This is the first course leading to a qualification in dramaturgy in Australia and Asia, and offers a unique curriculum emerging from its positioning within the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) and the artistic and cultural life of Melbourne.

The Master of Theatre (Dramaturgy) offers you the opportunity to explore dramaturgy beyond work with written texts and literary play scripts to encompass the contexts of dance, hybrid works, installation, community-based and performance artwork. You will develop your potential for artistic leadership and attain in-depth knowledge of dramaturgical thinking and practices from industry professionals.

The course is underpinned by a commitment to the pursuit of artistic excellence, collaboration and interdisciplinearity within established and emerging local, national and international dramaturgical practices. It is closely interwoven with both the existing Master of Theatre (Directing) and Master of Theatre (Writing).

Structured with a balance of theory and practice across three semesters, the program is delivered through laboratory-based workshops, seminars, lectures, self-directed exercises, tutorials, practical masterclasses, and practical work on performance projects and an independent project.

A core principle of the program is collaboration, in developing this skill you will collaborate with other VCA postgraduate disciplines and engage with writers, directors, designers, choreographers, performance-makers and actors on a range of projects in an intensive training environment. As such this course also provides a unique opportunity to develop creative partnerships that can lead to future collaborations in the profession.

Who is this course for?

The Master of Theatre (Dramaturgy) is designed for graduates and/or professionals in the creative arts industry, who are looking to pursue dramaturgical practices in contemporary Australian and international performance environments.

Course Structure

18 months full-time or 36 months part-time.

This is a 150 credit point program.

The course provides a balance of theory and practice across three semesters through laboratory-based workshops, seminars, lectures, self-directed exercises, tutorials, practical master classes, practical work on performance projects and an independent project.

Networking opportunities

Artistic collaborations with directors, choreographers, designers and other performance makers at the VCA, provide a unique opportunity to develop creative partnerships that can lead to future collaborations in your profession.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, graduates will have developed:

• Potential for artistic leadership and gain in-depth knowledge of dramaturgical philosophies and practices
• Ability to creatively engage with textual, visual and performed artworks
• Knowledge of practical and critical approaches to develop the future of Australian performance culture
• Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary projects
• Advanced skills to work effectively in rehearsals with directors and creative teams.

Our graduates have gone on to work in academia, creative industries management, theatre production and arts advocacy.

Graduate pathways

• Upon completion of the program, graduates can select to undertake further study in one of our research master degrees.

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed: an undergraduate degree or equivalent in the arts (across art forms such as the performing arts, music, visual arts, film

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.