Drama MPhil/PhD including Practice-Based in the Arts/PhD by Published works
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-10-01 | - |
| 2026-03-01 | - |
Program Overview
Drama 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 and Funding
- International Fees 25/26 >: See Fees and Funding
- Location >: Waterside
Overview
This Drama MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published Works curriculum offers a great way to advance your knowledge and research abilities if you have a degree in drama or a related field. You will be awarded a Level 8 qualification, which is the highest formal certification you may obtain in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, upon successfully defending the final thesis. This will provide you with a fantastic chance to advance into higher management roles within your area of expertise. We accept a range of projects and provide supervision in many different disciplines. Learn more about the Art and Design Research Centre and theCentre for Cultural and Literary Studies.The closing dates for applications for the October intake is the 1 August and for the March intake is the 11 December.
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
- You should normally have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second-class standard in a related area. International equivalent qualifications will also be considered.
- Or
- We require a UK Masters degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject, or relevant professional qualifications and relevant experience in an associated area.
Further Entry Requirements
- You might also be considered with lower-level qualifications or your degree is in an unrelated field, but you must have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate Research level.
- All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
- All offers of a place on the programme are conditional on:
- a successful interview.
- an appropriate Research Supervision Team.
English Language Requirements
- All teaching at the University of Northampton is in English. You will therefore need to have good enough written and spoken English to cope with your studies right from the start.
- The scores we require:
- IELTS: 7.0 overall. Writing 6.5. No other subscore lower than 6.5 (or an equivalent English Language qualification) to study this programme
- Applications with IELTS lower than 5.5 in all components will not be considered.
Course Content
- Course Details
The Art and Design Research Centre and theCentre for Cultural and Literary Studies are the ideal place to undertake your Drama PhD research. To broaden your expertise and strengthen your research, writing, presenting, and practising 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 University of Northampton Drama Academics who are experts in their fields and will lead 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:** £7,840Scholarships 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:** £7,650Related Courses
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Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This Drama MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published Works curriculum offers a great way to advance your knowledge and research abilities if you have a degree in drama or a related field. You will be awarded a Level 8 qualification, which is the highest formal certification you may obtain in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, upon successfully defending the final thesis. This will provide you with a fantastic chance to advance into higher management roles within your area of expertise. We accept a range of projects and provide supervision in many different disciplines. Learn more about the Art and Design Research Centre and the Centre for Cultural and Literary Studies.
Teaching:
To broaden your expertise and strengthen your research, writing, presenting, and practising 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 University of Northampton Drama Academics who are experts in their fields and will lead you through the process with frequent in-person or online seminars.
Careers:
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.
Other:
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.
University of Northampton
Overview:
University of Northampton is a public university located in Northampton, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as continuing professional development courses. The university is known for its focus on social impact and its commitment to creating a better society through its students, research, and engagement with the wider world.
Services Offered:
The university provides a variety of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus halls of residence are available for students.Employment Promise:
The university offers an employment promise to help students find work after graduation.Student Perks:
Students receive various perks, including laptops, trips, and internships.Support:
The university provides comprehensive support services to students, including academic, wellbeing, and accessibility support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University of Northampton can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university has a modern campus with a full range of integrated learning environments, including a 24/7 library and learning zone. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and societies, and there are numerous events and activities throughout the year.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Social Impact Focus:
The university is committed to making a positive impact on society through its research and engagement.Modern Campus:
The university has a new, modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities.Employment Promise:
The university's employment promise helps students find work after graduation.Student Support:
The university provides comprehensive support services to students.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
Programs in various fields, including business, sport, nursing, law, psychology, computing, and design.Master's:
Programs in various fields, including business, education, health, and social work.Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
Courses designed to enhance professional skills and knowledge.Other:
The university has a strong focus on research and has several research institutes and centers. It also has a strong commitment to equality and inclusion and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
Entry Requirements:
- UK Home Students:
- Normally: An undergraduate degree of at least upper second-class standard in a related area.
- Alternatively: A UK Masters degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject, or relevant professional qualifications and relevant experience in an associated area.
- Consideration may be given to: Candidates with lower-level qualifications or a degree in an unrelated field, but they must have relevant experience and demonstrate the ability to work at postgraduate Research level.
- International Students:
- Normally: An undergraduate degree of at least upper second-class standard in a related area. International equivalent qualifications will also be considered.
- Alternatively: A UK Masters degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject, or relevant professional qualifications and relevant experience in an associated area.
- Consideration may be given to: Candidates with lower-level qualifications or a degree in an unrelated field, but they must have relevant experience and demonstrate the ability to work at postgraduate Research level.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- **All teaching at the University of Northampton is in English.
- Required English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and no other subscore lower than 6.5 (or an equivalent English Language qualification).
- **Applications with IELTS lower than 5.5 in all components will not be considered.
All offers of a place on the programme are conditional on:
- A successful interview.
- An appropriate Research Supervision Team.
