PhD Theatre

at University of Surrey

GSA’s research activity at Surrey includes access to our research centre hosted within the school, the Surrey Shakespeare Centre.

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 and 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. This includes events supporting the Surrey Shakespeare Centre.

• 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 research experiments and practical modes of knowledge enquiry. We welcome proposals that will result in an 80,000-word thesis or a practice research curated portfolio.

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

• Animals and performance

• Disability and performance

• Equality, diversity and inclusion in the arts

• Musical theatre

• Performance and cognitive science

• Performance philosophy

• Phenomenology and time

• Shakespeare

• Theatre making in an era of climate crisis.

Supervision of other subjects may be accommodated – please enquire with the Director of Postgraduate Research, Professor Robert Shaughnessy.

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.

To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve at least 60% or 65% in the final two years of your undergraduate study depending on the institution you have completed your degree.

To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve at least 55% or 60% in the final two years of your undergraduate study depending on the institution you have completed your degree.

For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve at least 65% or 70% in the final two years of your undergraduate study depending on the institution you have completed your degree.

English language requirements
 

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.

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.

Annual Tuition Fees
 

• UK: £4,596

• Overseas: £18,100