Performance Writing MA

Why study MA Performance Writing at University College Falmouth?

This unique MA programme, based at the Arnolfini in Bristol (one of Europe's leading contemporary art venues), takes a broad approach to what writing is and does in a range of social and disciplinary contexts.

The course explores writing and textual practice in relation to visual art, digital media, installation, performance, collaborative practices and sound/audio work, as well as book art and page-based media. MA Performance Writing takes full advantage of a new and exciting partnership between University College Falmouth and the Arnolfini Gallery, which enables you to work and study in an internationally renowned professional practice environment and draw upon the range of resources, opportunities and networks that such a context provides.

Tell me more about the MA Performance Writing course

 MA Performance Writing award information form (93.75 KB)

This is a student-led, practice-based course driven by a commitment to develop and enhance professional futures for all its students. It's a critically rigorous programme, but one in which theoretical debate and critical thinking are always taken on as integral elements of sustainable practice. At all stages research, theoretical enquiry and self-reflective commentary are embedded components of practice-based curricula and teaching.

Overtly interdisciplinary in its approach, this MA sets out to explore the boundaries and intersections between different forms and media, and to engage with new possibilities and technologies for the production and dissemination of writing in the 21st century. You'll benefit from participating in an area of the College's work that is extremely well networked, enjoying links and partnerships with a range of artists, writers, institutions, art producers and publishers.

Our staff are committed, experienced practitioners dedicated to providing a mutual learning environment. Teaching takes place in small groups, through individual and team tutorials, staff and student-led seminars, presentations, specialist workshops and work-in-progress events, supported by visiting professors, industry specialists and practising artists and writers.

Professional Practice

This MA has a strong focus on professional practice, which is written into all stages of the core curriculum. This emphasis will be significantly enhanced by regular contact with visiting artists and writers, as well as professional development guidance from industry specialists based at the Arnolfini. You'll be well-placed to progress from the MA into the Arnolfini's Associate Artist's scheme.The MA will culminate in a curated MA degree show in the Arnolfini gallery, providing students with a high-profile career development platform.

Course structure

The course is structured over four terms; the first three being 10 weeks and the fourth 15 weeks, making a 45-week academic year. During the first three terms, the course is delivered at the Arnolfini on Mondays. The fourth term has considerably less group teaching as you work towards the completion of your Final Major Project. This process is supported by significant tutorial guidance and three ‘work in progress events' at the Arnolfini, also on Mondays.

Throughout the course you'll be in regular contact with a designated tutor, by email, telephone, virtual learning technologies and, at certain stages in the course, in person at the Arnolfini.

Diagnostics and Methodologies 1 / 20 credits This unit requires you to undertake an in-depth analysis of your practice and to identify potential areas for the development of new work and methodological strategies for proceeding with your ideas.

Questions of Practice / 40 credits Drawing on the outcomes of the previous five-week block, you'll be presented with models of contemporary textual practice, which will initiate practical enquiries that lead your work in new directions

Theories for Writing Practice / 40 credits Drawing on your existing practice, as well as new directions explored in the previous block, this unit asks you to locate your work within wider cultural and theoretical contexts.

Diagnostics and Methodologies 2 / 20 credits This unit has a summative, reflective function, which allows you to take account of the progress of your work so far and forms the basis of an extended proposal for your Final Major Project.

Final Major Project / 60 credits This large-scale practical project sees the culmination of the MA programme and comprises the development of a significant body of work for presentation in a professional context. Work produced is accompanied by related written research and critical commentary.

Please note that there is the scope for you to make minor adjustments to the scheme outlined above, to enable the writing of an extended dissertation.

Assessment

The course is assessed through a mixture of presentations, your portfolio of practice, a written research project, proposals, your Final Major Practical Project and research, and critical commentary.

Assessment at Falmouth is regarded as part of the personal learning process. Therefore you'll be asked to develop peer and self-evaluation skills, which will be used in critical, conceptual, productive and professional capacities.

Facilities

You'll have access to a range of spaces within the Arnolfini including studios, the auditorium and reading room. You'll also have access to the gallery's archive, supported by professional archivists and curators of international repute. Further support will be provided by a range of technicians and gallery staff.

All students will also enjoy full access to University College Falmouth's Campuses, including libraries, online research facilities and the Media and Performance Centres. It's also hoped that a research relationship will be put in place with a Bristol-based university library.

Entry requirements and how to apply

Entry requirements through the university sector include Honours Degrees, Foundation Degrees and HNDs in a related subject. If you have solid professional industry experience rather than academic achievement, this may be acceptable for entry to study at this level through a process called APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning). More information about entry requirements can be found here

Applications should be made direct to Falmouth using the online application form

For further information about MA Performance Writing, please email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone 01326 255764.

Interview and selection process

First of all, the course team will assess your application and if we think you have the potential to study at Falmouth we will invite you to an interview. Interviews typically take place at the Arnolfini in Bristol where the course is run, but can be held in Falmouth if preferred. 

Answers and advice about the course

 Postgraduate study guide 2012 (2.70 MB)

If you have any queries about the course please email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone 01326 255764.

Career opportunities

Performance Writing MA graduates are currently advancing sustainable careers in independent writing/performance practices, publishing, education at all levels, academic research, curation and networked multimedia projects.

Interview

UK applicants will be required to attend an interview and present a portfolio of appropriate work. Your portfolio should include examples of the range of your work, development of ideas, interests and experiences. EU and international students will typically be interviewed by telephone rather than in person and will be asked to submit a portfolio of work online or on CD/DVD.

Related courses

• Professional Writing MA