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

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

3. CGPA between 2.00 - 2.49 (Bachelor's Degree with Honours) with the following additional conditions: or

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 & Theatre)

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

The minimum score for each programme can be vary from the below list, candidates are required to check for each programme requirements.

  • A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
  • A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
  • A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
  • A minimum score of 47 for PTE; or
  • A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or
  • A minimum score of 154 for Linguaskill Online; or
  • A minimum of Band 3.5 for MUET

Exemption is given to candidate if:

  • English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
  • Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

PhD (Drama & Theatre)

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

  • A minimum score of 35 in Internet-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language); or
  • A minimum of Band 5 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System); or
  • A minimum score of 154 in Cambridge English Advance (CAE); or
  • A minimum score of 154 in Cambridge Proficiency Advance (CPE); or
  • A minimum score of 36 in Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
  • A minimum of Band 2 in MUET (Malaysian University English Test)

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 (Drama & Theatre)

Malaysian (MYR)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,050.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 750.00
  • Convocation 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
  • Convocation 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
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00

** Fees are subject to change

 

PhD (Drama & Theatre)

Malaysian (MYR)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 340.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,050.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 1,000.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00
  • Registration Fee : 340.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,515.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 1,000.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00

 

International (USD)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 227.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,150.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 375.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00
  • Registration Fee : 227.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,025.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 375.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00

** 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)