Drama and Theatre Studies PhD - University of B

Tuition Fee

GBP 5,181

Per year

Start Date

2026-09-01

Medium of studying

On campus

Duration

3 years

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Details

Program Details

Degree

PhD

Major

Performing Arts | Theater Arts

Area of study

Arts

Education type

On campus

Timing

Full time

Course Language

English

Tuition Fee

Average International Tuition Fee

GBP 5,181

Intakes

Program start date	Application deadline
2026-09-01	-
2027-01-01	-
2027-09-01	-

About Program

Program Overview

Drama and Theatre Studies PhD / MA by Research

The Drama and Theatre Studies PhD / MA by Research at the University of Birmingham offers students the opportunity to pursue their research interests in a leading Drama and Theatre Arts department. The program is designed for students who wish to specialize in a theatrical approach to theatre and performance, and who are driven by creative and practical research.

Course Overview

The PhD program is normally undertaken in three years full-time or six years part-time, while the MA by Research is taken in one year full-time or two years part-time. The program includes a literature review specific to the student's thesis and topic, and students will begin to undertake their research and relevant training in the first year. The thesis is usually written in stages over the course of the PhD, and students will receive regular feedback from their supervisory team.

Course Structure

The PhD program is structured into three years, with the first year including a literature review and the beginning of research and training. The MA by Research is condensed into one year, with an assessed thesis of 40,000 words. An oral examination may be held at the discretion of the examiners.

Research Themes

Research in the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts covers a wide range of areas, including:

Contemporary Theatre and Performance
Research-led Professional Practice
Theatre History and Historiography

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the PhD program, students must have a Merit in a Master's degree. For the MA by Research, students must have a 2:1 Honours degree. International students must also demonstrate a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fees for the program are £5,181 for full-time students and £2,591 for part-time students. The University offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities, including the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Landscape Awards and the College of Arts and Law Doctoral Scholarships.

Application Process

To apply for the program, students must submit their application and supporting documents online. Students must also identify an appropriate supervisor and contact them before submitting their application. The research proposal is a key part of the application, and students must submit a clear and concise summary of their research.

Career Opportunities

The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits. The Careers Network offers a range of events and support services, including one-to-one guidance, careers fairs, and links with leading graduate recruiters.

Student Experience

The University of Birmingham offers a range of accommodation options, including dedicated postgraduate halls and private accommodation close to campus. The campus is a green and spacious environment, with a range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities. The University is committed to providing the best possible support to all students, including one-to-one careers advice and guidance on job applications and interview technique.

Student Stories

The University of Birmingham has a range of student and alumni profiles, including David Jackson, Gheorghe Williams, Nabi Ito, and Richard Davy, who have all pursued successful careers in drama and theatre studies.

Course Highlights

The University of Birmingham is ranked in the top 100 Performing Arts departments in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025).
The program offers flexible research options, including the opportunity to complete an MA by Research with a shorter thesis or a PhD.
Students can study on campus or by distance learning from anywhere in the world.
The Department of Drama and Theatre Arts has strong connections to local and regional theatres, including the Royal Shakespeare Company and London theatres.

Research Areas

The Department of Drama and Theatre Arts has a range of research areas, including:

Contemporary British and European theatre
Performance studies and performance histories
Practice-based research and its impact on society and culture

Delivery Format

The program is offered in person, online, or by distance learning, with flexible start dates in September or January. The distance learning program includes one fully-funded visit to campus in the first year of study.

Duration

The PhD program is normally undertaken in three years full-time or six years part-time, while the MA by Research is taken in one year full-time or two years part-time.

Award

The program leads to a Doctorate or Master of Arts by Research award.

Fees (UK/Ireland)

The tuition fees for the program are £5,181 for full-time students and £2,591 for part-time students.

English Language Requirements

International students must demonstrate a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification. The required scores are:

IELTS: 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band
TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Funding Options

The University offers a range of funding options, including:

Apply for a PhD that already has funding attached
Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship
Postgraduate Research Funding in the College of Arts and Law
Midlands Graduate School ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership

Related Courses

The University of Birmingham also offers a Drama and Theatre Studies Practice-Based PhD / MA by Research program.

Upcoming Events

The University of Birmingham hosts a range of events for postgraduate research students, including the College of Arts and Law Postgraduate Research Funding Briefing.

Student Support

The University of Birmingham is committed to providing the best possible support to all students, including one-to-one careers advice and guidance on job applications and interview technique. The University also offers a range of accommodation options, including dedicated postgraduate halls and private accommodation close to campus.

Campus Life

The University of Birmingham has a green and spacious campus, with a range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities. The campus is a vibrant and inclusive community, with a range of student organizations and activities.

Accommodation

The University of Birmingham offers a range of accommodation options, including dedicated postgraduate halls and private accommodation close to campus.

Living in Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant and diverse city, with a range of cultural, social, and economic opportunities. The city is home to a range of industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology, and is a major hub for graduate recruitment.

Take a Virtual Tour

The University of Birmingham offers a virtual tour of its campus, allowing prospective students to explore the range of facilities and accommodation options available.

Student and Alumni Profiles

Built in Birmingham. Forged for the Future.

The University of Birmingham is committed to providing its students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to succeed in their chosen careers. The University's strong industry connections and research excellence make it an ideal choice for students who want to make a real impact in their field.

Global Footprint

The University of Birmingham has a global footprint, with a range of international partnerships and collaborations. The University is committed to providing its students with a global perspective, and offers a range of opportunities for international study and research.

Culture and Collections

The University of Birmingham has a range of cultural and artistic collections, including the Barber Institute of Fine Arts and the Cadbury Research Library. The University is committed to promoting the arts and humanities, and offers a range of events and exhibitions throughout the year.

Schools, Institutes, and Departments

The University of Birmingham has a range of schools, institutes, and departments, including the School of English, Drama and Creative Studies. The University is committed to providing its students with a range of academic programs and research opportunities, and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Services and Facilities

The University of Birmingham has a range of services and facilities, including the Library, the Careers Network, and the Guild of Students. The University is committed to providing its students with the support and resources they need to succeed, and offers a range of services to help students achieve their academic and personal goals.

Privacy

The University of Birmingham is committed to protecting the privacy of its students and staff. The University has a range of policies and procedures in place to ensure that personal data is handled and stored securely.

Legal

The University of Birmingham is a charitable institution, and is subject to a range of legal and regulatory requirements. The University is committed to complying with all relevant laws and regulations, and has a range of policies and procedures in place to ensure that it operates in a fair and transparent way.

Modern Slavery

The University of Birmingham is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking. The University has a range of policies and procedures in place to ensure that it operates in a way that is fair and transparent, and that it does not contribute to modern slavery or human trafficking.

Accessibility

The University of Birmingham is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive environment for all students and staff. The University has a range of policies and procedures in place to ensure that its buildings and services are accessible, and that it provides reasonable adjustments to support students and staff with disabilities.

Staff Intranet

The University of Birmingham has a staff intranet, which provides access to a range of information and resources for staff. The intranet includes information on University policies and procedures, as well as news and updates on University activities.

Student Intranet

The University of Birmingham has a student intranet, which provides access to a range of information and resources for students. The intranet includes information on University policies and procedures, as well as news and updates on University activities.

Canvas Learning Environment

The University of Birmingham uses the Canvas learning environment to provide online access to course materials and resources. Canvas is a flexible and user-friendly platform that allows students to access their course materials and interact with their instructors and peers.

Publication Scheme

The University of Birmingham has a publication scheme, which provides access to a range of information and resources. The scheme includes information on University policies and procedures, as well as news and updates on University activities.

Information for Applicants

The University of Birmingham provides a range of information for applicants, including information on admission requirements, tuition fees, and accommodation options. The University also offers a range of events and activities for applicants, including open days and campus tours.

Freedom of Information

The University of Birmingham is subject to the Freedom of Information Act, which provides access to a range of information and resources. The University has a range of policies and procedures in place to ensure that it operates in a fair and transparent way, and that it provides access to information in accordance with the Act.

Charitable Information

The University of Birmingham is a charitable institution, and is registered with the Charity Commission. The University is committed to operating in a way that is fair and transparent, and that it uses its charitable funds for the benefit of its students and the wider community.

Cookies and Cookie Policy

The University of Birmingham uses cookies to provide access to its website and online services. The University has a range of policies and procedures in place to ensure that it uses cookies in a way that is fair and transparent, and that it provides access to information about its use of cookies.

Website Feedback

The University of Birmingham welcomes feedback on its website and online services. The University has a range of policies and procedures in place to ensure that it operates in a way that is fair and transparent, and that it uses feedback to improve its services.

Contact Information

The University of Birmingham provides a range of contact information, including email addresses, phone numbers, and postal addresses. The University is committed to providing access to information and resources, and to responding to queries and feedback in a fair and transparent way.

University of Birmingham Instagram Page

The University of Birmingham has an Instagram page, which provides access to a range of information and resources. The page includes news and updates on University activities, as well as information on University policies and procedures.

University of Birmingham LinkedIn Page

The University of Birmingham has a LinkedIn page, which provides access to a range of information and resources. The page includes news and updates on University activities, as well as information on University policies and procedures.

University of Birmingham Twitter Page

The University of Birmingham has a Twitter page, which provides access to a range of information and resources. The page includes news and updates on University activities, as well as information on University policies and procedures.

University of Birmingham Facebook Page

The University of Birmingham has a Facebook page, which provides access to a range of information and resources. The page includes news and updates on University activities, as well as information on University policies and procedures.

University of Birmingham TikTok Page

The University of Birmingham has a TikTok page, which provides access to a range of information and resources. The page includes news and updates on University activities, as well as information on University policies and procedures.

University of Birmingham Weibo Page

The University of Birmingham has a Weibo page, which provides access to a range of information and resources. The page includes news and updates on University activities, as well as information on University policies and procedures.

University of Birmingham We Chat

The University of Birmingham has a We Chat account, which provides access to a range of information and resources. The account includes news and updates on University activities, as well as information on University policies and procedures.

University of Birmingham YouTube Page

The University of Birmingham has a YouTube page, which provides access to a range of information and resources. The page includes news and updates on University activities, as well as information on University policies and procedures.

Global Footprint

Discover Our Global Engagement

The University of Birmingham has a range of global engagement activities, including international partnerships, collaborations, and research projects. The University is committed to providing its students with a global perspective, and offers a range of opportunities for international study and research.