Drama and Theatre Studies Practice-Based
Entry requirements
For MRes and MA by Research programmes, we usually require a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.
If you’re applying for a PhD , you’ll also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.
Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements.
If you’re applying for distance learning research programmes, you’ll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning.
You'll normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. See the Application Process section for more information.
Months of entry
January, September
Course content
Explore creative, practice-based research. Supported by our academic experts, your project might include new performance techniques, examine a particular aspect of theatre practice or involve a specific community of participants.
Make use of our rehearsal and performance facilities and our in-house production team to deliver your project.
Our practice-based PhD offers a unique opportunity to specialise in a particular area of creative practice.
Our range of academic interests means there are lots of research opportunities available for you to investigate - from theatre-making processes, to applying performance ideas and theories to your creative practice.
Supervised by our expert academics, you'll use your knowledge of wider academic theory in Drama and Theatre Studies to demonstrate how your creative practice fits into your chosen research field.
- Our specialities in research-led practice include actor-training, writing for performance and directing.
- Place creative practice at the centre of your research project - combine your academic and performance abilities.
- Get ready to develop or further your career as a creative leader.
The practice research output will directly address your research questions and will be determined by the needs of the overall project. PhD outputs have included solo performance pieces, playwriting, immersive practice, workshops and community-based projects.
You'll decide the number of project outputs and their length with your supervisors. Outputs can be live or recorded, depending on the needs of the research and the most appropriate delivery method for your research questions.
Alongside your creative practice piece, you'll produce a 40,000 word PhD thesis or 20,000 word MA by Research thesis providing context to your practice.
- There are no formal lectures or seminars in a PhD or MA by Research. Instead, you’ll undertake research under the expert guidance of a primary supervisor, co-supervisor and mentor, supported by complementary research training.
- Your supervisory team will meet with you at regular intervals throughout your programme to offer guidance on how best to approach, implement and report on your research.
- If you take the distance learning option you’ll receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students, but with supervisory sessions taking place online. You'll be funded to make one compulsory visit to the University, enabling you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies.
- You’re expected to take full responsibility for your work, developing your own timetable for your research project so you can successfully complete it on time.
Information for international students
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
Fees and funding
The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fThe College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- PhD
- part time72 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- Distance learningis available for this qualification
- full time36 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- Distance learningis available for this qualification
- MA by research
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- Distance learningis available for this qualification
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- Distance learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate enquiry service