Surrey provides postgraduate researchers in dance with a supportive and collegiate research experience within our conservatoire, the Guildford School of Acting (GSA).
Our research-active staff are internationally known for the quality and significance of their research, which includes undertaking leading roles within national and international research organisations. All of our potential PhD supervisors regularly publish and present challenging work – an ethos that we would encourage you, as a prospective postgraduate researcher, to share with us.
We have research strengths in a range of diverse areas including, kinaesthetic empathy, postcolonial approaches to dance, dance and movement philosophies, and afro-Caribbean dance.
Our research programme in Dance prepares you for success at each stage of the development of your PhD project. The structure is designed to provide intensive graduate preparation for a future career and is suitable for either part-time or full-time candidates. Completion of the programme entails submission of a thesis, the submission of practice or a practice research curated portfolio, and an oral viva with external examiners.
You will benefit from first-class conservatoire facilities including a 200-seat theatre, 15 rehearsal-studios, six performance-studios, an art gallery, a design studio, digital media labs, and high-quality recording facilities. The University Library also hosts the long-standing and internationally renowned National Resource Centre for Dance.
We’re part of the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s TECHNE doctoral training partnership, which offers funding and a fully-formed training programme for academic, professional and early-career development.
The research activity in GSA at Surrey is supported through our new Institute of Performance. The Institute acts as the conservatoire’s research hub providing the base for all our postgraduate research and training. This includes regular research seminars with visiting speakers as well as bespoke training sessions on academic skills. The Institute also hosts our Centre for Performance Philosophy that fosters innovative and creative research.
PhD researchers on all programmes in GSA can expect three levels of research training and support:
As a research conservatoire, we are fully equipped to offer dedicated time and support to practice research experiments and practical modes of knowledge enquiry. We welcome proposals that will result in an c. 80,000 word thesis or a practice research curated portfolio.
| Qualification | Study mode | Course length | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Full-time | 48 months | January |
| PhD | Full-time | 48 months | April |
| PhD | Full-time | 48 months | July |
| PhD | Full-time | 48 months | October |
| PhD | Part-time | 96 months | January |
| PhD | Part-time | 96 months | April |
| PhD | Part-time | 96 months | July |
| PhD | Part-time | 96 months | October |
Before you submit your formal application form, please contact a potential supervisor or our Director of Postgraduate Research.
Once you have found an appropriate supervisor, please make contact with them to discuss your proposal. You should then proceed to completing and submitting your formal application form.
There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey. Find out more.
Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees.
The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.
Download the code of practice for research degrees (PDF).
"Since starting my PhD I have developed my confidence within an Academic environment, as well as acquired new skills."
Selected areas of current staff research are outlined below, but supervision of other subjects may be accommodated – please enquire with the Director of Postgraduate Research:
For all our research degrees in performing arts, entry is on the basis of a good honours degree and usually an MA in a relevant arts subject or appropriate professional experience.
Candidates submitting proposals that include practice-based research will be required to evidence appropriate experience and expertise in the relevant area of practice.
View entry requirements by country
IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.
We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection is based on applicants meeting the expected entry requirements, assessment of application, successful interview and suitable references where required.
Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, are subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.
| Study mode | Start date | UK/EU fees | Overseas fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | January | £4,195 | £16,000 |
| Full-time | April | £4,195 | £16,000 |
| Full-time | July | £4,195 | £16,000 |
| Full-time | October | To be confirmed | To be confirmed |
| Part-time | January | £2,100 | £8,000 |
| Part-time | April | £2,100 | £8,000 |
| Part-time | July | £2,100 | £8,000 |
| Part-time | October | To be confirmed | To be confirmed |
Please note these fees are for the academic year 2017/18 only. All fees are subject to annual review.
Overseas students applying for 2018 entry should note that annual fees will rise by 4% rounded up to the nearest £100.
| Supervisor(s) | To be confirmed |
|---|---|
| Funding | Doctoral College, University of Surrey |
| Application deadline | 13 November 2017 |
Before completing your application, please get in touch with the relevant department to discuss your proposed area of research – see below for contact details.
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