A research thesis in this specific field should offer an overview of forms of artistic expression, in particular cinema, theatre, music, dance, and visual art.  Each student will explore how the performing arts reflect the social, political, and religious aspects of many cultures and civilizations. In this program, the candidate, through his thesis, should provide a theoretical exposition of the content and processes inherent in the creative and artistic experience of performance. It also gives students an appreciation of various artistic disciplines, forms of expression and creative visual languages.

Applicants for PhD via MPhil should have either a first-class or upper second-class honors degree from a UK Higher Education Institution or an overseas qualification rated as equivalent. We are also enthusiastic to hear from applicants who are advanced arts practitioners from across the theatre and creative industries despite not having the above formal degrees.

The Department of Theatre and Performance's research embraces a range of global theory and practice in theatre and performance including play-texts, physical practices and critical/cultural theory on which students can draw in their research.