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MPhil/PhD in Theatre and Performance Studies (2022 Entry)

About this research graduate course

Course overview

The Theatre and Performance Studies department is internationally recognised as one of the leading departments in the discipline.

Our extensive research portfolio and high-profile staff presence through editorial positions and participation in organisations such as IFTR, Psi and TaPRA, has meant that we have fostered and maintained links with national and international organisations as well as extensive academic networks.

This degree provides wide-ranging opportunities for doctoral candidates to engage in the high-quality research of the department including research seminars and conferences, students working groups and an annual postgraduate symposium.

Subject to the approval of the department, candidates may submit research that has two components: a written thesis and a body of creative practice. The practice as research (PaR) component may involve performance, curation, writing for performance, translation, applied theatre projects or digital outcome.

Supervision for doctoral students will be provided by academic researchers with significant experience of undertaking research across a range of topics in theatre and performance research. We supervise a wide range of students from a variety of different countries and backgrounds and welcome this diversity among our student body.

Teaching and learning

Supervision for doctoral students will be provided by academic researchers with significant experience of undertaking research across a range of topics in theatre and performance research. You will also be allocated a mentor in the department to whom you may address matters related to your study.

Throughout your research you will be integrated into the theatre and performance postgraduate community, have opportunities to undertake professional skills training and be encouraged to attend events and workshops both in the department and the wider university.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:i undergraduate degree and a Master’s (or equivalent) in a related subject.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements. This course requires the following:

  • Band B
  • IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Areas for PhD supervision

Research in the department is transnational, collaborative and interdisciplinary and is focused on the following main - but overlapping - research themes:

  • Ethics, Politics, Praxis
  • Cities, Places, Environments (Identities)
  • Memories, Histories, Futures
  • Theory, Aesthetics and the Popular
  • Creative Industries and the Value of Culture

Find a supervisor

Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you'd like to research.

You should start by checking whether your proposal fits in with our areas of expertise on our research and people pages.

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Taught course fees  Research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

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Taught course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.

Research course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

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Postgraduate Open Day

Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.
Please register your interest to be the first to hear when booking opens.

Postgraduate fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.

Find out more

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Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.

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Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

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