Theatre Studies (2024)

The Theatre Studies Programme consists of papers that integrate practice and theory. The programme takes a practice-led approach to teaching and learning different aspects of theatre. We encourage students to explore and develop their performance practice, while thinking through what theatre does and can do in the world.

Theatre Studies is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA). Theatre Studies may also be taken as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Theatre Studies as a single major for the BA, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Theatre Studies, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must complete THSTS101.

To complete Theatre Studies as part of a double major for the BA or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Theatre Studies, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must complete THSTS101.

To complete a minor in Theatre Studies, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Theatre Studies major, including at least 30 points above 100 level.

Note: Students are encouraged to contact the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences Office for programme advice.


On this page


  • Prescriptions for the GradCert(TheatSt) and GradDip(TheatSt)

    A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Theatre Studies at an advanced level in their first degree.

    For further details, contact the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences Office.

  • Prescriptions for the PGCert(TheatSt), PGDip(TheatSt), BA(Hons) and MA

    To complete a BA(Hons) in Theatre Studies, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally THSTS591) and at least 60 points from THSTS coded papers listed for Theatre Studies.

    To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MA in Theatre Studies, a student must have completed either:

    a) a BA with a major in Theatre Studies (or equivalent) and have gained at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or

    b) a BA(Hons) in Theatre Studies (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division) or a PGDip in a Theatre Studies (or equivalent) with at least a B average and

    c) have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree, at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board.

    Completion requirements for the MA in Theatre Studies vary according to admission criteria:

    Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including ALPSS500 and at least 45 points from the papers listed for the subject in List A: Advanced Study of the regulations for the MA.

    Students admitted under b) above must complete 120 points from approved 500 level papers, including at least 45 points from the papers listed for the subject in List A: Advanced Study of the regulations for the MA.

  • Prescriptions for the MPhil

    The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.

  • Prescriptions for the PhD

    The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.

  • 100 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    ENGLI101Adapting Stories15.024B (Hamilton)
    This paper explores the art of adaptation, examining the process of transformation that occurs when creative artists reimagine and retell stories in new ways and new media.
    THSTS101The Practice of Theatre15.024A (Hamilton)
    A practical/theory paper introducing theatre as an ongoing, integrated practice, deeply rooted in time and place. Through examining some of the major theatrical movements, viewing live and mediated performance and practical performance exercises, students engage with theatre as a living, growing practice.
  • 200 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    ENGLI202Shakespeare's Worlds15.024C (Hamilton)
    This paper explores Shakespeare's worlds in performance and in print, examining his plays and poems in the context of the dynamic cultural outputs from many other Renaissance artists.
    THSTS212Developing Text and Action15.024B (Hamilton)
    This paper develops performance and writing for performance skills. Using techniques based on contemporary/postdramatic methods in theatre and performance, students will engage with the creation and performance of new theatrical work, leading to performance assessment.
    THSTS260Exploring the Physical in Theatre15.024A (Hamilton)
    This paper charts the use of the term 'physical theatre', providing an overview of the areas of debate in the field. Workshops are contextualised by theoretical readings exploring the landscape from which the term emerged.
    WRITE202Creative Writing: Voice and Image15.024B (Hamilton)
    This course explores the basic elements of imaginative writing - image and voice - concentrating the student's attention on the central writing practices of 'seeing' and 'saying.'
  • 300 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    ALPSS390Directed Study15.024X (Hamilton)
    This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology, and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their major or minor under the guidance of academic staff.
    THSTS302Arts, Creativity and Wellbeing15.024A (Hamilton)
    This paper integrates practice and theory, exploring embodied experiences of the relationships between arts, creativity and wellbeing. Contemporary theories of creativity and discussion of creative process in the arts will ground investigation of ways to foster and promote personal and social wellbeing in Aotearoa, Te Moana-Nui-A-K...
    THSTS303Reimagining Musical Theatre15.024A (Hamilton)
    This paper integrates practice and theory, critically investigating the popular genre of Musical Theatre and engaging in postdramatic practices to reimagine contemporary Musical Theatre.
    THSTS308Creating Theatre30.024B (Hamilton)
    A practical paper, supported by theory and research, which utilises performance techniques to develop, devise and create a public performance at the end of the semester. Students will contribute to all aspects of the production process.
  • 500 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    ALPSS500Academic & Professional Research & Writing30.024A (Online), 24B (Online) & 24C (Online)
    In this course, students will gain the skills and confidence to seamlessly transition from study to work. This course works to enhance the 'skills for the future' identified by the World Economic Forum (2020), in order to produce resilient, creative students with strong analytic and critical thinking skills.
    ALPSS590Directed Study30.024X (Hamilton)
    This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their major under the guidance of academic staff.
    THSTS501Practices in Creating Theatre30.024B (Hamilton)
    This paper integrates theory and creative practice research, utilising a range of methods to contribute to the development, devising and staging of a public performance. A range of methods will be investigated throughout the workshop process and applied within selected performance mediums. Creative practice research findings will i...
    THSTS560Special Topic: Applied Performance Practice30.024A (Hamilton)
    This paper introduces the nature, contexts and purposes of applied performance practice. Students will explore how performance practices can be used as a tool for critical enquiry, empowerment and social change.
    THSTS591Research Project30.0No occurrences
    A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
    THSTS592Dissertation60.024X (Hamilton)
    A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
    THSTS593Theatre Studies Thesis90.024X (Hamilton)
    An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
  • 800 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    THSTS800Theatre Studies MPhil Thesis120.024X (Hamilton)
    No description available.
  • 900 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    THSTS900Theatre Studies PhD Thesis120.024I (Hamilton), 24J (Hamilton), 24K (Hamilton) & 24X (Hamilton)
    No description available.
    THSTS901Theatre Studies Creative Practice PhD Thesis120.024I (Hamilton), 24J (Hamilton), 24K (Hamilton) & 24X (Hamilton)
    No description available.

2024 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 22 March 2024 8:11pm

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