The School of Fine and Performing Arts boasts extensive research expertise in the fields of drama, theatre, and performance studies where a team of academics offer continued supervision and support throughout. Areas of specialism include playwriting, dramaturgy, scenography, musical theatre, Asian performance, intermediality, and historiography, as well as practice as research and practice-based research.

Research students are invited to join one of the School's thriving research groups - Contemporary Theatre-Making, (Re) Constructing Musics and Intercultural Performance - and participate in the Critical Encounters Research Series alongside academic staff and other postgraduate students. Students will also be encouraged to present their work at national and international conferences and to publish their findings.

How You Study

Our postgraduate research programmes enable independent specialist study, which is supported by regular supervisions with academic supervisor(s) to ensure that the programme of research is on track and meets the required standards. Supervisions are held monthly for full-time students, and every two months for part-time students.

Progression points throughout the programme (Confirmation of Studies, Annual Monitoring Review and Transfer) allow students to present their work to colleagues within the School.

How You Are Assessed

Students will produce an 80,000 word thesis on a subject agreed with their proposed supervisor(s).

Students completing a practice-based PhD will be required to produce a substantial body of performance or creative work and a thesis of between 25,00040,000 words.

The thesis is examined by two examiners (one external to the School, one internal) and includes a Viva Voce (oral) examination.

Career and Personal Development

An PhD may enhance and progress careers in performing arts and can open up opportunities at senior levels in direction, production, management, and education. It can be the starting point for an academic career, and graduates may choose to go on to professional research or teaching in higher education institutions.