Stage Management & Technical Theatre - MA

From theatre productions and arts festivals to music gigs and charity events, the entertainment and live events industries are growing rapidly. At the same time, the work of stage managers is becoming more complex and technically challenging. This means that arts and events companies are looking for skilled stage managers with more holistic and integrated perspectives regarding the management of entertainment and live events and the artistic, economic, social and environmental conditions in which they
function.

This MA Stage Management & Technical Theatre course has been developed in response to this need and is rooted in a belief that effective stage managers need training that is both practical and critically reflective. It aims to develop your knowledge of the contemporary issues in stage management and technical theatre, while equipping you with the practical skills that are essential for developing a career in this sector.

Flexible study options and a diverse curriculum mean this course is suited to both those already working in the entertainment industries and those who are looking to start a career in this sector.

Structure and exit awards

You can opt to study for the full MA (180 credits)/ PgDip (120 credits)/ PgCert (60 credits). Please note that all students will initially enroll onto the full Master’s course.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching comprises a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, simulation exercises and projects. You will also undertake professional practice. Your performance on the course will be assessed by essays, reports, portfolios, presentations and a dissertation or project.

Placements/Industry-based learning

The course involves a series of placements, both on University productions and within the industry. Each placement on a University production commences on the first day of rehearsal and runs until the final performance. Industry placements typically run from first rehearsal to opening night. Placements are assessed in the Professional Practice modules.

Teaching hours and attendance

Each module will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work. Most modules consist of five or six hours of class time each day during the teaching periods of the semester. Teaching for each module is primarily Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5pm, but some weekend and evening sessions may also be included.

Industry links

This MA has been developed in consultation with professional stage managers working in theatres across Scotland, and will provide you with connections to a variety of venues in the entertainment industry through placements and masterclasses. Our location in the ‘Festival City’ also allows for strong practical links between the course and the many arts, festival and cultural organisations based in and around Edinburgh, across Scotland and the UK.

Class sizes
We expect ten students to enroll onto the course each year.

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. You can also click on the staff profiles immediately below. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

As this course is subject to validation the module details have yet to be finalized, but the outline structure will be as follows:

• Core Stage Management Module (20 credits): This module will introduce you to the theories and structures underpinning the discipline of stage management. It will enable you to analyse and evaluate the different team structures that are used across the entertainment industry. I will also allow you to critically examine, and reflect on, ways in which different skill sets may be adapted and applied to the stage management profession. You will develop your existing research skills and be introduced you to a variety of methodologies relevant to your chosen field.
• Core Technical Skills Module (20 credits): This module will provides you with the theories underpinning theatre lighting, sound, and AV. It will also allow you to put your knowledge into practice, both with equipment in the classroom and in outside venues, such as Edinburgh’s acclaimed Traverse Theatre. In addition to developing practical skills underpinned by relevant theory, you will learn to critically analyse technical theatre practices in a wide range of contexts throughout the live entertainment industry.
• Professional Practice Module 1 (40 credits): This module aims to introduce you to the professional working environment and enable you to use your experiences to critically reflect on current working practices in stage management and technical theatre production.
• Professional Practice Module 2 (40 credits): This module will allow you to integrate and synthesize critical theoretical knowledge and understanding and technical skills developed in the different modules of the course and apply these in a practical working environment. You will gain insight into working practices in a chosen area of stage management. You will slos exercise autonomy and initiative, gaining experience of working effectively as a member of staff in a practitioner setting and, based on this and knowledge gained from the course, developing a critical appreciation of operating and managing professionally in a working environment. The module will allow to you reflect on the practice, attributes and skillset required for a career in the creative industries and evaluate your own career ambitions in the context of the industry.
• Dissertation/Project (60 credits): Through undertaking a project that suits your strengths, interests and career aspirations, you will have the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of work that will develop your academic rigour, professional skills, independence and self-direction. You will explore and apply relevant academic or professional approaches and practical skills, including those acquired in the taught component of the course. Your work will allow you to explore a topic or area of interest to a degree of critical depth that will provide you with a valuable level of expertise in an area relevant to your professional interests and career aspirations. In completing your project, you will have produced a piece of original work which offers reflections, recommendations or conclusions that have the potential to contribute to the continued development of stage management practice.

You will be qualified for a broad range of stage management positions within a wide spectrum of live entertainment and live events industries. Many career opportunities are open to you. Previous graduates (from the former MA Stage Management course in partnership with the Edinburgh Stage Management School, which this new course succeeds) have gone on to work in theatres, film & TV, performing arts organisations, festivals, corporate events and ceremonies. In addition, many now tour within the UK, Europe and internationally. Potential careers might include producing, fundraising, marketing, programming or audience development, as well as many other roles across the cultural industries and all professions requiring skills in effective management.

Entry requirements

A UK honours degree or equivalent OR significant work experience in live entertainment/events. All shortlisted applicants will be interviewed.

International: We welcome applications from international students. You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at IELTS 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service where someone will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page.

Application deadline

31 July 2026

This course is highly competitive with limited places and we advise applicants to apply early to be considered.

Contact Susan Martin (Programme Leader) or contact Admissions

• The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2026/27 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).
• The information on this page is correct at the time of posting (October 2025) but is subject to change following validation. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students. Please keep an eye on this page for updates.