David tells us about his experience studying a Masters degree by distance learning at the Shakespeare Institute. We offer the MA Shakespeare (Online), and both the Spring into Shakespeare and Fall in With Shakespeare short courses by distance learning.
I’m a mature student now in semi-retirement following a career in law. The opportunity offered by the Shakespeare Institute to indulge a longstanding interest in Shakespeare’s works through distance learning was too good to miss, so I enrolled in the Shakespeare MA.
Flexibility and Options
Apart from the excellent teaching, the great thing about the Shakespeare Institute is the flexibility it offers. You can choose to study full-time at the Institute over a year or, if you’re not able to attend full-time or want to take longer, by distance learning as I do. It caters equally for students following on from a first degree, teachers developing their careers, and those like me who are doing it for enjoyment (and who knows, maybe a second career).
Distance Learning Experience
For us distance learners, teaching is done by online seminars, normally one each week for each module. If you can get to Stratford, you’re welcome to attend the on-site seminar for the module. I’ve done this a few times and, if you can make the time, it’s well worth it to meet fellow students and teaching staff in person. You can also absorb the atmosphere of the lovely building and the surrounding town.
Additional Learning Opportunities
In addition, there are lectures open to all on Thursday afternoons, which are also available to watch online. These cover a wide range of subjects, all related to Shakespeare in one way or another. Each year, there’s also an Enrichment Weekend for all MA students to meet each other.
Learning Environment
You’ll be learning with some of the most eminent scholars in the field and in a building only a few yards away from where Shakespeare himself lived in Stratford. You’ll also be part of one of the UK’s leading universities with all the resources you’d expect. I did my first degree in Law at Birmingham and it’s great to be back.