Theatre PhD
Key information
Full-time - 4 years
- Start dates:
- April 2024
- July 2024
- October 2024
- January 2025
Part-time - 8 years
- Start dates:
- April 2024
- July 2024
- October 2024
- January 2025
Why choose this programme
Our PhD in Theatre will provide you with a supportive and collegiate research experience within our conservatoire, the Guildford School of Acting (GSA).
Our research, which encompasses traditional and practice-based forms, addresses performance in history and contemporary culture. It includes:
- Work in theatre history
- Contemporary dance
- Actor training
- Musical theatre
- Performance and cognitive science
- Mental health and disability arts.
We belong to TECHNE, an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded doctoral training partnership, which offers funding and a fully formed training programme for academic, professional and early-career development.
The University of Surrey is 33rd in the UK rankings for overall research quality by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. The University is now also ranked in the top 20 in the UK for the overall quality of research outputs – research papers and other published works.
GSA staff contributed to the School of Literature and Languages REF submission and we are now ranked 10th for research impact with 75% of our case studies rated for having outstanding impacts, in terms of reach and significance (4*).
What you will study
PhD researchers on all programmes at GSA can expect three levels of research training and support:
- University-level training provided by the Researcher Development Programme and the University Library, including a PhD induction, workshops on writing skills
- Preparation for your confirmation and viva. There is also an annual student-led University postgraduate conference
- School-level training is offered in the form of interdisciplinary seminars, visiting speaker events and conferences
- PhD researchers also receive subject-specific feedback at our biannual GSA postgraduate symposium that allows you to share and develop ideas in a supportive environment.
As a research conservatoire, we can offer dedicated time and support to practice-led research experiments and practical modes of knowledge enquiry. GSA’s research activity at Surrey includes access to the Surrey Shakespeare Centre which is hosted within the School.
We welcome proposals that will result in an 80,000-word thesis or a practice research-curated portfolio (c.40,000).
Assessment
Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.
Research support
The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate careers and employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.
Research themes
Selected areas of current staff research are outlined below:
- Actor training
- Disability and performance
- Equality, diversity and inclusion in the arts
- Musical theatre
- Performance and cognitive science
- Shakespeare.
Supervision of other subjects may be accommodated – please enquire with the Director of Postgraduate Research, Professor Robert Shaughnessy.
Our academic staff
See a full list of all our academic staff within the Guildford School of Acting (GSA).
Research centre
Research facilities
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.
Entry requirements
For all our research degrees in performing arts, entry is based on 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.
International entry requirements by country
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Application requirements
Applicants are advised to contact potential supervisors before they submit an application via the website. Please refer to section two of our application guidance.
After registration
Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.
Selection process
Selection is based on applicants:
- Meeting the expected entry requirements
- Being shortlisted through the application screening process
- Completing a successful interview
- Providing suitable references.
Fees
Start date: April 2024
Full-time
- UK
- £4,712
- Overseas
- £18,600
Part-time
- UK
- £2,356
- Overseas
- £9,300
Start date: July 2024
Full-time
- UK
- £4,712
- Overseas
- £18,600
Part-time
- UK
- £2,356
- Overseas
- £9,300
Start date: October 2024
Full-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £20,200
Part-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £10,100
Start date: January 2025
Part-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £10,100
Full-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £20,200
For fees payable in 2023/24, these will increase by 4 per cent, rounded up to the nearest £100 for subsequent years of study. Any start date other than September will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).
Overseas students applying for 2023 entry should note that annual fees will rise by 4 per cent rounded up to the nearest £100.
View a complete list of all fees for our research programmes.
Additional costs
There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey.
Funding
A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.
Apply online
If you are applying for a studentship to work on a particular project, you should enter the details of the specific project that you wish to apply for rather than your own research proposal.
Read our application guidance for further information on the application process.
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Course | Status |
---|---|
Theatre PhD Full-time, April 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 1 March 2024 |
Theatre PhD Part-time, April 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 1 March 2024 |
Theatre PhD Full-time, July 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 19 April 2024 |
Theatre PhD Part-time, July 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 19 April 2024 |
Theatre PhD Full-time, October 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Monday 1 July 2024 |
Theatre PhD Part-time, October 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Monday 1 July 2024 |
Theatre PhD Full-time, January 2025 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 18 October 2024 |
Code of practice for research degrees
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).
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and procedures, and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
University of Surrey Admissions
Contact Admissions TeamAddress
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH