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Master of Fine Arts - Theatre Directing

University of Essex

East15 (Loughton) Campus — Loughton, South East, United Kingdom

Study Level
Postgraduate · Master's Degree
Duration
To be confirmed
Study Mode
To be confirmed
Next Intake
October 2026
Tuition Fee
GBP 21,700
Application Fee
None listed
Scholarships Available
None listed
Post-Study Work Information
Graduate Route: Verify before applying
Application Status
Open — confirm with Eagle Link (Not confirmed)

Program information is subject to institution confirmation. Fees, deadlines, intakes and entry requirements may change.

Overview

East 15 Acting School’s MA/MFA Theatre Directing is a unique and renowned course designed specifically for those who are already practicing as or who wish to establish themselves as professional theatre directors. It is open to emerging theatre directors from the UK and to students from around the world. The University of Essex's teaching is driven by a wide range of leading directors and professional practitioners from the UK and overseas. The program benefits from its close ties with the London theatre world, which provides training expertise of the highest calibre and the professional networks that are vital to launching a Theatre Directing career. The MA runs for one year on a full-time basis and the MFA for 24 months. For MA study, students take four modules during three consecutive terms, followed by a three-month period of independent study, at the end of which students present a Director’s Production Workbook (or, alternatively, their MA Dissertation). For the MFA, running over 24 months, students take eight modules during six consecutive terms, followed by independent study that results in a fully resourced practical project at one of East 15’s theatre performance spaces or in a London theatre venue (or, alternatively, an MFA Dissertation). Each year students have the opportunity to choose four modules out of the seven or eight different options that are offered every year. The menu of modules rotates on a regular basis but always covers a range of directorial practice that is unrivalled in its diversity and will include several of the following: Shakespeare, Contemporary British Drama, Comedy, Musical Theatre and Opera, Physical Theatre, Brecht, Techniques of Adaptation, Improvisation and Devising Techniques, Contemporary Irish Drama, Rehearsal Processes and Workshops, Collaboration with Designers, Attachment (Assistant Director), The Artistic Director, Commedia dell’Arte and Directing for Camera. MA/MFA Theatre Directing is open to applicants with a background in theatre directing or related fields and is specifically tailored to those seeking professional development in this area. Study is full time but some module choices enable periods of time away to pursue professional theatre work.
Faculty / school
—
Field of study
—
Credential
Master's Degree
Relationship
Available Through Eagle Link

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements will be confirmed by the institution or authorized partner before application.

English-language requirements

English-language requirements will be confirmed by the institution or authorized partner before application.

Fees & Costs

Tuition fee
GBP 21,700
Application fee
None listed
Deposit required
Not listed
Estimated other compulsory fees
Not listed — confirm with Eagle Link.

Institution fees are paid according to the institution's instructions. Any Eagle Link service fee is shown on an Eagle Link invoice before payment. See our Payments Policy.

Scholarships

No scholarship is currently listed for this program. Explore scholarships and funding.

Scholarships are competitive and may change, close or be withdrawn. Eagle Link does not guarantee that any student will receive a scholarship.

Intakes & Deadlines

Upcoming intakes
October 2026, October 2027, October 2028
Application deadline
Confirm with Eagle Link
Application status
Confirm with Eagle Link
Intake availability
Not confirmed

Campus & Location

East15 (Loughton) Campus

Loughton, South East, United Kingdom

Hatfields, Rectory Lane,

East15 (Loughton) Campus campus, photo 1 East15 (Loughton) Campus campus, photo 2 East15 (Loughton) Campus campus, photo 3 East15 (Loughton) Campus campus, photo 4 East15 (Loughton) Campus campus, photo 5

Post-Study Work / Immigration Information

Please confirm current eligibility with Eagle Link before applying.

Graduate Route
Verify before applying

The Graduate Route applies after successful completion of an eligible course with a licensed student sponsor that has a track record of compliance. It is not guaranteed by attending a particular institution.

Official source

Eagle Link does not guarantee visa approval and does not make immigration decisions.

About the Institution

The University of Essex is a school where curiosity prevails, and where exploring new ways of thinking and pushing boundaries, isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected. The University of Essex was named University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards 2018 for their determination to do things differently and put student success at the centre of everything they do. Essex boasts a massive 350-mile coastline, the 2nd longest of any county in England. There’s plenty to explore across the county, from countryside walks to award-winning beaches. Students can even try a plate of freshly caught...

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Program information last verified 8 October 2026.