Program Overview

PhD Theatre and Performance

The Theatre and Performance department offers a PhD in the field of Theatre and Performance. The PhD is the highest qualification which a student can earn by conducting independent research under supervision. The duration of a doctoral degree is normally 3 years full-time and 4-5 years part-time.

Overview

The PhD degree in Theatre and Performance can be by research only or it can be a PhD by Creative Work, which encompasses a creative project or component as essential to the research itself. As such, research is broadly defined in the latter in terms of both a central creative component derived from ongoing discursive and field research and critical thinking in conjunction with a written, discursive exploration of the topic.

Entry Requirements

The application requirements for a PhD in Theatre and Performance include:

• A Letter of Motivation
• A 3-page Expression of Interest, which includes:
  • A concept note identifying the proposed area of research enquiry and specific research questions
  • Demonstration of the applicants familiarity with the literature, creative works, and debates in the field of proposed enquiry
• A CV
• Academic transcript of all prior degrees
• In the case of a PhD by Creative Research, a portfolio of work/performance/scripts, etc.

Additional supporting documents required for consideration include:

• All former academic transcripts of all prior degrees
• All prior qualification certificates
• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages) detailing all professional experience and including all qualifications and/or training certificates
• A letter of motivation for studies in the Theatre and Performance Department
• A copy of the MA report/dissertation
• A 3-page concept document/preliminary proposal identifying the proposed area of research enquiry and specific research questions

University Application Process

Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre. Once the application is complete, it will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal. Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalize the application at the end of the application cycle.

University Fees and Funding

The current average tuition fees can be found on the university's website. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, please refer to the University's Postgraduate Funding portal.

Programme Details

• Faculty: Humanities
• School: Wits School of Arts
• Qualification: PhD
• Duration: 3 years full-time and 4-5 years part-time
• Study Mode: Full-time; Part-time
• Closing Date: Offered throughout the year with multiple intakes