Program Overview

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PhD Theatre Studies

Overview

The PhD Theatre Studies is a research-based program that allows students to investigate their chosen topic in depth and reach a profound understanding. The program is led by a vibrant group of theatre practitioners who work professionally in the theatre industry alongside their University teaching.

• The program is based in the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies.
• The department has five full-time staff who specialize in areas such as verbatim theatre, performance, world theatre, digital theatre, theatre of testimony, and playwrighting.
• Research students benefit from the facilities at the Lakeside Theatre, which has a studio with an audience capacity of 30 and a main house capacity of 200.

Our Expert Staff

Within the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies, students are allocated a supervisor to guide them through the different stages of their research degree. The support provided by the supervisor is a key feature of the research student experience, with regular one-to-one meetings to discuss progress on the research.

• Students may have joint supervision by two members of the staff.
• Twice a year, students have a supervisory board meeting to discuss their progress and agree on plans for the next six months.

Specialist Facilities

The program offers access to exceptional facilities, including the Lakeside Theatre, to enhance learning and research.

• The Lakeside Theatre provides opportunities for students to write or direct new plays, as well as redefine classics and rediscover neglected masterpieces.

Your Future

Graduates of the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies have gone on to successful careers as writers, scholars, university lecturers, teachers, publishers, journalists, arts administrators, theatre artistic directors, drama advisers, and translators.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A 2:2 degree in one of the following subjects:
  • Art History
  • Creative Writing
  • History
  • Journalism
  • Literature
  • Media Studies
  • Music
  • Performing Arts
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Sociology
  • Theatre/Drama Studies

International & EU Entry Requirements

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

• English language requirements: IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum component score of 6.5 in writing and 5.5 in all other components.

Structure

Course Structure

A research degree does not have a taught structure, giving students the chance to investigate their chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding.

• The program allows students to develop new high-level skills, enhance their professional development, and build new networks.
• It can open doors to many careers.

Assessment

From the first day of research, students are encouraged to plan their work to submit their thesis for examination by the end of three years.

• A typical first year involves developing a statement defining the aims, theories, and methods proposed for the thesis, an indicative bibliography, and a timetable for thesis completion.
• The second year involves continuing to investigate and write, with a Confirmation Board reviewing evidence to confirm progress and PhD-level work.
• The third year involves completing the writing of draft chapters and revising work into a final version ready for submission.

Dissertation

The PhD involves working on an original full-length play or equivalent short plays (70-100 pages or 70-150 minutes playing time, 20,000-30,000 words) plus a critical commentary (40,000 words).

• The PhD is awarded after a successful defense of the thesis in an oral examination.

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• ｣5,006 per year

International Fee

• ｣19,650 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course.

What's Next

Open Days

The University holds Open Days for all applicants throughout the year, providing an opportunity to:

• Tour the campus and accommodation
• Find out answers to questions about courses, graduate employability, student support, and more
• Talk to the Fees and Funding team about scholarship opportunities
• Meet students and staff

Applying

Students can apply for the postgraduate course online and are encouraged to make a preliminary enquiry directly to a potential supervisor or the Graduate Administrator within the chosen Department or School.

Related Courses

• MPhil Theatre Studies
• MA (by Dissertation) Theatre Studies

Both of these courses are available full-time or part-time and are based at the Colchester Campus.