MA Directing (Musical Direction)
MA
Leaflet Code: CR60225FT
Overview
The course offers high quality practical and intensive training to expand, unleash and develop acting skills providing students with the core skills required to be successful within this exciting industry.
The course aims to give students of all ages, backgrounds and experience the tools to excel as actors exploring a range of genres and practitioners. There is a strong focus on naturalism and allowing the students to build their own tool box of skills and techniques to draw upon when they perform. This will include studying practitioners such as Stanislavski, Strasberg, Meisner and Uta Hagen. There is a strong focus on text analysis and how the actor creates a life by mining the text and drawing out the clues within to develop a role which is detailed.
Students will also focus on intense vocal and movement training which are essential to any actor. Additionally the course provides guidance on audition technique both industry based and preparation for Drama School. Students will learn how to market themselves as actors and be given guidance on Equity, Spotlight etc from industry professionals.
The course is designed to be diverse, practical and industry relevant to reflect careers within the performing arts and acting profession. As part of the final project the learners will create their own theatre company and have the opportunity to perform in a professional setting in a production which they will produce. This provides invaluable experience and links to the industry within the vibrant and expanding Manchester Theatre scene.
- City Campus Manchester
- Full Time
- 1 year
- October 2025
Awarding Partner:
Staff profile
All staff on the programme are current working professionals with a vast experience of professional theatre work, from regional theatre to West End.
Academic Entry Requirements
• Level 6 qualification at a 2:2 or above in a relevant subject
Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Professional experience will be considered in the application process. Students should also present strong musicianship skills such as keyboard, conducting, and/or vocal technique.
UCEN Manchester is unable to consider international applications due to UKVI regulations.
What will I be studying
Final Major Project (Directing Musicals) (60 credits)
Year 1: Assistant Director (30 credits)
Year 1: Developing New Work (30 credits)
Year 1: Marketing (20 credits)
Year 1: Rehearsal Techniques (20 credits)
Year 1: Research for Creatives (20 credits)
How will I be assessed?
The teaching and assessment methods will vary throughout the course.
They include the following:
• Supervisor Observation of rehearsals and feedback sessions.
• In-house placements and mentorship with senior practitioners within the team.
• Traditional lectures where the lecturer provides students with a framework for reading and independent study.
• Small group tutorials and seminars where key issues and artistic concepts can be explored and discussed in more depth. Students are expected to play a full part, and occasionally, to lead these discussions.
• Professional workshops where students will diversify their craft in their chosen field.
• Production meetings, where students will observe professional communication skills and gain an understanding of working theatre relationships.
• Independent study based on directed reading from textbooks and academic journals.
Course Associated Costs
All the books required for the course are available from the library. However, you may choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop which is highly recommended. Estimated costs for a laptop/desktop are £300.
Materials are provided online and assignments are submitted electronically. However, you might also wish to print other documents.
Campus printing costs start from 5p per page
All students are subject to UCEN Manchester’s Terms and Conditions from the date they accept an offer to study here. The UCEN Manchester Admissions Policy and Procedure can be found here.