MA Applied Theatre at University of East London

If you want to use theatre in socially specific ways – as educative experiences, as moments of cultural exchange, or to help social groups narrate – then, UEL’s MA Applied Theatre gives you the skills to make a social difference. This MA gives you the opportunity to build your cultural practice through real-world projects and professional placements. You will learn from experienced practitioners while working in live social and cultural settings.

Faculty: School of Arts and Creative Industries  |  Department: Department of Music, Writing & Performance  |  Duration: 1 year full-time  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: September 2026  |  Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The programme shares modules with MA Acting for Stage and Screen and MA Directing for Stage and Screen. Through modules such as Research Methods, Practitioners and Praxis and Project Platform, you will have the choice to work across disciplines exchanging skills with theatre and film-makers interested in social practices. Modules include Research Methods in Creative Practice, Pedagogy for Social Change, Cultural Politics and Community, Mental Wealth: Practitioners and Praxis, Project Platform, Professional Platform, Creative Practice.

Career pathways

This applied theatre programme prepares you for a variety of careers in socially engaged theatre-making. Applied theatre postgraduates generally work in the creative sector or in social fields where creative interventions are supported.

Official programme page