The MFA (Music Theatre) offers practice-led research into music theatre – a term widely interpreted as forms of theatre in which music is an essential element in the making or the performance of the work, and also as musical theatre, in its various incarnations from its early formations in the nineteenth century to current commercial productions, not-for-profit developments and experimental shows. Creative research projects may investigate areas of practice, performance, writing, composition or training, with the imperative to develop scholarly engagement which leads to the dissemination and contribution of new knowledge and understanding in the field. Most projects may develop research by means of the candidate’s own artistic practice, which will be accompanied by a critical dissertation. Other forms of research, however, may strictly focus on historical or current forms of music theatre practices and debates, including performance reception, and result in a conventional fully written dissertation. Practice-led research projects outcomes might include the development of a book or score for a new work, training methods, a performance work, or other creative artefacts. The onus will be on candidates to ensure that their artistic work can provide the framework and process for the investigation of a meaningful research inquiry. The use of on-site facilities and venues may be facilitated on a case-by-case basis, and negotiated at the time of application. A creative submission is deemed as research only so far as it exemplifies, embodies or demonstrates the specific problematic that permeates the candidate’s inquiry. In other words, the practice ought to serve as a formal and necessary process towards answering or investigating a research inquiry. A successful practice-led MFA must be able to articulate and disseminate their research enquiry and its outcomes in a rigorous and meaningful way, both in its practical mode and also its dissertational form. Learning outcomes A demonstrated capacity to design, conduct and report independent and original research on a closely-defined project Well-developed and flexible problem-solving abilities appropriate to the discipline The ability to engage in independent and contextually-informed artistic practice The capacity to communicate effectively the results of research and scholarship by oral and written communication A capacity for critical evaluation of relevant scholarly literature and artistic practice An understanding of and facility with scholarly conventions in the discipline area The Master of Fine Arts provides you with a research-based foundation for articulating your artistic practice in the professional domain, and may also lead to teaching or doctoral study.