Theatre

Entry requirements

For all our research degrees in performing arts, entry is on the basis of a good honours degree and usually an MA in a relevant arts subject or appropriate professional experience.

Candidates submitting proposals that include practice-based research will be required to evidence appropriate experience and expertise in the relevant area of practice.

English language requirements:

IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.

Months of entry

January, April, July

Course content

Our PhD in Theatre will provide you with a supportive and collegiate research experience within our conservatoire, the Guildford School of Acting (GSA).

You will benefit from first-class conservatoire facilities including a 200-seat theatre, 15 rehearsal studios, six performance studios, an art gallery, a design studio, digital media labs, and high-quality recording facilities. The University Library also hosts the long-standing and internationally renowned National Resource Centre for Dance.

We’re part of the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s TECHNE doctoral training partnership, which offers funding and a fully formed training programme for academic, professional and early-career development.

We are ranked 5th in both the Complete University Guide for 2022 and The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 for drama. The University of Surrey is 33rd in the UK rankings for overall research quality by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. The University is now also ranked in the top 20 in the UK for the overall quality of research outputs – research papers and other published works.

GSA staff contributed to the School of Literature and Languages submission which is now ranked 10th for research impact with 75% of their case studies rated for having outstanding impacts, in terms of reach and significance (4*)

Information for international students

We are proud to be one of the most culturally diverse universities in the UK. We are here to help you throughout the application process – from advising on choosing the right course to applying for a visa and preparing for your first few weeks at Surrey.

For more information please go to - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/international

Fees and funding

Understand all of the costs involved for your studies.

Find out more about your tuition fees, available scholarships and bursaries, postgraduate taught student finance, how to pay your fees and our top tips on managing your money.

www.surrey.ac.uk/fees-and-funding