Master of Arts in Drama and Performance Studies

The purpose of a programme in Drama Studies is to equip students with a broad understanding of the nature and function of theatre and drama in relation to society and with specific and detailed knowledge of selected areas of historical and contemporary theatrical and dramatic practice. Practical and creative competence, investigative and critical analysis, as well as effective communication are all stressed. A particular focus is on the use of drama for education and development and the programme is designed to enable students to create work both in community development and education and in the professional theatre. The programme also aims to engender the development of community arts. Apart from its vocational purpose this programme encourages students to think of themselves as social beings who need to be able to analyse critically the cultural artefacts which surround them and which mediate their understanding of themselves and their society.

Matriculation exemption with 30 matric points or more, or Dean's discretion and/or Senate exemption from matriculation requirements.

The achievement of this qualification means that the learner can

• Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
• Communicate effectively using oral, written, visual and dramatic skills.
• Use culture and dramatic arts effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards society and communities.
• Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
• Identify and solve problems in a responsible and creative manner.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
• Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsible and effectively.

Evidence generated through assessment tasks shows that the learner can

• Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
• Work effectively with others.
• Organise and manage their learning activities responsibly and effectively.
• Collect, analyse, organise and evaluate information.
• Communicate effectively, in written, spoken and presentational forms.
• Demonstrate a holistic understanding of the world and the interconnectedness of its problems.
• Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
• Be self-conscious learners.
• Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of contexts.
• Be able to develop entrepreneurial opportunities.

Integrated assessment

The University of Natal is currently reforming its assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification. In the meantime, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations serve to assess the integration of all/most of the learning outcomes for each module in a qualification

Modules within the programme are independently assessed in both formative ways (through class work, tests, essays, other written work and, where appropriate, practical exercises) and summative ways (written, oral and practical examinations). In some cases, journals, oral presentations and portfolios of work provide additional forms of assessment

Final assessment will be done in two ways

• the overall tabulation of the results obtained during the programme will show that the candidate has achieved the required outcome competencies of the programme;
• a defined portfolio that the student will assemble during the last two semesters of study and present at the end of their studies. This portfolio will be designed to assess students' competence across a range of relevant tasks and will include both further exploration of issues related to the programme as well as critical reflection on the learning in which they have participated.

In the case of the postgraduate programme the substantial research component constitutes a summative test of the candidates capabilities in the discipline concerned.