MSt in Writing for Performance

Who is the course designed for?

Students on the MSt in Writing for Performance could include those currently working, or wishing to work, in the creative industries. This might include teachers, publishers, dramaturgs, literary managers, journalists and broadcasters.

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 through engagement with forms of ‘embodied knowledge’, and ‘learning through doing’, within both group and individual contexts;
• 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 through engagement with performance theory and the critical history of performance;
• 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, in order that they may produce their most innovative creative work.

Teaching and learning

The MSt in Writing for Performance is structured around four modules taught during year 1 of the course and a presentation module during year 2, each of which students must attend. Each of the four modules is preceded by guided preparatory reading and other activities, and followed by two writing assignments: one formative and one summative.

A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) offers learning support to students while they are on the programme, including learning resources, peer-to-peer and student-to-tutor discussion between modules to build a virtual community of practice.

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 (28 - 31 October 2024) 

This module introduces students to the fundamental conceptual, creative, and practical elements of writing for performance. They will be encouraged to begin developing a sense of which medium they may wish to work in later, while workshops and encounters with visiting speakers will allow them to experience a wide range of writing tasks. They will begin to engage with processes of critical reflection about their own work, and about the creative practices of their peer-group, as well as being encouraged to respond analytically to a wide variety of philosophical positions within performance theory and history.

Module 2: Dramaturgy: writing for audio and other media  (13 - 16 January 2025) 

This module will look in-depth at the function of narrative structures and story-telling forms. Writing character will be explored, as well as different techniques of writing dialogue - applicable to a range of writing for performance platforms. In Module Two scripts are read and analysed in workshop by peers, this time under the supervision of professional directors drawn from theatre, TV or film. 

Module 3: Collaboration: writing for theatre, comedy or performance (17 - 20 March 2025)

In this module, the writing workshops have a theatre focus. They are led by resident directors and have access to professional actors, offering an experience of collaboration vital to the understanding of a script, and the development of character, dialogue and other core components of dramatic writing. Allowing collaborative relationships to develop early, across modules, will hopefully encourage the post-MSt production of the students’ work in visible professional platforms. Students will continue to refine their critical, analytical, and experiential practice during this module.

Module 4: Professional Engagement: writing for film and TV (2  -5 June 2025)

This module will focus on the processes and skills involved in bringing a script successfully to market. This module completes the cycle of learning from the ‘first idea’ to a finished, commissioned, and performed script. Invited speaker panels will focus on industry engagement, with agents, literary managers, show-runners, and producers. Students will develop advanced self-presentation skills, as well as an understanding of new-writing networks and opportunities. Script workshops in Module 4 have a screenwriting emphasis and are led by professional TV or film directors/writers. Students will learn how to turn a concept into a film pitch – and will then have an opportunity to make that pitch to a panel of film producers. Students will prepare and submit their dissertation proposals.

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. They will work under the supervision of an expert in their chosen field with whom they will have regular contact.

Students will have five supervisions in the second year. Supervision dates will be arranged between students and supervisors (these can be face-to-face or via remote software). The fifth and final supervision will usually take place at the time of the only module in the second year, when students will present an extract from their creative work to the cohort, to be held on 27 and 28 April 2026.

It is essential that students attend all modules as their ability to complete the course will be severely compromised by missing any of these.

Find out more

If you have any questions about this course, would like an informal discussion on academic matters before making your application, or would like to know more about the admissions process, please complete this enquiry form with your questions.

Assessment

Year 1

Students will be required to submit 20 minutes of script/screenplay/performance text; two critical essays of 3,000 words each; and a piece of reflective writing of 2,000 words.

Year 2

Students will be required to submit a dissertation which consists of: 

1. A major creative project comprising 90 minutes of writing for performance. This may comprise a whole 90 minute script in a chosen performance medium, or the first 90 minutes of a longer piece. It may also comprise two 45 minute episodes, or 90 minutes of performance text/in a number of units, or the equivalent intext for a different digital form eg a video game;
2. Where the submitted script is an extract of a longer piece, a one page synopsis of the remaining script must be submitted which clearly indicates where in the story the extract comes from, and/or synopses of 150 words maximum for each of the remaining episodes;
3. A one page industry strategy document of a maximum of 400 words (formatively assessed);
4. A written reflective and critical commentary, totalling 5,000 words.

Feedback

Students are given formal written feedback on their assignments and informal feedback throughout the course, including during tutorials and supervisions. Tutors produce a report for each student at the end of Year 1 and supervisors produce termly reports for each student during Year 2.

Fees

The fees for 2024 will be £11,025.00 per annum for Home students (total Home course fee across the 2 years being £22,050.00) and £19,293.00 per annum for EU/Overseas students (total EU/Overseas course fee across the 2 years being £38,586.00). The combined graduate fee includes college membership. The fee can be paid in eight equal instalments. Students on this course can apply to Wolfson, St Edmund's, Selwyn or Lucy Cavendish. Please note there are only a limited number of college places available for this course for Selwyn College so please indicate a second choice of college on your application form if you are selecting Selwyn College as your first choice. 

Students will be expected to cover the application fee (£50 online), accommodation whilst in Cambridge and any costs of travel to Cambridge. Please note that, although you will be a member of a college, you will not be entitled to college accommodation.

ICE fees and refunds policy

Funding

For information on a loan from Student Finance England for course fees and a contribution towards living costs, please see https://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/info/student-loans

The Institute of Continuing Education offers the Joy Brandon bursary. Find out more here. 

The application deadline for this course is Thursday 21st March 2024. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held in early April either in person or by remote software if candidates are unable to attend in person. Candidates will be contacted to arrange convenient times during the previous week.

You are required to provide supporting documents as part of your application. 

You should have your CV, writing sample, synopsis, audio/video content (spoken word applicants only), research proposal and personal statement ready before you start your application, as they will be submitted as part of the application form and cannot be submitted later.

Apply online when you are ready to start the application process.

Applicants who are applying for the MSt in Writing for Performance having successfully completed the edX MicroMasters in Writing for Performance and the Entertainment Industries must complete a different application form. Please contact us directly via the "Ask a Question" button at the top of this page so we can provide you with further course details and a link to the application form. 

The application deadline is 21st March 2024 and you will be required to submit the same documents and samples as listed above.  You will also need to submit your verified certificate from the edX Micromasters course once the course is completed. 

Visa requirements 

Student visa sponsorship is not offered for this course. International students who do not already hold a UK visa or immigration status that permits study may enter the UK as a visitor in order to attend teaching sessions. 

The visitor immigration route is used to support students on part-time courses longer than 6 months where the majority of time is spent outside the UK and attendance in Cambridge is only required for short teaching sessions. To meet the requirements of holding this immigration status for study purposes, students are expected not to remain in the UK for extended periods of time. It is not possible as a visitor on a course of more than 6 months to make the UK your main study location or residence or make frequent or successive visits to stay in the UK for extended periods.   

Please read the information about Visas for International Students

How often do the MSt courses run?
All of the MSt programmes in the Creative Writing portfolio currently have an annual intake.

Is the course taught online, or is it possible to complete the course by distance-learning?
The MSt is not a distance-learning course. You will be required to attend teaching sessions in Cambridge. 

Can I complete the course on a full-time basis in one year?
No, the MSt is only available as a two-year, part-time course.

Are there any sources of funding available?
There aren’t currently any sources of funding available through the University of Cambridge or ICE to support entry on the MSt programmes in creative writing.

How many applications do you receive in relation to places available per year?
This varies between programmes and depending on the year. For the 2021 cohort of the MSt in Creative Writing there were roughly 6 applications for each place being offered. 

How many references are required?
We require two references. References need to be submitted from professional e-mail addresses, so please ensure that you enter the relevant details into the online application form.

What kind of references should I provide?
We prefer academic references from people who, if at all possible, are able to comment on your writing skills and experience, and your ability to study at Master’s level. 

What happens if I am not able to provide academic references?
We can accept professional references.

Can I nominate an ICE tutor as my referee?
Yes, you may nominate an ICE tutor to act as your referee. 

How long should the Personal Statement be?
As a guide, we suggest that the Personal Statement is 500-1000 words long. We would ask you not to exceed 1000 words. An ability to write to a specific word count is an important part of studying at Master’s level as it is in the life of a professional writer!

Is there an advantage to submitting my application early?
No, all applications will be considered together after the closing date of the course. While there is no advantage to submitting your application early, we would recommend you do not leave submission until the last minute to avoid any technical difficulties.

What is the time commitment outside of the teaching modules?
The teaching teams can provide more specific guidance about what is expected but there is a difference in focus between year 1 and year 2 of each course. Year 1 is based around blocks of teaching and shorter assignments whilst year 2 is the dissertation year where students work on their dissertations with regular individual supervisions. 

Can I attend modules on one of the other MSt in creative writing programmes?
No, you will only be able to access the teaching sessions that form part of the MSt course onto which you are admitted.

What happens outside of the taught modules?
You will be reading extensively and working on assignments, the details of which will be given to you at the end of each module. You will also be encouraged to engage with tutors and fellow students via the course’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) platform.

Can I apply for multiple courses?
Yes, you are welcome to submit applications for more than one course, although you would not normally be permitted to undertake more than one MSt at the same time. You are recommended to apply for the course that is most suited to your interests and skills.

Can I use the same referees and writing samples for each separate application?
Yes, providing they meet the criteria set out for each application within the Supporting documents file (available on the website).

Can I complete more than one MSt?
Although you are welcome to apply for and complete a second MSt course in a subsequent year, it should be noted that you cannot be awarded more than one MSt from the University of Cambridge.

Do I need to have studied creative writing beforehand?
You do not need to have previously studied creative writing; however, you would be expected to demonstrate an interest in creative writing and you will be required to provide recent samples of writing as part of your application.

Will I become a College member and do I need to pay College fees?
Yes, all of our MSt programmes are matriculated courses meaning that College membership is a requirement. At the time of applying, you will be asked to specify your College preference from a list provided. College places are limited and we liaise with Colleges on your behalf. College fees are included in your course fees.

Will I meet publishers and agents?
Yes, there will be opportunity to meet with publishers and agents. During each of the intensive 4-day modules you will have opportunity to hear from numerous guest speakers on a variety of topics and from a variety of genres. 

Frequently asked questions: MicroMasters (EdX route)

What do I need to do to progress to the MSt in Writing for Performance?
•    Apply for MSt in Writing for Performance by advertised closing date.
•    Be accepted on the MSt course based upon your application and interview.
•    Complete and verify the first 7 courses so that you can begin the Capstone.
•    Successfully complete the Capstone, and therefore the MicroMasters Program prior to the course starting.
•    You may then begin the MSt course in the second module if you choose to do so.

What is a Capstone?
The capstone is the final course in the MicroMasters program and is the culmination of all that you have previously learned. The assignments in the capstone are:
3000 word essay
10-page script and feedback given to others
Multiple choice questions

How often does the Capstone run?
2-3 times per year.  

Am I guaranteed a place on the MSt in Writing for Performance if I complete the MicroMasters?
No, you would need to apply for the course by the advertised deadline and be considered alongside other applicants.  All applications are considered together after the closing date. However, if accepted, you would not need to do Module 1 and so would join the course for Module 2.

Would I get a discount on the cost of the MSt?
Yes, you would receive a 1/6 discount and pay 5/6 of the full MSt rate. Please note that you need to apply using the ‘edx route’ to do this.

How can I apply for the MSt in Writing for Performance (EdX route)?
Contact the Creative Writing team via the ‘Ask a Question’ button on the website and we will provide you with a link to the webpage to allow you to apply for the course starting at Module 2 and therefore miss Module 1.

I won’t have finished the MicroMasters course or received my Certificate by the time I need to submit my application for the MSt – is that a problem?
No, please make sure you submit your application by the deadline.  You can provide your certificate when available (usually by 1st August).

If I have completed the MicroMasters course, do I need to progress to the MSt course straight away?
We anticipate that students wishing to progress from the MicroMasters in Writing for Performance and the Entertainment Industries to the MSt in Writing for Performance would apply for the next available iteration of the course.  The length of time allowed between courses is currently under discussion within the University but we would advise having no longer than 3 years between completion of the Capstone course and the beginning of module 2 of the MSt in Writing for Performance. 

In practice this is likely to mean that you would apply for the MSt within a year of completing the capstone course. This is because you will be joining the MSt alongside those who will have studied Module 1 face-to-face immediately prior to Module 2.