PROFESSOR SIR STEVE SMITH AcSS
Northcote House
The Queen’s Drive
Exeter
UK EX4 4QJ
Telephone+44 (0)1392 263000
Fax+44 (0)1392 263008
Web
SS/RB
10 November 2011
Dear Andrew
Dr Worth: External Examiner’s Report 2010-2011
College of Humanities: Drama
MA and MFA in Theatre Practice
The External Examiner notes the following areas of good practice:
This is the final year of the MA and MFA in Theatre Practice in its current form and from the brief plans I have seen, the new programmes will offer both a changed structure and substantial changed content. As this is the first year in my role as external examiner I hope that I will be able offer valuable support in this period of transition. The courses have a strong reputation for combining theory and practice in a rigorous manner and it is important that the course team’s substantial expertise in this field is allowed to progress as the new programmes are developed. My initial impressions, drawn from attendance at 3 performances of Individual Practice in February, are that the students are stimulated by and engaged in their teaching and show skill in applying this to their own practical projects. In the move to a new structure it seems to me vital that the practical element of the programmes, which are highly valued in the sector need to be protected albeit in a changed form. The students on both MA and MFA programmes have an extensive number of taught practice hours, which most other HE institutions apart from conservatoires could not match. This is achieved through careful timetabling to allow a certain degree of shared hours across degree programmes and/or year groups. This seems sensible practice since issues of progression are being addressed very carefully in relation to shared UG/PG hours and also in relation to the MFA students’ development if they repeat any of the MA training elements in Year 2 of their course. Within the small sample of practice and written work seen this year, the standards are very good and quite clearly comparable with other HE level programmes. The inclusion of an MFA in the taught PG programmes offers an excellent opportunity for professional performers to embed their learning and practical skills more thoroughly than is possible in the single year MA programme. The 3 dissertations I considered were marked carefully with clear comments provided. It was particularly helpful to have the reports divided into sections under each of the assessment criteria. This demonstrates to students exactly where their strengths and weaknesses lie and helps to assure them of consistency in marking. The visit to see practical work in the department was well organised. I was given a helpful briefing on the structure of the course as it stands and how it might be changing next year. I was able to see DVD recordings of the first term group performance of The Maids which I found unusual and intriguing, followed by three live performances given by students in their second term of practice. I saw two MFA portfolios in DVD format this year and was impressed with the model and how this was developed in response to each of the student's subject areas. Although they varied in content and quality, as reported in the marking critiques, they were both highly engaged with their chosen subject and a pleasure to view. The high level of IT skill was evident and both students appeared to be confident in this medium allowing for sound decisions on style and design. This was inspiring as a way of assessing the MFA students two year programme. It was such an obvious example of good practice that I wondered whether this form or assessment would be made available for MA students as an alternative to the written dissertation? I was invited in plenty of time to the summer final practical projects but unfortunately could not make the dates set. I was invited to the final exam board in plenty of time and all well organised.
The External Examiner makes the following recommendations:
Essential
As discussed and agreed the Department will send out dissertations for marking well in advance of the final exam board and in time to allow any disputed marks to be discussed.
Advisable
The marking guidelines for students with dyslexia were shown to me on request and marking took this into account. I suggest the staff group might like to further clarify their practice in relation to English as a second language and dyslexia. I strongly support the University of Exeter continuing to allow development of the MA and MFA in Theatre Practice in its new form. These programmes have built up a strong international reputation for rigorous research through combined theory and practice. For this to sustain and grow it is important that experienced practitioners continue to be appointed as staff retire and leave the department.
Desirable
The MFA portfolios were so successful that I suggested this could be extended to MA students if the staff support for this number of students doing IT at this level is available. It would be helpful to have the marks and comments for the practical work I have come to see in the department sent to me as soon as possible after the event. This was agreed at the prior to the board meeting.
I should be grateful if the College would respond to me as required under the procedures contained in the TQA Manual. These look to a response normally within eight weeks after appropriate internal discussion within the College including an opportunity for input from the staff meeting and the College’s Teaching Committee.
Please note that the University’s statement of procedures also requires that the College’s next annual main meeting of the Boards of Examiners for the programmes in question, at which an External Examiner is present, should include early in its agenda a copy of the External Examiner’s report and of the College’s response.
Yours sincerely
Professor Sir Steve Smith
Vice-Chancellor
ccJo Hatt