PhD Degree in Theatre Studies - About, Minimum Qualification, Universities, and Admission 2025-26

About This Course

Pursuing a PhD in Theatre Studies at Lancaster opens the door to a rich and diverse academic journey, allowing you to explore a wide spectrum of themes within theatre or even blend your research across multiple disciplines. From the moment you begin, you’re guided by a dedicated team of two supervisors who offer consistent support, constructive feedback, and the kind of mentorship that helps your ideas grow with confidence. Often, your second supervisor may come from another department or area within LICA, ensuring you have the perfect blend of expertise for your chosen path.

Lancaster gives you the flexibility to shape your PhD according to your creative strengths. You can follow the traditional route of a written thesis, or you can choose a practice-based project that blends scholarly writing with hands-on creative work. With faculty deeply involved in theatre, film, art, and design research, you’ll find yourself surrounded by passionate mentors and backed by skilled technicians, workshops, editing suites, and advanced technical resources.

Being part of LICA and the wider Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences means stepping into a vibrant, multidisciplinary research community. You can join seminars, reading groups, conferences, and specialised training sessions that enrich your academic development. There’s even an opportunity to pursue a certificate in higher education teaching—a valuable asset for anyone planning a future in academia.

The Theatre & Performance Studies PhD is structured as a four-year, 60-credit program crafted for aspiring scholars who want to build a meaningful career in academic theatre studies. With a four-year, teaching-based funding package for all PhD students, Lancaster ensures you’re supported not just intellectually, but professionally.

Eligibility

The Main University Library offers an impressive collection of academic books, journals, and digital databases, featuring more than 350,000 titles in various European languages. It serves as a central hub for students and researchers seeking rich academic resources.

Within the Library, you’ll also find the University’s Centre for Research Collections, a remarkable space that brings together an extraordinary range of materials. This includes over 400,000 rare books, six kilometres of archives and manuscripts, and an extensive selection of artworks, historic musical instruments, and unique cultural objects.

Among its prized treasures is an outstanding collection of early Shakespeare quartos and other rare early modern printed plays, originally curated by the noted 19th-century Shakespearean scholar James Halliwell-Phillipps.

To support modern research needs, many of these Special Collections have been digitised and are easily accessible online. Students and researchers can explore these materials from the Resource Centre, make use of advanced computing labs, or work comfortably in the dedicated PhD study spaces available within.

PhD Degree in Theatre Studies Admission Process

If you’re considering applying to Lancaster and have any questions, simply complete the enquiry form, and a member of the team will respond to you directly. All applications are processed centrally by Student Enrolment. Once you have submitted all the required documents, your application will be forwarded to the appropriate School for academic assessment.

You can find an overview of the Wits application process online, along with the detailed postgraduate application guide. All applications must be submitted online, and you should upload your supporting documents either during the application or later through the Self Service Portal. Applicants can also track the status of their application through this portal. Please note that programmes with limited capacity and high demand may only issue final decisions at the end of the application cycle.

For the Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies, applications are reviewed under the School of Graduate Studies’ General Regulations. Admission is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. You must also meet the Centre’s additional admission criteria listed below.

Applications are accepted until April 15, and decisions are made on a rolling basis. Early application is strongly encouraged, especially for international candidates. If you need more information, you can reach out to the Associate Director.

Applicants with a Master of Arts degree—such as an MA in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university—should have achieved at least a University of Toronto A– standing. Students who completed their MA within the Centre must also be recommended for further study by their instructors. Candidates holding an MA in another subject will be evaluated based on the relevance of their prior work to the Centre’s requirements; in some cases, additional coursework may be required.

Two academic reference letters are required, specifically addressing your scholarly abilities and research potential. Admission depends on receiving satisfactory recommendations.

Future Scope

A PhD in Theatre Studies opens the door to a diverse range of career pathways across the creative arts, cultural industries, and academia. Many graduates build rewarding careers as researchers, lecturers, or consultants, contributing to the growth and understanding of theatre as an art form. With this advanced degree, you can explore opportunities in universities, cultural organisations, or theatre companies, shaping new perspectives and inspiring future generations. Your strong analytical and research skills also translate well into fields like arts administration, arts journalism, film, and television.

Pursuing a PhD in Theatre Studies is more than an academic challenge—it’s a chance to deepen your engagement with the performing arts and leave a meaningful mark on the field. If you’re driven by a passion for theatre and eager to contribute to its evolving landscape, this path offers a powerful combination of intellectual growth and professional impact.

At Brunel, you’ll receive personalised career support throughout your PhD and for up to three years after completing your research. From the very beginning of your doctoral journey, you’re encouraged to explore career planning and develop your professional identity, whether or not you have a defined future direction. Support includes online resources, one-on-one guidance, and an active programme of events organised by the Professional Development Centre—featuring industry insights, recruitment fairs, employer sessions, and skills workshops.

As part of an interdisciplinary Drama department, PhD students often engage with theatre, film and screen studies, digital humanities, and related fields. The skills you gain—such as critical thinking, research proficiency, communication, project management, and reflective practice—equip you for a wide variety of roles.

Our graduates have secured academic positions across the UK and internationally, including in Canada, Iran, and Singapore. Others thrive in the arts, education, and non-profit sectors as artists, filmmakers, practitioners, teachers, librarians, curators, writers, and editors, among many other fulfilling careers.