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University of Birmingham: Drama and Theatre Studies
| Institution | University of Birmingham View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of English, Drama, and Creative Studies View department profile |
| Web | www.birmingham.ac.uk |
| Study type | Research |
Summary
Whether you’re driven by creative and practical research, or you want to specialise in a theatrical approach to theatre and performance, you'll research with renowned academics and practitioners at one of the UK's leading Drama and Theatre Arts departments.
Pursue your curiosity and passion to become an expert in your chosen area of drama and theatre studies. At Birmingham, our research interests span contemporary performance, theatre history and historiography, and practice research. Receive expert supervision and develop your specialist knowledge.
We also offer a Drama and Theatre Studies Practice-Based PhD if you'd prefer to conduct practice-based research instead of a traditional PhD thesis.
Our Drama and Theatre Studies academics are experts in a wide range of areas. Research specialisms include critical and political analysis of theatre and performances, British theatre, theatre training and practices, live art, and theatre histories.
Whether you're interested in contemporary or historical theatre, you can delve into your chosen area, supported by your supervisors.
If you'd prefer to use your creative practice as research, our practical Drama and Theatre Studies - Practice Based PhD might be for you.
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We hold a variety of research seminars and events. Recent events include a performance by actor Paterson Joseph.
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Benefit from our connections to local and regional theatres including the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as London theatres.
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Research interests in the Department are wide-ranging so you can pursue your drama or theatre studies passions.
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For MRes and MA by Research programmes, we usually require 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. If you’re applying for a PhD , you’ll 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 are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements. If you’re applying for distance learning research programmes, you’ll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning. You'll normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. |
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For MRes and MA by Research programmes, we usually require 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. If you’re applying for a PhD , you’ll 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 are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements. If you’re applying for distance learning research programmes, you’ll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning. You'll normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. |
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For MRes and MA by Research programmes, we usually require 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. If you’re applying for a PhD , you’ll 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 are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements. If you’re applying for distance learning research programmes, you’ll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning. You'll normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. |
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For MRes and MA by Research programmes, we usually require 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. If you’re applying for a PhD , you’ll 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 are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements. If you’re applying for distance learning research programmes, you’ll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning. You'll normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. |
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For MRes and MA by Research programmes, we usually require 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. If you’re applying for a PhD , you’ll 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 are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements. If you’re applying for distance learning research programmes, you’ll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning. You'll normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. |
| Location | Edgbaston Campus Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TU |
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For MRes and MA by Research programmes, we usually require 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. If you’re applying for a PhD , you’ll 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 are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements. If you’re applying for distance learning research programmes, you’ll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning. You'll normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. |
| Location | Edgbaston Campus Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TU |
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For MRes and MA by Research programmes, we usually require 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. If you’re applying for a PhD , you’ll 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 are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements. If you’re applying for distance learning research programmes, you’ll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning. You'll normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. |
| Location | Edgbaston Campus Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TU |
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For MRes and MA by Research programmes, we usually require 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. If you’re applying for a PhD , you’ll 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 are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements. If you’re applying for distance learning research programmes, you’ll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning. You'll normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. |
| Location | Edgbaston Campus Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TU |
Why you should choose the School of English, Drama and Creative Studies at the University of Birmingham
Join a community of writers, filmmakers, performers and creatives at a world top 100 university for arts and humanities (QS World University Rankings 2025).
We’re home to students across English Literature, Linguistics and Communication, Shakespeare Studies, Film, Creative Writing, Digital Media and Drama.
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