Funny but true: University of the Arts London launches MA in comedy
Wimbledon College of Arts, part of University of the Arts London, has created a new year-long course that combines theory, performance and technical skills to help aspiring comics hone their craft
Can you teach someone to be funny? At Wimbledon College of Arts, the answer is a big “yes”. The first course of its kind in the UK, the new MA Comedy Writer-Performer has been co-created by actor, writer and academic Ciaran Clarke, who has worked with some of the most acclaimed theatre companies in the UK as well as writing and performing Radio 4 comedies. It is a course that, he promises, can turn “even the most boring person in the room” into someone who is ready to start their career in comedy.
“Comedy is more nurture than nature,” Clarke says. The initial idea was for a course in comedy writing, but he quickly realised: why stop at writing? “Why not create something that fully combines comedy writing and performance, a course where you develop your voice, try things out and actually perform them?”
What makes this MA stand out is its scope and flexibility. Whether you are an aspiring stand-up, a character comic, are dreaming of writing the next great sitcom or simply interested in the theory of comedy, the course provides a creative home. “We’ve designed it so people can follow their own path and find their own comic voice,” Clarke says.
Continues...
Read More
Across five units, students will learn the theory of comedy, experience masterclasses from guest lecturers and comedians, equip themselves with technical tools such as video and sound production and leave with a rich portfolio of work, as well as experience of pitching and industry contacts.
“It’s not just learning to write a good joke, although we absolutely cover that. It’s also about working with peers, developing a network, learning how to pitch your ideas, testing them in front of audiences and refining them through performance.”
‘The facilities are amazing and it’s just a short hop from central London’s comedy scene’ – Ciaran Clarke, course creator
What is important for Clarke is the ethos of trying out ideas. “We want to build a scratch culture through this course, a ‘learning by playing’ approach, so you’ll see all sorts of people trying all sorts of things.”
Part of University of the Arts London, Wimbledon College of Arts in south-west London is, Clarke says, the ideal location: “The facilities are amazing – podcast studios, editing suites and its own theatre – and it’s just a short hop from central London’s comedy scene. Plus, students are part of UAL’s wider creative network, so there’s huge potential for collaboration. It’s an extraordinary place, a brilliant bubble of creativity and a lovely, nurturing environment.”
Most of all, Clarke says, the course is fun. “Play and joy absolutely sit at the core.” By the end of a joyful year, students will have a “rich portfolio of comedy writing and performance”, they will have developed their comedy voice and, crucially, they will have the skills and contacts to pitch and submit ideas to the industry, “so that they’re not waiting around for the phone to ring”.
For more information, visit: arts.ac.uk/colleges/wimbledon-college-of-arts
Most Read
Across The Stage this weekYour subscription helps ensure our journalism can continue
Invest in The Stage today with a subscription starting at just £7.99
© Copyright Playbook Media Trading Company Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
