University of Birmingham Shakespeare MA 2027: Scholarships, Requirements and How to Apply
Are you planning to study Shakespeare at postgraduate level in the UK? The University of Birmingham is accepting applications for its September 2027 Shakespeare MA programme, with teaching based at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The one-year, full-time course explores Shakespeare through literature, theatre and education. Eligible Home-fee students may also qualify for a £3,000 Birmingham Masters Scholarship, while international applicants should watch for updates on Shakespeare-specific funding for 2027.
University of Birmingham Shakespeare MA 2027: Key Details
- University: University of Birmingham, UK
- Course: MA Shakespeare
- Start date: September 2027
- Duration: One year, full-time
- Location: Shakespeare Institute, Stratford-upon-Avon
- Scholarship: £3,000 Birmingham Masters Scholarship for eligible Home-fee applicants
- English language requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each band, or an accepted equivalent
- Application fee: None, according to the supplied information
Who Can Apply for the Shakespeare MA?
Applicants generally need a 2:1 honours degree in English or a related subject, or an international equivalent.
The university also accepts its Fall in with Shakespeare or Spring into Shakespeare short course as an alternative route to meeting the academic entry requirement. Some applicants may be asked to submit a writing sample of approximately 2,000 words.
Students interested in teaching can explore the Shakespeare and Education pathway through relevant modules and an education-focused dissertation.
Both UK and international graduates can apply, provided they meet the course requirements.
University of Birmingham Shakespeare MA Scholarships 2027
Funding eligibility depends on your fee status and the specific scholarship rules.
1. Birmingham Masters Scholarship
This award provides a £3,000 tuition fee discount for eligible Home-fee applicants. Conditions include meeting residency requirements, being self-funded or using a postgraduate government loan, having no previous study at Birmingham, and not already being enrolled in a postgraduate programme.
2. Diane Meyer Lowman Scholarship
The published 2026 award offered a £3,000 stipend to an eligible international-fee student studying the full-time, in-person MA Shakespeare programme. However, the 2026 application period has closed, and the 2027 eligibility rules and deadline have not yet been confirmed in the supplied information.
Neither award should be assumed to cover all tuition and living expenses.
How to Apply for the University of Birmingham Shakespeare MA
Follow these steps to begin your application:
- Visit the official Shakespeare MA course page and check the requirements for your country.
- Select Apply now to access the university’s Admissions Portal.
- Prepare your academic documents, references and English language evidence. Provide translations where required.
- Submit any writing sample requested by the admissions team.
- If eligible, complete the separate application for the Birmingham Masters Scholarship using your Applicant ID.
- International applicants should monitor the College of Arts and Law funding page for updates on the 2027 international scholarship.
If you receive an offer, check its conditions and deposit instructions carefully. International students must meet the university’s requirements before their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
Application and Scholarship Deadlines
According to the supplied information, the main dates are:
- Birmingham Masters Scholarship rounds: 8 December 2026, 30 April 2027 and 31 July 2027.
- General overseas application deadline: 2 July 2027.
- General final deposit deadline for overseas September starters: 30 July 2027.
- Latest stated CAS issuance date: 3 September 2027.
- Final course application date for UK and non-visa-requiring applicants: 27 August 2027.
The Diane Meyer Lowman Scholarship’s 2027 deadline has not been announced. Course places may fill before the stated deadline, so applying early is advisable.
Important: Confirm all deadlines and scholarship conditions on the university’s official website before submitting your application, as dates and funding arrangements may change.
Final Advice
The University of Birmingham Shakespeare MA is worth considering if you want to deepen your knowledge of Shakespeare through academic study, performance and education. Before applying, confirm your academic eligibility, check the scholarship rules for your fee status, and budget for costs not covered by funding.
Start with the official course page and monitor the university’s funding announcements for the latest information on September 2027 entry.
More Opportunities: