Performance Studies

Experimental performance art in theory and practice.
The Master's programme in Performance Studies is both an academic and an artistic course of study. It combines reflections on issues of social and cultural theory with artistic practice and aesthetic training in the fields of dance, theatre, choreography, and stage direction. The programme is based on a broad understanding of the concept of performance, which encompasses theatre practice and poetics in social, cultural, political and artistic fields.
At the core of the programme is a critical/political and theoretical/practical analysis of performances and productions in performance art, popular culture, media, and everyday life. Particular emphasis is given to performance techniques in which body and movement are the object, means or agent of aesthetic discussion. The studies aim at fostering an understanding of performance concepts from a social, cultural and educational/theoretical as well as aesthetic and artistic perspective, while at the same time enabling students to gain competencies for self-critical artistic practice and communication.
The two-year course has a modular structure and leads to the degree of Master of Arts in Performance Studies. Prerequisites for participating in the Master's programme are a successfully completed Bachelor's degree in a related or comparable field as well as successful participation in a qualifying examination.
The course is supported by the Centre for Performance Studies, an interdisciplinary institute at Universität Hamburg which brings together scholars from different academic fields as well as artists, dramatic advisers, and theatre directors. A key task of the centre is to plan, implement and further develop the Master of Arts programme in Performance Studies.

Educational organisation

The course is divided into modules and is based on interdisciplinary cooperation within Universität Hamburg and collaboration with recognised international artists as well as with different cultural and academic institutions in Germany and abroad.

The programme starts in the winter semester. The standard period of study is two years (four semesters). The Master's thesis at the end consists of a practical and a theoretical section. The course of studies is divided into four content-related areas: theory, practice, communication, and realisation, which comprise a total of nine modules. The Master's programme requires 80 semester hours. Classes are conducted in German and English.

Module one: Basic cultural and social science concepts in performance art
Module two: History, theory and aesthetics of performance art
Module three: Dramaturgy, media and aesthetics
Module four: Body, movement and stage
Module five: Methods of dance composition
Module six: Concepts and methods of theatre, dance and movement pedagogy
Module seven: Didactics of performance art
Module eight: Cultural management
Module nine: Performance project

Study abroad unit(s)

During the studies, a semester abroad is possible in the third semester of the programme.
An international network of universities and art academies offering similar programmes is being established. The network facilitates exchanges for students and lecturers. Further cooperation with international universities include exchange programmes for students and teaching staff, participation in profiled courses, joint teaching, and research projects as well as artistic and scientific events.

The MA Performance Studies maintains ERASMUS partnerships with

• the University of Dance and Circus in Stockholm, Sweden (MA New Performative Practices, MA Choreography, MA Dance Education)
• the University of Exeter, England (MA Theatre Practice)
• Universiteit van Amsterdam, Netherlands (MA Arts and Culture, International MA Dramaturgy)

Forms of assessment

• Presentation; 15-60 min. (4 ECTS)
• oral exam (3 ECTS)
• written exam (3 ECTS)
• thesis work (6 ECTS)
• alternative forms of presentation; defined by lecturer, e.g. artistic presentations (4 ECTS)

Course objectives

MA Performance Studies degree holders are qualified to work in the arts, art education, and academic research.
The Performance Studies Programme at Universität Hamburg provides academic and artistic qualification for careers in performance, research, and teaching in the fields of choreography, dance, theatre, and movement culture. Graduates of the programme go on to work as choreographers, dancers, directors, actors, dramatic advisers, production managers for art projects, cultural events managers, and aesthetic educators (theatre and dance work with children and youths, intercultural projects, etc.). Others pursue a doctoral degree.

Language requirements

International students must provide proof of their proficiency in German through a language test such as the German Language University Entrance Examination (DSH, level 2 or higher), the Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF with 15 points or higher: at least three parts TDN 4, max. one part TDN 3) or an equivalent examination. These levels equal C1 according to the Common European Framework for Language Levels. All accepted certificates in detail can be found here: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter/bewerbung/international/studium-mit-abschluss/sprachkenntnisse/deutschkenntnisse.html.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

International applicants must have a higher education entrance qualification (HZB) to be eligible for admission to Universität Hamburg. Officially certified copies of all certificates and, if applicable, a certified German translation of these by an approved translator must be submitted with the application.
All applicants have to undergo an entrance exam.
For further information on specific requirements and application documents to be submitted, please contact the department.

Enrolment fees

There is a semester fee of 310 EUR per semester. This fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Hamburg metropolitan area.

Costs of living

We recommend that single students budget at least 800 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, living, health insurance, books).

Job opportunities

Generally, students who enrol in a full-time programme will only have limited time for part-time jobs.
As a rule, students who hold an international student visa may work for up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Further information on work regulations for international students at Universität Hamburg can be found here: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung_e.html.

Funding opportunities within the university

International full-time students may apply for merit scholarships or exam grants of Universität Hamburg. For more information, please use the provided link. We also recommend contacting our colleagues in the Department of International Affairs for further guidance.
http://www.uni-hamburg.de/internationales/studieren-an-der-uhh/finanzierung-des-studiums_e.html

Arrival support

Students and researchers can find information on how to get started in Hamburg on the website of the PIASTA programme at the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs (http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta_e.html) and on the website of the Hamburg Welcome Center (http://english.welcome.hamburg.de).
During the International Welcome Week organised by PIASTA, you will be able to get in touch with all the important institutions and contacts that are particularly useful for international students. See: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/veranstaltungen/international-welcome-week_e.html.

Services and support for international students

The Universität Hamburg CampusCenter is the first port of call for all current and prospective students and offers information, services, and counselling. The PIASTA programme at the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs offers support and advice for German and international students, as well as cultural events and workshops.
For more information, refer to: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta and https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter.html.
The welcome service of the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs is the first contact address for international visiting researchers and others. See: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/internationales/wissenschaft/service-international_e.html.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the "Studierendenwerk" (students' services) or on the private market. The "Studierendenwerk" provides rooms in halls of residence, most of which are single rooms with shared kitchens and showers/WCs. We strongly advise students and researchers to arrange accommodation prior to arriving in Hamburg, as demand for affordable accommodation is sometimes larger than supply.
For more information on how to find accommodation and how to plan your first steps in Hamburg, please refer to: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung/doc/willkommen.pdf.