Program Overview

PhD Drama / Overview

Degree awarded

Doctor of Philosophy

Duration

3 years [full-time], 6 years [part-time]

Entry requirements

• Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
• Master's degree in a relevant subject – with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent)

Full entry requirements

Available upon request

How to apply

Apply online

Application Deadlines

• For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 13 January 2025.
• If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self–funding, you must submit your application before the below deadlines to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these dates have passed.
  • For September 2025 entry: 30 June 2025
  • For January 2026 entry: 30 September 2025

Programme options

| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning
---|---|---|---|---
PhD | Y | Y | N | N

Programme overview

• 1st in the UK for Drama and Cinematics (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).
• 2nd in the UK for Drama research (overall GPA, REF2021).
• Specialise in one of our key research stands including Theatre Studies, Applied Studies and Film Studies.
• Engage with Manchester's vibrant cultural life directly through work placement opportunities and research collaborations with cultural sector partner.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time)
  • UK students (per annum): £5,006
  • International, including EU, students (per annum): £22,000
• PhD (part-time)
  • UK students (per annum): £2,503
  • International, including EU, students (per annum): £11,000

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

• AHRC North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership (NWCDTP) PhD Studentships 2025 Entry
• School of Arts, Languages and Cultures PhD Studentships 2025 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2025 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2025 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States) - Competition Closed for 2025 Entry
• School of Arts, Languages and Cultures New Generation PhD Studentships 2025 Entry
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards 2025 Entry

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.