5 3.75 3.2

Costa Rica

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado 9 8 or 80 7 or 75

Croatia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik 4.5 3.8 3.0

Cuba

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura 5 4 3

Cyprus

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Cyprus 8.5 7.0 6.5

Czech Republic

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr 1 1.5 2

Denmark

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale) 12 10 7

Dominican Republic

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Licenciado or Título de [subject area] 3.8 Magna Cum Laude or 3.5 or 85% Cum Laude or 3.2 or 82%

Ecuador

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 8.5 / 85% 8 / 80% 7 / 70%

Egypt

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Egypt 3.5 3.2 2.8
Universities only BA 90%, BSc 85% BA 80%, BSc 75% BA 65%, BSc 65%

El Salvador

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Licenciado, Título de Ingeniero/Arquitecto 8.5, 85% 7.5, 75% or Muy Bueno 6.5, 65% or Bueno

Estonia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad 5 or 91% or A 4 or 81% or B 3 or 71% or C

Ethiopia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's A/GPA 4.0 A/GPA 3.5 B/GPA 2.8

Finland

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidaattii/Kandidat or the Maisteri/Magister 3 (out of 3) or 4.5 (out of 5) 2 (out of 3) or 3 (out of 5) 1 (out of 3) or 2.5 (out of 5)

France

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur 14 13 11

Georgia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year degree (% = new system) 5 (95%) 4.0 (85%) 3.5 (75%)

Germany

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung 1.5 2.5 3.0

Ghana

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Ghana First Upper second/60% Lower second/50%

Greece

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Universities 8.5 7.0 6
TEI and non-University Institutions 8.5 7 6.5

Grenada

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of West Indies - classification 1st, 70% (GPA 3.6) 2:1, 60% (GPA 3.00) 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)
Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage A B / 75% C / 55%
Degree from University of West Indies - GPA 3.6 3.0 2.0

Guatemala

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4 years 90% (public university) / 95% (private university) 80% (public university) / 85% (private university) 60% (public university) / 70% (private university)

Guyana

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's GPA 4 GPA 3.5 3.0

Honduras

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Grado Académico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5 GPA 5 or 90% GPA 4 or 80% GPA 3.5 or 70%

Hong Kong

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
1st or 3.5/4 2:1or 3/4 2:2 or 2.5/4 2.5

Hungary

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor 4.5 3.5 3

Iceland

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag 8.5 7.5 6.5

India

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Institutions listed on the National Institutional Ranking Framework 65% (First) 60% (First) 55% (Upper second)
All other Indian institutions 70% (First with distinction) 65% (First) 60% (First)

Indonesia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sarjana I (S1) from accredited Universities 3.3 3.0 2.8

Iran

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iran 17 15 13

Iraq

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iraq 80% 75% 70%

Ireland

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Republic of Ireland First (70%) Upper second (60%) Lower second (50%)

Israel

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
3 yr Bachelor Degree 90% 80% 70%

Italy

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma di Laurea 109/110 100/110 90/110

Ivory Coast

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures 16 14 (Bien) 12 (Assez Bien)

Jamaica

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)

Japan

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Gakushi – GPA 4.0 scale 85% or A or 3.5 80% or B or 3.0 70% or C or 2.0

Jordan

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3 or 3.5/5 or 75% 2.5 (or 3.0/5) / 63%

Kazakhstan

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 5.0/percentage scale 4.5 or 90% 4 or 85% 3.5 or 80%
GPA 4.33 scale 3.9 3.7 3.2
GPA 4.0 scale 3.7 3.4 3

Kenya

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kenya First / 70% / A Upper second / 60% / B Lower second / 50% / C

Kosovo

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kosovo 10 9 8

Kuwait

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.6 3.0 2.6

Latvia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Latvia 9 7 6

Lebanon

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
American 90% (3.5) 80% (3.2) 70% (2.8)
French 18 15 12

Liberia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's 4.0 or 90% 3.5 or 85% 3 or 80%

Libya

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine 85 (3.6) 75 (3.0) 65 (2.5)
Other bachelor's degree from a university 90 (4.0) 85% (3.6) 75% (3.0)

Lithuania

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lithuania 9 8 7

Luxembourg

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Luxembourg 18 (excellent) 16 (tres Bien) 14 (bien)

Macau

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Macau 1st or GPA 3.7 2:1 or GPA 3.0 2:2 or GPA 2.5

Macedonia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Magistar Дипломиран / Баццалауреус / Баццалауреа (Bachelor degree) 10 9 8

Malawi

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's only MSc 75% MSc 70% MSc 65%

Malaysia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification First Class 2.1 GPA 2.5
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8

Malta

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Malta 1st (80%) 2:1 (70%) 2:2 (55%)

Mauritius

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mauritius 1st or 70% 2:1 or 60% 2:2 or 50%

Mexico

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura / Licenciado/ Título (Profesional) de [subject area] 8.5 8 7

Moldova

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate) 9 8 7

Mongolia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) 90% or 3.5 80% or GPA 3.2 70% or GPA 3.0

Montenegro

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma of Completed Undergraduate Studies or Diploma of Professional Undergraduate Studies 10 (or 5.0) 9 (or 4.5) 8 (or 4.0)

Morocco

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplôme d'Ingénieur d'État, Diplôme d'Écoles Nationales de Commerce et de Gestion, Licence / Licence d'Études Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle 16 14 12

Mozambique

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mestrado/ Grau de Mastre 16 14 12

Myanmar (Burma)

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
2 year Master's degree 5 or 85% 5 or 75% 4.5 or 65%

Namibia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Bachelor Honours (post 2008) or Masters 80% or A 70% or B 60% or C

Nepal

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's (after 3 year bachelor degree) 80% or 3.7 GPA 65% or 3.3 GPA 60% or 3.0 GPA

Netherlands

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Netherlands 8 7 6

New Zealand

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8 First (7.0) Upper Second (6.0) Lower Second (4.0)
3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7 A+ (9.0) A- (7.0) B+ (6.0)

Nicaragua

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura (4 year) 90% 80% 70%

Nigeria

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
7 point Scale 6 5 3.0 (on 5 point scale)
5 point scale 4.5 3.8 3.5
4 point scale 3.5 3 2.5

Norway

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Norway A / 1.8 B / 2.3 C / 3.0

Oman

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.5

Pakistan

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 options) A- or GPA 3.7 B or GPA 3.0 C+ or GPA 2.6
2 or 3 year Bachelor plus Masters 1st (60%) plus GPA 3.7 2nd (55%) plus GPA 3.0 2nd (50%) plus GPA 2.6

Palestine

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (4-years) (85%) 3.5 (80%) 3.0 (70%) 2.5

Panama

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 91 (A) 81 (B) 71 (C)

Papua New Guinea

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) Degree 1st 2:1 2:2

Paraguay

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 4.5 (85%) 4 (80%) 3.5 (75%)

Peru

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 14 13 12

Philippines

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE) Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0 Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5 Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0

Poland

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003) 5 4.5 4

Portugal

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) or Licenciado 18 16 14

Qatar

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8

Romania

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer 9 8 7

Russia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma/Magistr 4.5 4.0 3.5

Rwanda

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits) 1st, 16/20 (80%) 2:1,14/20 (70%) 2:2, 12/20 (60%)

Saudi Arabia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
GPA 5.0 scale 4.5 3.75 3.5

Senegal

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees 16/20 or Tres Bien 14/20 or Bien 12/20 or Assez Bien

Serbia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree 9 8 7

Sierra Leone

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree or masters 1st (70%) 2:1 (60% or B) 2:2 (50% or C)

Singapore

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Hons) First Upper second Lower second
GPA 4.0 scale 3.7 3.0 2.7
GPA 5.0 scale 4.5 3.5 3.0

Slovakia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (from 2005) Magister / Inzinier 1.5 or B 2.0 or C 2.5 or C/high D

Slovenia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
University Diplom 9 8 7

South Africa

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) or B Tech after 4 yrs study 1st or 75% 2:1 or 70% 2:2 or 60%

South Korea

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA out of 4.5 4.0 / A 3.5 / B 3.0 / C+
GPA out of 4.3 4.0 / A 3.0 / B 2.7 / C+

Spain

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto 8.5 7 6.5
UCM grading 3.0 2.0 1.5

Sri Lanka

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree 90%, GPA 3.70 80%, GPA 3.30 70%, GPA 3.0

Sudan

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year degree 1st, 70%, B+ 2:1, 66% mid 2:2, 60%, B

Sweden

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidatexamen or Magisterexamen Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 120 credits at VG B or Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG C or Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G

Switzerland

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree, Diplom or Lizentiat (10/6/5) 10 / 6 / 1 8 / 5 / 2 6 / 4 / 3

Syria

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
State universities 4 years of study 80% 70% 60%
Private universities 4 years of study 90% 80% 70%

Taiwan

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Category 1 (4 year degree) 80% 75% 70%
Category 2 (4 year degree) 85% 80% 75%

Tajikistan

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом специалиста - Specialist Diploma 5 4.5 4

Tanzania

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Tanzania 1st 2:1 2:2

Thailand

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8

Trinidad and Tobago

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT 1st or GPA 3.6 2:1 or GPA 3.0 2:2 or GPA 2.5

Tunisia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieu 16 (tres bien) 14 (bien) 11 (assez bien)

Turkey

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi 3.5 3 2.5

Turkmenistan

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr 5 4.5 4

Uganda

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Uganda 1st or 4.4 2:1 or 3.8 2:2 or 3.0

Ukraine

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5) 4.5 4.0 3.5

United Arab Emirates

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.6

United States of America

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.2 2.8

Uruguay

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado (4 year) 9 8 7

Uzbekistan

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Majistr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) 90% or GPA 4.5 80% or GPA 4.0 70% or GPA 3.5

Venezuela

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year) 18/20 or 8/9 16/20 or 7/9 14/20 or 6/9

Vietnam

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
10-point scale 8.0 7.0 6.0
4-point scale 3.5 3.0 2.8

Zambia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's A or 4.0 or 80% B+, 3.5 or 70% B or 3.0 or 60%

Zimbabwe

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
3/4 year degree 1st or 75% 2:1 or 65% 2:2 or 60%

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Fees and funding

October 2025 start

UK fee

£12,500 Full-time degree per annum

International fee

£25,500 Full-time degree per annum

The fee stated is for a full-time student undertaking a master’s programme of 180 credits. Part-time students should divide the published fee by 180 credits and then multiply by the number of credits they are taking to calculate their tuition fees.

Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.

Scholarships and bursaries

There are scholarships and bursaries available to help with funding your study.

Master's degree funding

Your development

MA Theatre provides students with an abundance of opportunities to develop skills and attributes needed to progress successfully in their chosen careers. Upon graduating from the programme, you will be able to:

  • Analyse and practically engage with performance and script, deciphering the social, political and economic tensions within.
  • Write, aurally/visually present, and perform ideas effectively and cogently.
  • Understand and utilise high-level research methods, in preparation for future careers in an academic or practice-based context.
  • Work both collaboratively and independently, identifying the need to resolve conflict, engage with new ideas, and develop an unconventional and resilient personal arts practice.
  • Work across typical disciplinary boundaries in innovative ways.
  • Understand the demands of working in the arts sector in a practical sense.

Your future career

The MA Theatre programme features a variety of in-built opportunities to undertake placements, gain work experience, and participate in real-life research projects.

It is designed to prepare you for a career in the creative industries, perhaps as a practitioner, administrator or a scholar within UK or global arts sectors. Graduates from Creative Arts programmes at Loughborough have gone on to pursue careers in areas including theatre, film, PR, the media (including broadcasting), higher education, marketing, web design, events management and communications. Roles have included: actor, writer, creative director, digital content producer, educator in NGOs and museums, events/arts management, arts administrator, teacher.