Applied Theatre Science (M.A.)

Composition of degree programme

The Master’s degree programme in Applied Theatre Studies offers the following two different study focuses:

• Focus: Practice of performing arts or
• Focus: Theory and aesthetics of performing arts

Studies that focus on the practice of performing arts conclude with a practical artistic study (e.g. theatrical production). Studies that focus on the theory and aesthetics of performing arts include a theoretical academic thesis. Students must choose their study focus by the end of their first year of studies (first and second MA semesters) at the latest.
The degree programme consists of five theatre studies modules, two modules in the related subjects, one assistance module and the MA thesis module. All modules are compulsory and are worth a total of 120 credit points (CP).

Modules

The five theatre studies modules cover the following areas:

• Theory and aesthetics, consisting of two seminars in which students address the theory and aesthetics of performing arts plus an AV tutorial or a reading course.
• Performance practice: Module on the practical exploration of and experimentation with contemporary issues, consisting of a drama project and two practical courses; instead of a drama project, students may develop their own artistic project.
• Theatre Studies MA module: Students choose a seminar in which the special field of their own MA thesis is addressed, and must also take the MA oral examination, which deals with the topics, methods and problems addressed in the students’ thesis and explores individual issues in greater depth.
• Specialisation module: This module gives students an opportunity to attend lectures/tutorials that relate to the topic of their MA thesis or MA theatrical production; the lectures/tutorials may be chosen from Theatre Studies or the related subjects. It consists of a drama project, a seminar or the student’s own artistic production as well as of a practical course and an AV tutorial or a reading course.
• Advanced module in performance aesthetics: The module must tie in with the study focus and can be chosen freely by students within that context. The module components may be taken from Applied Theatre Studies and from Choreography and Performance. Components from different modules may be combined. The possible types of academic session include a drama project, a seminar or the student’s own artistic production plus a seminar or a practical course and an AV tutorial or a reading course.

Two modules from the related subjects

• Aesthetics and literature: The module must tie in with the study focus in theatre studies and is based on the individual knowledge and skills acquired during the student’s BA programme. The choice of taught courses must relate to the MA thesis or MA theatrical production. This module can be taken in Art History, Musicology and German Studies and consists of two seminars plus one lecture, tutorial or introductory course.
• Interdisciplinary extension module: This module can be taken in English Studies, Romance Studies, Slavic Studies, Classical Studies, Philosophy, Sociology and Political Science. Otherwise, the same conditions apply as for the aesthetics and literature module.

The assistance module

Students on the Master’s degree programme in Applied Theatre Studies must complete a professional and employment-oriented practical placement referred to as the assistance module. The module lasts at least four to six weeks, consists of working in an assisting capacity at a recognised cultural/artistic establishment, and is intended to enable students to acquire knowledge of the profession and careers guidance.

Thesis module

The thesis module provides the framework for working on the MA thesis, which generally takes five months.

The final work of the Master’s programme can be theoretical and scientific or practical and artistic. It should show that the student is able to work independently on an academic and/or artistic topic from the area of "drama", "theatre" or "media" with relevant tools and methods of the student’s subject. The final practical/artistic work can take the form, for example, of a theatre or music theatre production, choreography, performance, installation, film or artistic video and must be presented or performed in public.