Independent Research Project in Theatre and Performance

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 6
• Convenor: Dr Molly Flynn
• Assessment: Pathway I: a 1000-word annotated bibliography/research proposal (10%), 10-minute individual performance project presentation (30%) and coursework of 5000 words (60%). Pathway II: a 1000-word annotated bibliography/research proposal (10%) and 8000-word research essay (90%)

This module is undertaken in the final year and forms the culmination of your work at Birkbeck. With the support of weekly seminars and individual tutorials, you will work independently to develop either a creative project (Pathway I) or an academic dissertation (Pathway II) based on your academic, artistic and professional interests,

Past students have gone on to stage expanded versions of their dissertation projects at leading theatre venues and festivals. Some projects have formed the foundations of continued MA or PhD studies at Birkbeck and beyond. Building on the skills, knowledge and experiences you have established throughout your degree, this module helps you focus your independent interests and prepares you for your next steps as an artist, researcher, writer or creative industries professional.

Pathway I

If you choose this pathway, you will apply your research and conceptual insight to the development of a creative project. Past projects have included:

• a set of designs for a chosen dramatic text
• a 10-minute solo performance piece
• a 10-minute facilitation of a workshop
• the curation of an installation or exhibition
• an excerpt from an original play script or screenplay.

You will also produce written documentation on your process and a 5000-word research essay on the topic of your project.

Pathway II

If you choose this pathway, you will draw on your experience and previous study to develop an academic dissertation of 8000 words. The focus of this research essay will be determined by your analytical and artistic interests. It will demonstrate your capacity to:

• generate an engaged analysis of the topic of your choice
• structure a persuasive and original argument
• engage independently with a range of research materials
• plan and complete a mid-scale research project.

You should expect to spend a minimum of 50 hours working on your project across the course of the year.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• identify appropriate topics for a piece of sustained research
• develop and define an original research question
• conduct an effective research process be it through writing or creative practice
• write a dissertation-length project investigating your research question (Pathway II)
• develop and execute a creative project that grows from your previous study and supports your professional ambitions (Pathway I).