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PhD/MA by Research Drama and Theatre Studies (On-Campus or By Distance Learning)

Postgraduate research in the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts brings students, scholars and theatre practitioners together to achieve a new breadth and depth in the study of drama. The Drama and Theatre Studies (On-Campus or By Distance Learning) programme is offered by University of Birmingham.

Quick Facts

  
Full-time Duration: 1 year
Starting in: January, September
Tuition Fee: £19,800 per year full-time
£10,410 per year part-time
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom / Online

Your research will benefit from the Department’s exceptional resources for theatre research, as well as our links with world-class theatre in Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, London and beyond.

Why study this course?

  • Focus – the course offers the chance to develop as both a performance practitioner and scholar, with inclusion, diversity, wellbeing and resilience at the core of the work.
  • Leadership – through reflection on your position and potential, alongside attention to the ethics and politics of performance practices, you will be equipped to develop and sustain a career as a creative leader.
  • Reputation – as one of the leading Drama departments in the UK, you will work within a community of internationally renowned scholars and practitioners.
  • Facilities – situated on the dedicated Selly Oak campus, you will have access to our full range of studio and performance spaces, production resources, and teaching and learning spaces, whilst still being within easy reach of all the opportunities available on the Edgbaston site.
  • Further study and careers – with options to undertake practice research as your independent final project or produce a written dissertation, you will be able to plan your future and work towards your aspirations as either a scholar or a practitioner.

Research Areas:

  • Contemporary Theatre and Performance
  • Research-led professional practice
  • Theatre history and histography

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

The Drama and Theatre Studies (On-Campus or By Distance Learning) programme from University of Birmingham will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University’s Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

  • Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
  • Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
  • Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
  • Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

Requirements

Our requirements for postgraduate research are dependent on the type of programme you are applying for:

  • For MRes and MA by Research programmes, entry to our programmes usually requires a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.
  • Applicants for a PhD will also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.

Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience you may have are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements.

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