Please note that the courses in the degree programmes at our institute are all offered in German. Studying in a field of humanities like this like this requires students to have good knowledge of the German language (at least B2 level). It is partially for this reason that our Course Catalogue – which provides detailed information about the structure of the bachelor’s and master’s programmes as well as their modules and exam regulations – is only available in German. Although all of our seminars and lectures are offered in German, we are trying to increasingly integrate English and French texts into our seminars. In the future, we hope to organise summer schools and block seminars in English and French.
Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Studies
The BA programme in Theatre Studies provides basic academic education in the field of theatre studies. Taking into account the requirements of and changes taking place in the professional world, the curriculum aims to impart specialist knowledge, skills and methods that will enable students to critically analyse academic research and communicate both professionally and as members of society. The courses at this level generally focus on theory, analysis and historical criticism. A bachelor’s degree qualifies students for entry-level jobs in a diverse range of fields in the fields of theatre, media and academia and in other cultural institutions.
The bachelor’s programme should ideally take six semesters (including the BA thesis and exams). A bachelor’s degree is a double major with two main subjects of equal value (here you will find subjects that can be combined with theatre studies as well as courses in the mandatory elective module). The subject-specific guidelines stipulate that a total of 180 credit points are required in order to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
Master’s degree in Theatre Studies
The master’s programme in Theatre Studies builds upon the basic academic education attained during the BA in Theatre Studies. It consolidates and expands upon the specialised skills and methods that students have already acquired and will enable them to critically analyse and impart academic knowledge, and to communicate in the field of research, in their future professions, and in society in general. The MA in Theatre Studies at our university has a theoretical, historical and critical focus. It aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the theatre and theatrical forms in the process of cultural (ex)change and will enable them to take a problem-based approach towards analysing these phenomena. Our master’s programme introduces students to current theatre studies research and to (discursive) artistic positions throughout the spectrum of contemporary (Western) scenic and performing arts.
Our MA programme is based upon the principle of “learning by researching” and takes a project-based approach in order to motivate students to develop independent research methods on the basis of the latest knowledge from the field. This conceptual framework allows students to carry out academic analysis on their own initiative, to independently select and narrow down their subject matter, to put methods into practice and to communicate their own personal insights and positions in spoken and written form. The MA programme aims to provide students with in-depth, differentiated knowledge of a diverse range of subjects and to teach them about research questions and theoretical models in the field. Students will learn how to formulate their own questions and to realise them in their own (research) projects. Furthermore, they will learn how to engage in abstract theoretical discussions and how to evaluate a wide range of methodological paradigms, while gaining a deeper understanding of the theatre’s historical development.
Ideally, the master’s programme in Theatre Studies should not take more than four semesters (including the MA thesis and exams). The master’s programme is either completed as a single major with supplementary courses in other disciplines or as a double major, continuing with the subjects studied in the BA programme.
Master’s degree in Scenic Research
The MA programme in Scenic Research is an applied master’s programme. It undertakes the transformation of the scenic arts in perceptive, accompanying and productive manners and prepares students for the professions of tomorrow’s theatre. The practice of making theatre – of directing, producing, curating and organising – is both the subject matter and the medium of scenic research. Under the instruction of guest artists as well as practitioners from the fields of dramaturgy, production, technology, management and art communications, students experiment with and reflect upon current directing methods, aesthetic strategies and forms of organisation.
Scenic research is a consecutive single major master’s programme with a standard duration of four semesters. This course builds upon the content of the bachelor’s programme in Theatre Studies at Ruhr-Universität Bochum. However, we still invite graduates from other disciplines to apply. Potential students must have an academic degree (BA or equivalent) and have gained relevant experience in the field of theatre in order to study scenic research. They must also have an aptitude for practical artistic work. We will determine whether the applicant has met these requirements during a qualification examination. In order to further the exchange between students and their lecturers and to promote networks with professionally relevant institutions, we can accept only ten applicants each year. To complete the master’s degree in Scenic Research, students can choose between writing a thesis or carrying out their own artistic project.