Master of Arts in Theatre Studies and Dance Studies

The Master program (both for major and minor) is designed to offer students the opportunity to develop their own scholarly skills. Students in the Master program in Theater and Dance Studies focus their studies on either Theater or Dance.

DIEstinguished von La Ribot Ensemble Aufgenommen im TPR – Centre neuchâtelois des arts vivants, La Chaux-de-Fonds 2022 © Nicolas Montandon
Basic information
Degrees:

Master of Arts in Theatre and Dance Studies with special qualification in

  • Theatre
  • Dance

Universität Bern (MA)
Number of credits: 120 ECTS credits
Degree programs:

Major 90 ECTS credits with one of the following special qualification in:

  • Theatre
  • Dance

 

Minor offer for other degree programs:

  • Theater Studies/Dance Studies 30 ECTS credits 
Combination possibilities:

several
Duration: 4 semesters
Language: German
Beginning studies: Fall or spring semester

Details of program

Students in the Master program in Theater and Dance Studies focus their studies on either Theater or Dance. The study of theater and dance requires the flexible application of historical, theoretical, dramaturgical and performance-analysis knowledge and associated expertise, as well as practical experience. The subject fields for the two areas of focus in the Master program are arranged as follows: Focus on Theater Subject fields 1. History of theater 2. Theater theory 3. Dramaturgy and theater-performance analysis 4. Seminars and internships for developing fundamental skills Focus on Dance Subject fields 1. History of dance 2. Dance theory 3. Dance dramaturgy and dance-performance analysis 4. Seminars and internships for developing fundamental skills The courses in the Master program cover subjects that also require students to address several different sub-topics.

Scheme of program

The Master program in Theater and Dance Studies is divided into the Master course of study (7th-9th semester) and the final phase (10th semester). Students focus their studies on either Theater or Dance.

Combination possibilities

The Master's degree program in Theater and Dance Studies consists of a major with 90 ECTS credits and a minor with 30 ECTS credits.

Any Master's minor study program offered by the University of Bern can be chosen for the major study program in Theatre Studies/Dance Studies in accordance with Article 52 RSL Phil.-hist. 21.

The major study program in Theatre Studies/Dance Studies can be combined with the minor study program in Theatre Studies/Dance Studies. In this case, the major and the minor study program must be chosen in the respective other specialization or special area.

Structure
Major ECTS  Minor ECTS 
90  30 
Available minors
Minors you may choose

Requirements

Individual academic requirements

The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the master’s degree program in Theater and Dance Studies (major):

a) Admission ist granted to people who meet the general admission requirements for study at the University of Bern as well as Articles 50 and 51 of the RSL Phil.-hist. 21.
b) Admission requires knowledge equivalent to 60 ECTS credits in the field of Theatre and Dance Studies, of which up to 30 ECTS credits may be made up as requirements or conditions. The institute defines the content of the required coursework
c) Knowledge and skills not acquired during the completed bachelor's program may be required as additional requirements. These additional requirements, in the form of conditions or stipulations, are defined on a case-by-case basis by the Collegium Decanale.

Further details are governed by Article 51 of RSL Phil.-hist. 21.

Please consult the admission requirements for the minor as presented in the plan of studies.

If you are interested in a Master's program and have not completed a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Studies with 120 or 60 ECTS credits, please contact the program director, Prof. Dr. Beate Hochholdinger-Reiterer (beate.hochholdinger@unibe.ch), regarding possible requirements.

Language requirements

Excellent knowledge of German is required, as the courses are primarily taught in German. A good knowledge of English and French is also expected.

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Application and admission

Current UniBE students

Apply for a change to the M A in Theatre and Dance Studies with special qualification in Theatre or Dance, Universität Bern by self-service as part of the re-registration for the next semester.
Renewal of semester registration → Self-service
Recognition of academic achievements
Procedure and timing of the renewal of semester registration
   

Application with a Swiss degree

Online application
Assessment
Steps from application to registration
 

Application with an international degree

Online application
CHECKLIST - Documents for your application / Important information
Steps from application to registration

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.