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MPhil/PhD in Theatre and Performance Studies (2021 Entry)

Group of theatre students



  • Course Code
  • P-W4P0
  • Course Type
  • Postgraduate Research
  • Qualification
  • MPhil/PhD
  • Duration
  • Full-time: 3-4 years
  • Part-time: up to 7 years


The PhD in Theatre and Performance Studies offers a unique opportunity to undertake original and independent research at a leading department in its field, known for its internationalism and innovation. This degree offers the flexibility to undertake a written thesis or a combination of practice as research and written component.


The Theatre & 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.

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Research proposal guidance


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

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.


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

English language requirements 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 Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.


For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.