Drama and Theatre Studies,PhD

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom, Birmingham

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Home/United Kingdom/Birmingham /University of Birmingham/Drama and Theatre Studies,PhD

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom , Birmingham

Key Facts

Program Level

PhD (Philosophy Doctorate)

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Birmingham (Selly Oak)

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesJanuary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 23,390 / year

Next Intake January-2026

Drama and Theatre Studies,PhD

About

Course overview

Whether you’re driven by creative and practical research, or you want to specialise in a theatrical approach to theatre and performance, you'll research with renowned academics and practitioners at one of the UK's leading Drama and Theatre Arts departments.

Pursue your curiosity and passion to become an expert in your chosen area of drama and theatre studies. At Birmingham, our research interests span contemporary performance, theatre history and historiography, and practice research. Receive expert supervision and develop your specialist knowledge.

We also offer a Drama and Theatre Studies Practice-Based PhD if you'd prefer to conduct practice-based research instead of a traditional PhD thesis.

Course structure

Our PhD programmes are normally undertaken in three years full-time or six years part-time, and our Masters-level research programmes are taken in one year full-time or two years part-time. The period of maximum registration for a PhD includes a further year, designated "thesis awaited," which is usually a period of final revisions and more occasional supervision.

The first year (or part-time equivalent) of a PhD usually includes a literature review specific to your thesis and topic. You'll begin to undertake your research and relevant training.

Your thesis is usually written in stages over the course of your PhD, and you’ll receive regular feedback.

For an MA by Research, these timescales are condensed into one year (or two years if studying part time).

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Requirements

Entry Requirements

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Career

The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2024 report.

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

What’s more, you will be able to access our full range of careers support for up to 2 years after graduation.

Postgraduate employability: Drama and Theatre Arts

Birmingham's Drama and Theatre Arts postgraduates develop a very wide range of skills and qualities during their degree from research and analytical skills, to thinking and working creatively with others.

Some of our graduates enter roles for which their programme has especially prepared them, such as performing, theatre-making, creative leadership, directing or teaching drama; others use their transferable skills in a wide variety of occupations ranging from recruitment consultancy to marketing or have pursued careers in academia. Employers that our graduates have gone on to work for include the BBC, Channel 4, Salisbury Playhouse, Birmingham Hippodrome, Welsh National Opera, the National Film and Television School and the University of Birmingham.