SCHOOL OF THE ARTS   |  UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA

"Unleash your character's charisma and charm"

Drama & Theatre

The Drama and Theatre Program at Arts USM is a thrilling and captivating program that offers students a gateway to the world of performing arts. The program offers a comprehensive education in drama and theatre, covering a diverse range of topics such as acting, directing, stage design, scriptwriting, and theatre history.

Arts USM's Drama and Theatre Program provides students with an exceptional experience, offering immersive opportunities to unleash their creativity and sharpen their skills. Students will have the chance to participate in various productions, from classic plays to contemporary works, where they will work alongside industry experts and gain practical experience on the stage.

Led by an experienced and passionate faculty, the program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the entertainment industry. Faculty members are well-versed in the latest trends and techniques, and they strive to inspire students to push boundaries and reach their full potential.

The Drama and Theatre Program at Arts USM is a gateway to an exciting career in the entertainment industry. Graduates have gone on to work in various areas, including film, television, and theatre production.

Joining the Drama and Theatre Program at Arts USM is a transformative and life-changing experience that empowers students to unlock their creativity and pursue their dreams. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, industry connections, and immersive experiences, students will be able to hone their skills and unleash their full potential. So, why wait? Take the first step towards your dream career in the entertainment industry and join the Drama and Theatre Program at Arts USM today!

Areas of
Specialization

  • Traditional Theatre
  • Modern Drama and Theatre
  • History of Drama and Theatre
  • Theory of Drama
  • Theatre and Performance
  • Theatre in Education
  • Children's Theatre
  • Community Theatre
  • Traditional Dance
  • Modern and Experimental Dance
  • Performance
  • Creative Movements

Admission Requirements

MA (Drama & Theatre)

Applicants should possess the following:

A. Bachelor's degree in related area

  1. CGPA of at least 2.75 / 4.00; or
  2. CGPA between 2.50 - 2.74 with the following additional conditions: or
  3. a) Research experience for at least one year; or
    b) Work experience in related field for at least one year; or
    c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
    d) Grade B for major / elective courses; or
    e) Grade B+ for final year project
  4. CGPA between 2.00 - 2.49 (Bachelor's Degree with Honours) with the following additional conditions: or
  5. a) Research experience for at least five (5) years; or
    b) Work experience in related field for at least five (5) years; AND
    c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
    d) Grade B for major / elective courses; or
    e) Grade B+ for final year project

PhD (Drama & Theatre)

Applicants should possess one of the following:

  • A Master's degree in research mode; or
  • A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 3.00/4; or
  • A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 2.50-2.99/4 with additional requirements; or
  • Bachelor’s degree in related area with minimum CGPA 3.67/4 (fast-track to PhD)

Language Requirements

MA (Drama and Theatre)

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

  • A minimum score of 46 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
  • A minimum of Band 8 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
  • A minimum of Band 5.5 for IELTS; or
  • A minimum score of 51 for PTE; or
  • A minimum score of 160 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or
  • A minimum score of 160 for Linguaskill Online; or
  • A minimum score of 108 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
  • A minimum of Band 4 for MUET

Exemption can be given if:

  • English is the candidate's mother tongue or National Language; or
  • The candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction is English

PhD (Drama and Theatre)

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

  • A minimum score of 46 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
  • A minimum of Band 8 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
  • A minimum of Band 5.5 for IELTS; or
  • A minimum score of 51 for PTE; or
  • A minimum score of 160 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or
  • A minimum score of 160 for Linguaskill Online; or
  • A minimum score of 108 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
  • A minimum of Band 4 for MUET

Exemption can be given if:

  • English is the candidate's mother tongue or National Language; or
  • The candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction is English

Duration

MA (Drama & Theatre)

  • Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters
  • Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters

 

PhD (Drama & Theatre)

  • Full-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 10 semesters
  • Part-time: Min 6 semesters / Max 15 semesters

 

Fees

MA (Fine Arts)

Malaysian (MYR)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,050.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 750.00
  • Graduation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,515.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 750.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00

 

International (USD)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,150.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
  • Graduation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,025.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
  • Graduation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00
  • Malay Language (LKM111) : Free for first timer
    80.00 (repeat)

PhD (Fine Art)

Malaysian (MYR)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,050.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 1,000.00
  • Graduation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,515.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 1,000.00
  • Graduation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00

 

International (USD)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,150.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 375.00
  • Graduation Fee : 50.00
  • Malay Language (LKM111) : Free for first timer
    80.00 (repeat)
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,025.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 375.00
  • Graduation Fee : 50.00
  • Malay Language (LKM111) : Free for first timer
    80.00 (repeat)

** Fees are subject to change

 

"Empower your character and inspire the crowd"

School of The Arts
Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang Malaysia
t: 604 – 653 3888 ext: 3621 / 3415 | f: 604 – 657 6296
e: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Dean)
e: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Noor Rismafarra Binti Haris (Assistant Registrar)