After completing my BA in English Language and Literature, I knew I wasn’t ready to leave academia behind. However, I also wanted to exercise my creativity which was dormant during my undergraduate studies. The University of Birmingham’s Shakespeare and Creativity MA was the perfect solution to this; providing both the academic rigour and expertise of the scholars at the Shakespeare Institute, while also allowing us to uniquely tap into the creative resources of the RSC.

The University of Birmingham’s relationship with the RSC has been invaluable to my course so far. It has provided insight into many different corners of the theatre sector, from dramaturgy to placemaking. A particular highlight for me was the opportunity to participate in a playwriting workshop with Charlie Josephine – it was truly inspiring and contained many practical tips and exercises to improve my creative writing.

This course has taught me the value of creating a safe and supportive space for creative play. These tools will be incredibly useful for any team-based work in my future career, as well as cultivating the ability to problem-solve peacefully and creatively.

The scholarship has allowed me to become less reliant on funding from part-time work during my full-time taught postgraduate studies. This has allowed me to channel significantly more of my time and energy into my MA program and learn new creative skills in my free time.

It has granted me more time to work on my creative skills such as writing, acting and dramaturgy which supports my future aspirations of working in creative industries.

The wonderful community of students! Even though the Shakespeare Institute is relatively small and separate to the rest of the University (tucked away in Stratford-Upon-Avon), there are plenty of opportunities for socialisation outside of our seminars. It is a privilege to professionally and personally learn from this talented group of academics and creatives.

The best part of studying in Stratford-upon-Avon is the multiple opportunities to see RSC productions, and having the resources from their amazing cast and crew right on our door-step!