The Master of Arts (MA) degree comes in two pathways, by coursework or by thesis. The MA by coursework The coursework option normally requires either one year or three semesters of full-time, or the equivalent in part-time, study and entails completion of papers and a dissertation. The dissertation is a major piece of supervised research of up to 20,000 words on a topic of current interest. The primary aim of the MA by coursework programme is to provide candidates with a grounding in their chosen discipline within a wider disciplinary frame to build the skills needed to identify a significant topic, design and implement a significant piece of research, and present the findings in a form acceptable to an expert readership. The MA by thesis The thesis option normally requires at least one year of full-time, or its equivalent in part-time, study and entails completion of a thesis. The thesis is a major piece of supervised research of up to 40,000 words on a topic of current interest. The primary aim of the MA by thesis programme is to develop in a candidate skills needed to identify a significant topic, design and implement an extended piece of research, and present the findings in a form acceptable to an expert readership. Theatre Studies Theatre Studies at Otago is based in Allen Hall Theatre, which is a working theatre featuring a very full programme of lunchtime and evening productions throughout the academic year. You will become involved in productions at the theatre, (both onstage and backstage) as part of your course work. Courses are not intended as full professional training for theatre, film or television. However, Theatre Studies graduates have found work as actors, primary and secondary school drama teachers, television production managers, script writers, lighting designers, stage managers, directors in theatre, film and TV, drama tutors and coaches. The courses are also a useful background for such occupations as broadcasting, journalism, arts administration, law and marketing amongst others. Theatre Studies improves communication skills, lateral thinking, team-building, creativity and imagination, and self-confidence, and its principles can be applied to a wide range of teaching and management skills. Structure of the Programme Thesis option The programme of study for this option shall consist of the preparation and submission of a thesis embodying the results of supervised research. Depending on their prior studies, a candidate may be required to complete a thesis only, or a combination of thesis and papers. Coursework option THEA 580 or THEA 590 Research Dissertation Two of: HUMS 501 Writing and Revision for Graduate Research HUMS 502 Research Methods in the Humanities HUMS 503 Key Debates in the Humanities Approved 400-level THEA papers worth 60 points, including THEA 423 if THEA 323 has not been passed previously. A candidate may not present a thesis, research dissertation, or studio option, which has previously been accepted for another degree.