MA Shakespeare and Creativity

University of Birmingham

Immerse yourself in Shakespeare's works and learn from expert academics at our Shakespeare Institute. You'll also get to work with theatre practitioners at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) as part of our unique collaboration. Pursue your creativity and your passion for Shakespeare and experience the thrill of producing your own creative response to his poetry and plays. This course is ideal for any aspiring academic, actor, writer, or director looking to explore Shakespeare from perspectives like academic research, theatre performances and public engagement. You'll have our Shakespeare Institute, RSC theatres and other local Shakespeare organisations all on your doorstep. Teaching on the MA includes content from the RSC, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, and the Library of Birmingham's Shakespeare collection. Take part in exclusive workshops from the RSC while learning from our academics specialising in Shakespeare studies. Access all the resources you need at our Shakespeare Institute including a library and study spaces. Go beyond the classroom and explore using Shakespeare for public engagement by producing your own creative response to his work. The University of Birmingham is ranked in the Top 30 for English Literature and Linguistics (QS World University Rankings 2026). On this unique course, you'll study everything from the history of Shakespeare in society to literary criticism and theatre practices. You'll be encouraged and challenged to consider new approaches to Shakespeare in the present day. Re-imagine Shakespeare's texts for the modern world with exclusive opportunities to work with RSC artists on the Shakespeare Ensemble and Shakespeare in Society modules. Showcase your own creative response to Shakespeare's work and deliver public engagement activities at the RSC.