PhD Theatre
Our PhD in Theatre will provide you with a supportive and collegiate research experience within our conservatoire, the Guildford School of Acting (GSA).
Why choose this
programme?
- 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.
Location
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
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.
Research centres
See a full list of all our academic staff within the Guildford School of Acting (GSA).
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.
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.
UK qualifications
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.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can 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.
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 per year
Explore UKCISA's website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate research courses.
* Please note: 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).
October 2025 - Full-time
- UK
- £5,006
- Overseas
- £21,000
October 2025 - Part-time
- UK
- £2,503
- Overseas
- £10,500
July 2026 - Full-time
- UK
- £5,006
- Overseas
- £21,000
July 2026 - Part-time
- UK
- £2,503
- Overseas
- £10,500
January 2026 - Full-time
- UK
- £5,006
- Overseas
- £21,000
January 2026 - Part-time
- UK
- £2,503
- Overseas
- £10,500
April 2026 - Full-time
- UK
- £5,006
- Overseas
- £21,000
April 2026 - Part-time
- UK
- £2,503
- Overseas
- £10,500
- Annual fees will increase by 4% for each year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100 (subject to legal requirements).
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.
Application process
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.
About the University of Surrey
Need more information?
Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
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 to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2024/25 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.