Prof Doc Performing Arts

Professional Doctorate in Performing Arts is intended for practitioners across a range of performance-based disciplines who wish to make their practice the basis for doctoral study; indicatively theatre directing, acting, dance, music or technical practice such as sound and lighting.

Unlike a traditional PhD, performance replaces the thesis as the main evidence of research, supported by a written report.

It is designed for creative practitioners from the UK and abroad and can be undertaken in three years full time study or five years part time.

It differs from practice-based PhD in that students arrive with a creative practice to be analysed and developed rather than a research 'project' to be carried out and are supported by specialist supervisory teams and a series of work in progress seminars which are the backbone of the programme.

The programme is practice based and industry facing and gives students the support and environment to develop their creative and professional practice and theoretical research to a doctoral professional standard.

The Professional Doctorate in Performing Arts (DPA) is practice-based and industry-facing, attracting mid-career performance practitioners whether that be directing, acting, dance, choreography, sound or lighting design or performance-academics.  The DFA aligns with the institutional vision to bridge the divide between industry and academia.  Practice is put at the centre of doctoral study, fed by research into contemporary performance and theory, and professional performance. 

The DPA also serves as Professional Development for academics teaching in drama training or conservatoire as well as qualified UEL staff who wish to develop their performance practice and critical analysis, and to enrich their teaching. 
The DPA is all credits at D-level (8) which is essential both to accurately reflect the level of study being undertaken, and to ensure that students are eligible for new government postgraduate loans.   

The DPA leads the way in UEL in Creative Practice doctorates and will inform and share resources and teaching with other doctorates undergoing validation - FIne Art, Film, Fashion, Creative Writing  and Art and Architecture.

• Bachelor's degree: GPA of 2.5 / 4 or overall classification of "Good" or higher
• UK Bachelor's degree with Honours: Second Class, Second Division or higher
• US Bachelor's degree: GPA 2.5 / 4

Extended Diploma or Diploma

FROM

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

Diploma with 24 points including a minimum of 15 points at Higher Level

This Professional Doctorate is for performers and creatives who wish to develop their practice and gain a PhD which opens pathways into academia, research and the wider creative and performance industries.

Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.