It is led by Fiona Macbeth who has worked successfully in the Applied Drama field for some years. Studies are made of the creative uses of drama in unconventional settings such as truancy units, the probation service and children's homes. Students acquire skills in planning drama activity for and managing difficult situations. A pre-course programme of the study of key texts leads into the first stage of the course in which students explore a range of models of drama as intervention through shadowing of practitioners in the field. Written assignments and seminars support this, leading students to an understanding of their own theoretical preferences and the personal standpoints that influence their practise.
Students then work individually in settings within the community.
These experiences are systematically reflected upon in the MA group, drawing on texts and involving reflective and analytical writing. This module is a School of Drama and Music requirement undertaken by all new postgraduates. The dissertation results from the successful completion of a minor research project, the topic of which is negotiated with and supervised by each student's tutor.