The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

One or a combination of the following accepted full Level 3 qualifications:     

• Two A Levels at grades C or above
• Pass in Foundation Diploma in Performance (Level 3 or 4) and one A Level at grade C or above
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
• Equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma

And three GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*–C).

Entry to this course will also be determined by interview and practical work.

AP(E)L – Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Exceptionally applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

• Related academic or work experience
• The quality of the personal statement
• A strong academic or other professional reference

Or a combination of these factors.

Each application will be considered on its own merit but cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

IELTS level 7.5 or above, with at least 6.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our main English language requirements webpage).

We select applicants according to potential and current ability in the following areas:

• Expressivity and the ability to communicate articulately
• Creative engagement with actors and the group
• Ability to understand and analyse dramatic texts
• Imagination – visual sense, sensuous engagement with the material
• Story telling – understanding of narrative devises, character, visual means of expression, textual stresses, build up and resolution of tension
• Spirit of enquiry – artistic and cultural curiosity and engagement, knowledge of the world of theatre and screen
• Balance between emotional and intellectual engagement
• Knowledge of theatre and/or screen
• Knowledge and experience of the demands and realities of the profession.

What we are looking for

MA Directing is open equally to recent school leavers (who may have spent a year or more working, preferably in a theatre/media context) and to mature entrants with life and work experience, preferably in a performance-related context. 

We are looking for potential student directors who are committed, imaginative, curious and resilient, with respect for actors and a passion for directing, and a serious approach to the art of directing in the classical tradition and for the screen. We are looking for people who are not afraid to take creative risks, who respond to stimuli and who are excited by the idea of being in an ensemble, working generously and openly with others.

MA Directing focuses on directing for both the theatre and recorded media (film, television and radio). It provides an in-depth study of the art of the actor so that future directors will have an organic understanding of the acting process and a common language with performers. Initially the directing course is integrated with MA Acting at Drama Centre London, but subsequently students focus more specifically on subjects related to directing.

MA Directing offers you developing opportunities to work with actors:

• in the first place, by acting alongside them and observing actors at work
• at more advanced stages, through undertaking increasingly complex assistant director functions
• finally, by directing fellow students in a number of projects.

You'll also have the opportunity to collaborate with designers, musical directors and choreographers, fight directors, editors and sound engineers. In the latter stages of the course you have two opportunities for placements with a variety of theatre and television companies in London and beyond, during which you may observe not only artistic work, but also aspects of technical production, management, publicity, marketing and outreach.

In recent years placement opportunities (on BA Directing) were offered, amongst others, by:

• The Maly Theatre, St. Petersburg
• Jim Neason at the Irondale Theatre Company, New York
• Colin Chambers and the Royal Shakespeare Company on Tynan
• Declan Donnellan at the Royal National Theatre, the RSC and for Cheek by Jowl
• Peter Gill on The Voysey Inheritance at the Royal National Theatre
• Joanna Hogg on the film Unrelated in Italy
• Miklos Jancso on the film Dear Julia in Hungary
• Nancy Meckler and Polly Teale at Shared Experience
• Theatre Royal, Stratford East
• Di Trevis at Watford Theatre and for Quantum Theatre Company in Pittsburgh
• Betty TV
• Arcola Theatre, London
• Soho Theatre
• The Orange Tree Theatre
• Finborough Theatre
• Ivo Van Hove
• Katie Mitchell

Future careers

MA Directing aims to deepen your awareness of the profession in all its aspects, including the risks and uncertainties associated with the directing life. In addition to your education and training as an director, we offer education and training for life and work through our personal and professional development programmes.

Many ex-students of Drama Centre London have become successful actors and directors, or have become professionally involved in the wider creative worlds of theatre and the recorded media.

Graduates of the Directing Course at Drama Centre London include artistic Directors of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatres of Greece, Iran, Israel and Portugal, as well as distinguished freelance directors in theatre, film and television. More recently, graduates of the BA Directing course went on to work for leading companies soon after graduation, including:

• The Arcola Theatre, London and the Trafalgar Studios (West End)
• The National Theatre Studio
• The Burgtheater, Vienna
• Cheek by Jowl Theatre Company
• The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
• The Royal Shakespeare Company