Ready to contribute original knowledge to the field? Our postgraduate research programmes are designed for scholars and practitioners who want to push the boundaries of what drama, theatre, and performance can be and do in the 21st century. Whether you're mapping existing practices or pioneering entirely new approaches, you'll work alongside leading researchers who understand that the future of theatre and performance lies at the intersection of tradition and innovation. 

Programme Code: 54267-879 (180 credits | NQF 9) 

Advanced Research & Creative Practice

Perfect for graduates who want to:

• Develop independent research capabilities while maintaining creative practice
• Explore how performance theory translates into lived artistic work
• Contribute meaningful scholarship to South African theatre discourse
• Prepare for PhD study or advanced professional practice

Research-Led Learning

This isn't coursework with a thesis tacked on. Your 180-credit thesis (approximately 35,000-45,000 words) is the heart of your degree, supported by methodological training that ensures you can conduct research that matters.

Performance-Centred Approach

Building on our Honours foundation, the MA shifts focus towards independent research and creative work. You're not just studying theatre, film, and performance - you're investigating how it functions, what it achieves, and where it's heading.

Core Component:

• Thesis in Drama and Theatre Studies (180 credits)
  • Independent research project under experienced supervision
  • Can include integration of theoretical investigation with creative practice
  • Original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area

Additional Requirement (if applicable):

• Complete the 10-credit BAHons module: Introduction to Research Methodology
  • Only required for students without Stellenbosch BA Honours
  • Ensures all students have equivalent methodological foundation

• Academic Standard: 60% average in Honours Drama (or Senate-approved equivalent) 
• Research Readiness: Approved research proposal demonstrating viable project 
• Cross-Institutional Welcome: We actively encourage applications from graduates of other South African universities 

Programme leader: Dr Schalk van der Merwe 

• Email: [email protected] 
• Phone: 021 808 3546 (direct) or 021 808 3216 (general office) 

• Project-based approval: Your specific research project must be approved, ensuring relevant, feasible, and innovative work
• Flexible methodology: Traditional research, Practice-as-Research (PaR), or hybrid approaches welcome
• Faculty expertise: Matched with supervisors based on your research area and methodological approach

Programme Code: 54267-978 (360 credits | NQF 10) 

Our PhD programme recognises that the most compelling theatre research happens when creative processes and theoretical work inform each other. You can pursue traditional theoretical research or develop integrated studies that combine original creative work with scholarly investigation. 

• A Master’s degree with training in Theatre Studies and/or Theatre Arts or Theatre Skills or an acceptable equivalent qualification approved by Senate and an approved research proposal.
• If you do not have a BAHons in Drama and Theatre Studies from Stellenbosch University’s Department of Drama, you may be required, on recommendation of the supervisor, to take and pass the following supplementary BAHons module: Introduction to Research Methodology. 

Apply by 30 November of the preceding year. Registration can only take place after submission and approval of a research proposal. 

Contact the Department as soon as possible to ensure that there is a suitable supervisor available for your study.

Programme leader: Dr Schalk van der Merwe 

• Email: [email protected] 
• Phone: 021 808 3546 (direct) or 021 808 3216 (general office) 

Our academic staff supervise research across diverse areas including:

• Performance Analysis & Semiotics
• Applied Theatre & Community Engagement
• Digital Performance & New Media
• South African Theatre History & Historiography
• Physical Theatre & Embodied Practice
• Voice Studies & Vocal Performance
• Children's Theatre & Educational Performance
• Theatre Ethnography & Cultural Studies
• Creative Writing & Playwriting Studies
• Theatre Directing & Collaborative Practice
• Film Studies
• Higher Education and Curriculum Development