Drama PhD

The research degrees of MPhil and PhD are offered in any of the main four strands of Drama at Manchester: Theatre Studies, Applied Theatre, Screen Studies, Music and Drama Studies.

You will have a supervisor with a specialism related to your field of research. The practice-based dissertation also gives you the opportunity to submit practice as part of your final thesis submission. The staff/student seminar series, Research Encounters, provides a weekly forum of debate and the presentation of short papers on a wide range of topics, and acts as a focal point in the postgraduate research culture.

Drama scored a 5 in the 2001 RAE. All staff are research-active within the four main strands that comprise our profile: theatre studies, applied theatre, screen studies, and music and drama studies. These areas interlink, and both staff and students are keen to cross the boundaries from one area of research to another. The notion of 'dialogue' - with ideas, practices, communities - is at the heart of all our practical and intellectual explorations. There are currently three research centres in Drama: the Centre for Applied Theatre, the Centre for Screen Studies, and the Centre for Stage and Screen. The Centres initiate research projects, present seminar series and host conferences. The Centre for Applied Theatre is presently running two major AHRC-funded projects, on theatre in places of conflict, and theatre in museum and heritage sites.

For subject areas that hold awards in particular years, UK and EU applicants may enter the AHRC Block Grant Partnership competition (deadline 1st March). The complete list of subject areas covered and the number of awards available in each year is listed here. This is highly competitive, and applicants should discuss applying with the Programme Director as soon as possible. Some awards are usually offered by the School or department: see the school website for current information, or contact the Admissions Administrator. Some awards are reserved for international applicants.