MA Digital Performance
Digital performance has rapidly become integral to contemporary practice in the Performing Arts . Equip yourself with in-demand skills in this field , on one of the most forwardlooking postgraduate courses in the UK .
How can you engage audiences in a digital world through original content ? How can you translate live performance work to digital and find your own artistic voice online ? If you ’ re a current performing arts professional looking to upskill , or a recent graduate who would like to be at the forefront of performance practice , this course will give you practical expertise in online performance making , and deep knowledge of the contemporary digital arts shift .
The landscape of theatre and performance has evolved in recent years , and the way people consume art is changing . Digital performance is increasingly intertwined in the work that is being created and how it is shared .
The course will provide students with frameworks and experiential learning that cover both the practice and theories of performance on the internet , as well as its currency within the industry and the development of entrepreneurial opportunities . You will learn skills in how to develop trust , intimacy , and collaboration in online ensembles , which will be very appealing to future employers . Also , the course will place you well for self-employment , with an awareness of potential platforms , festivals , and networks to allow you to set up and monetise your own individual or collaborative practices .
This courseis for all existing levels of digital experience – you do not need to be an expert in advance ! A standard laptop and smartphone are the only tech requirements , as QMU will loan any additional kit as necessary .
Popular platforms ( such as Twitch , Zoom , BBB , jitsi , Gather . town , Second Life etc ) will be explored , as well as applications that have been purpose built by performance artists specifically for digital performance .
All students will have access to Adobe Creative Cloud to work remotely , as well as access to our well-resourced edit suite and performance studios .
This course is designed for people who are involved in making performance as part of their professional practice , and also recent graduates who aspire to develop their work in this field . You will be able to perform in your own work , or involve others in your performance making . The programme will also develop your awareness of practice research with a potential progression to doctoral study , if desired .
You will be equipped with :
• A critical understanding of the conceptual frameworks underpinning online / digital / internet performance practices
• The skills to apply this knowledge in a practical working context
• A critical understanding of the ethics involved in collaborating creatively with others in an online , often participatory and interactive environment
• An ability to critically reflect on professional development through digital performance practice
Structure
You can opt to study for the full MA , a PgDip or a PgCert . You can also register as an associate student to complete a single module for CPD . On completion of a single module , you may wish to complete further modules and progress your studies to a named award .
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Teaching , learning and assessment
Teaching comprises a combination of workshops , lectures , seminars , tutorials , case studies , simulation exercises , projects , as well as periods of practicebased learning . Assessment throughout the course will take a variety of forms , including practical digital performances , video essays , reports , research proposals , as well as a practice-based dissertation for the final MA component .
Teaching hours and attendance
Your specific timetable will depend on whether you are studying full-time , part-time or an individual module . Each module involves approximately 25 hours of face-to-face teaching . This will be a mixture of weekly classes combined with a series of intensive study days . Timetables are normally available around one month before you commence your studies . Teaching delivery will be blended ( live / online ), though campus attendance will be required for most modules . The two taught semesters run from September to December and mid- January to mid-April .
Industry links
Teaching staff have extensive professional experience , plus national and international networks to draw from . Our location in Edinburgh also means you are well placed to take advantage of the cultural context , including easy access to a range of world-class arts festivals .