Performing Arts (Drama, Dance, Music) | MRes

Dr Sreenath Nair - Programme Leader

Dr Sreenath Nair studied Cultural and Critical Theories and Performance Studies at several Indian and British universities and completed his PhD in 2005 at the University of Aberystwyth, joining the College of Arts at the University of Lincoln in the same year. His doctoral thesis on Restoration of Breath is a pioneering work in the field of ethnography, culture, and intercultural performance published by Rodopi in 2007. His research continues to develop on embodied methodologies (the body and culture) in a variety of aesthetic, epistemological, and practical contexts, establishing an ongoing dialogue between the Indian (Asian) and Western intellectual traditions.

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Welcome to MRes Performing Arts (Drama, Dance, Music)

The MRes Performing Arts (Drama, Dance, Music) aims to provide a recognised research award in preparation for PhD study in associated areas. This course is designed for arts practitioners and scholars to work alongside the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) project 'Mobile Arts for Peace': Informing the National Curriculum and Youth Policy for Peacebuilding in Kyrgyzstan, Rwanda, Indonesia and Nepal'. Further details about this project can be found further down this page.

This course is an ideal starting point towards further research in to the performing arts. It aims to provide the critical and methodological tools necessary for scholarly research, while enabling focused study in a chosen performing arts discipline and engagement with different perspectives on performance.

You will benefit from having the option to select modules that cater for your particular area of interest and support further independent study.

Students on this Master's programme can benefit from the resources of Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, studios, gallery, and a vibrant artistic community.

How You Study

Students can work alongside colleagues in performing arts, whose disciplinary backgrounds vary in drama, dance, music, or similar fields. This provides an opportunity to engage with people who have similar but subtly different perspectives on performance, and can therefore introduce associated discipline areas in the performing arts.

Taught modules are offered through seminars, and include tutor-delivered content followed by discussion, workshop activity, and exercises.

Contact hours on this programme may vary depending on each individual module and the stage of study. Postgraduate study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to at least spend two to three hours in independent study. Please contact the Programme Leader for more information.

The final research project will be an extended period of independent study leading to a practice-as-research output (practice and short dissertation) or a dissertation.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Critical Perspectives 2022-23DAN9019MLevel 72022-23This module considers a number of theoretical and philosophical perspectives that relate to the study of performing arts disciplines. In particular, it introduces students to a range of critical debates and issues regarding gender, ethnicity, sexuality, ethics, politics, cultural materialism, historicity, and authenticity. It will explore how these debates relate to drama, dance and music, and it will consider texts, practices, and performances in relation to these critical dynamics. In particular, it will consider how issues of identity become embodied in performance, how ethical considerations relate to artistic composition and performance, and how cultural dynamics relate to performance texts and practices across the arts. Students will be encouraged to explore texts, practices and performances in their own discipline area, and will share their findings and perspectives to enable cross-disciplinary perspectives to emerge. Not only will this enable students to become proficient critical thinkers at a postgraduate level, but it will also equip students with lateral, interrogative and adaptive intellectual skills that are transferable to a variety of careers.CoreDesigning your Research Project 2022-23DRA9037MLevel 72022-23Research projects require planning in advance in order that a systematic approach can be taken and an appropriate methodology used. This module will guide students through the ins and outs of designing and planning a research project, from establishing a question to delivering the results. Each student will prepare and submit a project proposal serving as the foundation for the research they will undertake in their final project of the programme. This will equip them with fundamental skills in conception, design and preparation that could be transferred to a range of other future careers.CoreResearch Methods (Performing Arts) 2022-23MUS9002MLevel 72022-23This module provides students with a range of research methods and skills necessary for the undertaking of scholarly research in the performing arts, including practice as research in performance, practice-based research in Drama, Dance, Music or a combination thereof, and more traditional research methods common to the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. A series of tutor-led seminars, presentations, practice-based surgeries and tutorials will allow students to examine and explore the varied and multiple methods involved in researching in the performing arts. Students will be introduced to a variety of research material and resources, including archives, libraries, online resources, and ephemera. Exercises will allow students to rehearse different modes of research such as archival exploration, ethnographic interviews, discourse analysis, and online research. Within this model, students will be able to focus on approaches related to their discipline. Full use will be made of the facilities and resources within the school, including its fully-equipped specialist performance theatre and its rehearsal studios ideal for exploring practice as research in performance; its specialist dance studios ideal for movement-based practice and examining choreography; and its extensive music archive, part of Lincoln Cathedral archive, ideal for advancing skills in musicological research. The module will provide a strong foundation from which to develop a career as a researcher, and by extending the knowledge practices of approaches and methodologies of enquiry, it will equip students with the transferable skills to be able to work in a variety of industries.CoreAdvanced (ethno)musicology 2022-23MUS9001MLevel 72022-23Advanced (ethno)musicology explores advanced theories and concepts within the research areas of musicology, ethnomusicology, musical analysis and musical instrument studies. The module aims to deliver theories and concepts that build on their knowledge of music and expand their capacity for researching and thinking critically and theoretically about music. Students can consider these concepts and apply them to music and/or musical and cultural movements, helping to understand how theory develops an advanced understanding of music and an advanced ability to research music.OptionalPractice as Research Project 2022-23DRA9032MLevel 72022-23This module gives students the opportunity to pursue a self-initiated Practice as Research project, based on an area of their choice, resulting in a piece of practical work and a critical reflection. Working under the supervision of a member of staff, each student undertakes a project which may be informed by their experience on the course. Their Practice as Research Project should demonstrate a deep understanding of the issues central to their chosen subject.OptionalResearch Project 2022-23DRA9033MLevel 72022-23This module gives students the opportunity to pursue a research project, based on an area of their choice, resulting in a conventional dissertation taking the form of an extended piece of academic writing. Working under the supervision of a member of staff, each student undertakes a project which may be informed by their experience on the course. Their Research Project should demonstrate a deep understanding of the issues central to their chosen subject.OptionalThe Freelance Choreographer 2022-23DAN9001MLevel 72022-23This module focuses on students individual development as a choreographer and creative practitioner. Students will be introduced to a range of choreographic strategies and encouraged to locate their practice in the current contemporary dance landscape. The module promotes critical feedback between peers, and encourages an appreciation of choreography as a continuous creative process. The module culminates in a choreographic work which may be presented at a public showcase in the LPAC theatre.OptionalWriting for Theatre 2022-23DRA9036MLevel 72022-23How do we write for theatre? How do we perform writing and how does our writing perform? How does what we write reflect who we are and the world in which we live? How might we give voice to the unspoken and speak truth to power? How might we find the words that events make us speak? How might words paint a thousand pictures? Taking questions such as these, students have the chance to write a new piece of theatre and reflect on that process with a view to becoming a critical theatre-maker.Optional

How you are assessed

A range of assessment modes are utilised, each of which aim to equip students with an appropriate skill or skills for ongoing research work. These may include essays, oral presentations, viva voces, and project plans.

The final project will consist of either a practice-as-research package (practice and short dissertation) or a standard dissertation.

Assessment Feedback

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

Programme-Specific Additional Costs

For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional, you will normally be required to pay your own transport, accommodation and general living costs.

With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

International Postgraduate Taught Application Deadline

Please note that international applications for taught postgraduate programmes starting in September 2022 have now closed.

Entry Requirements 2022-23

First or upper second class honours degree.

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

Research Areas, Projects and Topics

Specialist areas of research expertise in the Schoolinclude:

Contemporary theatre-making
Contemporary British playwriting
Musical theatre
Asian performance
Practice as research
Choreography
Contemporary composition
Ethnomusicology
Popular music

Mobile Arts for Peace (MAP): Informing the National Curriculum and Youth Policy for Peacebuilding in Kyrgyzstan, Rwanda, Indonesia and Nepal

The Mobile Arts for Peace (MAP) project aims to provide a comparative approach on the use of interdisciplinary arts-based research methods for peacebuilding. MAP has the overall goals of first, influencing curricula and approaches to working with in- and out-of-school youth to address global challenges and second, creating structures and modes of communication between youth and policymakers from the local to global.

MAP undertakes research with young adults, educators, cultural artists, CSOs and policymakers to address the gap between needs assessment, curriculum development, policy and youth priorities. The project includes eight national and international partners and sub-projects working with academics, artists, civil society workers, policy makers and young people from around the globe. Programme Leader, Professor Ananda Breed, serves as the Principal Investigator of MAP alongside an additional GCRF / Newton Fund project entitled ‘MAP at Home: online psychosocial approaches through arts in Rwanda’ to provide mental health support during the pandemic. For further information about MAP, please see Mobile Arts for Peace (MAP).

As additional experiences and opportunities alongside their programme of study, MRes students will have the opportunity to:

Co-author academic blogs;
Co-author one peer-reviewed journal article;
Attend webinars across the Network Plus project;
Contribute to the writing of impact case studies.

MAP will feed into the MRes Performing Arts programme by providing culturally and contextually sensitive case studies, engaging with MAP researchers and PhD students, and connecting with wider University of Lincoln research themes and opportunities. Core transferrable skills in work and research that students will develop include: generating, collecting and analysing data, academic writing, networking, and delivering presentations. In general, the MRes Performing Arts programme will enable a strong foundation for either PhD study or to develop a career as a researcher working within HEI, the public sector, industry, or for research charities.

Features

The programme covers a broad spectrum of performing arts subjects (Drama, Dance, Music), incorporating interdisciplinary and mixed-method insight.

Students will have the opportunity to shape their own focus of study in terms two and three, firstly by selecting a specialist elective (a module chosen from other Master's programmes in Drama, Dance, and Music), and secondly by designing and conducting a dissertation or practice-as-research project.

How to Apply

Applications are made through the University's online application system. We look for existing interest and experience in a performing arts discipline or disciplines, an interest in furthering studies through research, and the potential to continue studying toward an MPhil or PhD. Alongside your application you should submit a piece of academic writing critically exploring an enquiry related to the Performing Arts. This should be around 2,000 words.

Interviews take place by telephone or in person, and applicants are welcome to visit our campus to see our facilities.

Career and Personal Development

This Master's course offers the opportunity for further research in the performing arts. Graduates may use this course as a platform for further study, progression to doctoral study, or for a career in research and academia.

Postgraduate Events

Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.

Find out More

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Key Information

MRes Performing Arts (Drama, Dance, Music)