Acting MPhil/PhD including Practice-Based in the Arts/PhD by Published works

Program Overview

Acting MPhil/PhD including Practice-Based in the Arts/PhD by Published works

Key Facts

• Level: PostgraduatePG PhD
• Duration: MPhil: Full time 12 months - 3 years, Part time 30 months - 5 years
  PhD: Full time 2 years - 4 years, Part time 3 years - 6 years
  PhD by Published Works: 1 - 2 years
• Starting: October, March
• UK Fees 25/26 >: See Fees section
• International Fees 25/26 >: See Fees section
• Location >: Waterside

Overview

​If you have a degree in Acting or a related field, our Acting MPhil, PhD, or PhD by Published Works study is a fantastic way to broaden your knowledge and research abilities. A successful defence of the final thesis will provide the researcher the highest accreditation that any UK institution can bestow, as well as a good opportunity to advance into senior managerial positions within the sector. Learn more about the Art and Design Research Centre and theCentre for Cultural and Literary Studies.​The deadline for applications for our October admission is August 1, and the deadline for our March intake is December 11.

Highlights

• ​​This course is unique to the University of Northampton. We can supervise topics including: Gender and Sexuality in Performance, ​Queer Theatre and Performance Practices, ​Applied and Socially Engaged Theatre, ​Historiography, The Archive, and Marginalised Identities, ​Cultural Politics and Contemporary Performance Practices.
• ​We offer opportunities to develop interdisciplinary study and Practice as Research projects.​

Entry Requirements

• ​​A Bachelors (Honours) degree at 2:1 level or above (or its international equivalent) in a related subject.
• ​A UK Master’s degree (or its international equivalent) in a related subject.
• Other Entry Requirements
  • Individual consideration will be given to students with lower-level degrees or qualifications in a different subject area but with relevant experience.
  • As part of the selection process, all qualified candidates will be expected to attend an interview.
  • Please check our How to Apply page for more information on how to apply to study with us, how to discover a possible Supervisor, and what papers are necessary as part of the application process.
  • More detailed information about the research degrees is available on our Graduate school page​.
• ​English Language Requirements
  • Students whose first language is not English require the following:
    • an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with 6.5 minimum in the writing component, all other components must be at 6.5 or higher, issued within the last two years or a recognised equivalent qualification.
    • applications having IELTS scores in all components less than 5.5 will not be taken into consideration.
• ​All offers of a place on the programme are conditional on:
  • The University conducting a successful interview.
  • ​Appropriate Research Supervision Assistance.

Course Content

• Course Details
  • This Acting PhD allows you to specialise while also improving your research, writing, presenting, and practise abilities.
  • You will first get general, discipline-based, and project-specific training while creating and establishing research projects so that you may perform your research work successfully and autonomously. Throughout your project, you will be overseen by Acting staff who are experts in their fields of study and will assist you through the process with frequent in-person or online seminars. After completing this course, you will be able to obtain research and development positions in the industry, advance into an academic career, or enter business at a managerial level.
• FAQs
  • What is the difference between a full PhD and a PhD by Published works?
    • A PhD involves conducting original research and writing a thesis, while a PhD by Published Works is awarded based on a collection of previously published papers demonstrating significant contributions to the field. Additional information about choosing your type of research degree can be found on our How to apply for Research degree study page.

Fees and Funding

• 2025/26 Tuition Fees
  • Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
  • Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees
    • UK – Full Time: £5,700
    • UK – Part Time: £2,845
    • International – Full Time: £16,350
    • International – Part Time: £7,640
  • Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works
    • Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works.
    • UK – Part Time: £3,600
    • International – Part Time: £7,840
• Scholarships and Bursaries
  • For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.
• 2024/25 Tuition Fees
  • Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
  • Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees
    • UK – Full Time: £5,500
    • UK – Part Time: £2,775
    • International – Full Time: £15,950
    • International – Part Time: £7,450
  • Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works
    • Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works.
    • UK – Part Time: £3,500
    • International – Part Time: £7,650

Related Courses

• Acting for Stage and Screen BA (Hons)

  • This practical Acting training programme is designed to develop the high-level skills and knowledge required to...

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This Acting MPhil, PhD, or PhD by Published Works study is designed for individuals with a degree in Acting or a related field. It offers a chance to expand knowledge and research abilities. Successful completion of the final thesis provides the highest accreditation from a UK institution and opens opportunities for senior managerial positions within the sector. The program is unique to the University of Northampton and offers supervision on topics like Gender and Sexuality in Performance, Queer Theatre and Performance Practices, Applied and Socially Engaged Theatre, Historiography, The Archive, and Marginalised Identities, Cultural Politics and Contemporary Performance Practices. It also provides opportunities for interdisciplinary study and Practice as Research projects.

Teaching:

The program provides general, discipline-based, and project-specific training. Students create and establish research projects to perform their research work successfully and autonomously. Supervision is provided by Acting staff who are experts in their fields of study. Frequent in-person or online seminars are offered throughout the project.

Careers:

Upon completion, graduates can pursue research and development positions in the industry, advance into an academic career, or enter business at a managerial level.

Other:

The deadline for applications for the October admission is August 1, and the deadline for the March intake is December 11.