Explore creative, practice-based research. Supported by our academic experts, your project might include new performance techniques, examine a particular aspect of theatre practice or involve a specific community of participants.
Make use of our rehearsal and performance facilities and our in-house production team to deliver your project.
It usually takes three years (full-time) or six years (part-time) to complete a PhD, while the normal length of an MA by Research is either one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).
The first year (or part-time equivalent) of a PhD usually includes a literature review specific to your practice research thesis. Your practice research and thesis are usually produced in stages over the course of your PhD, and you’ll receive regular feedback.
For an MA by Research, these timescales are condensed into one year (or two years if studying part time).
You’ll continue to work on your practice research and write your thesis.
During your studies you’ll be encouraged to present your research to the wider academic community and to the public at seminars and conferences, or even submit work for publication in specialist journals. You’ll have opportunities for networking and playing an active role in our vibrant postgraduate research community.
You’ll be assessed at the end of your PhD by a practice research PhD thesis of 40,000 words and your practical output.
If you choose the MA by Research option, you'll be assessed by a shorter thesis of 20,000 words plus the practice element.
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Our practice-based PhD offers a unique opportunity to specialise in a particular area of creative practice.
Our range of academic interests means there are lots of research opportunities available for you to investigate - from theatre-making processes, to applying performance ideas and theories to your creative practice.
Supervised by our expert academics, you'll use your knowledge of wider academic theory in Drama and Theatre Studies to demonstrate how your creative practice fits into your chosen research field.
Performing Arts department in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025).
Flexible research options: you can complete an MA by Research with a shorter thesis or complete a PhD.
Study on campus or from anywhere in the world by distance learning.
At Birmingham, we have the academic expertise to support your chosen creative practice, whether you want to explore solo performance pieces, playwriting, immersive practice, workshops or community-based projects.
Our academics specialise in three broad areas:
From podcasting to brain monitoring, our state-of-the-art facilities empower our students to create, perform, collaborate and explore in new and exciting ways.
The Birmingham Doctoral Programme is a structured research experience co-ordinated by the University Doctoral School. It offers world-class supervision, a tailored development framework, and real-world engagement opportunities that prepare you to flourish, whatever your future holds.
The practice research output will directly address your research questions and will be determined by the needs of the overall project. PhD outputs have included solo performance pieces, playwriting, immersive practice, workshops and community-based projects.
You'll decide the number of project outputs and their length with your supervisors. Outputs can be live or recorded, depending on the needs of the research and the most appropriate delivery method for your research questions.
Alongside your creative practice piece, you'll produce a 40,000 word PhD thesis or 20,000 word MA by Research thesis providing context to your practice.
Research in the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts covers a wide range of areas and is conducted through different research methodologies, including historical and archival research, performance criticism and analysis and practice-as-research.
Our research themes include:
Discover our research and current projects.
Here is the standard offer for the course and additional requirements for students applying from India.
(for entry to a PhD). 2:1 Honours degree (for entry to an MA by Research).
For MRes and MA by Research programmes, we usually require a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.
If you’re applying for a PhD , you’ll also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.
Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements.
If you’re applying for distance learning research programmes, you’ll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning.
You'll normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. See the Application Process section for more information.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Full-time
Part-time
The same fees apply to both campus-based and distance learning study. The distance learning programme also includes one fully-funded visit to campus in the first year of study.
International students applying for part-time study may have to choose our distance learning option, depending on visa status.
* For UK postgraduate research students the University fee level is set at Research Council rates and as such is subject to change each year. The final fee will be announced by Research Councils UK in Spring 2026.
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.
You devise your own PhD topic, find and consult with a potential supervisor, explore funding opportunities, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.
A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.
Applications for most College of Arts and Law Doctoral Research scholarships for 2026 entry have now closed (apart from the Haywood Fellowship and The Dharmanath Scholarship in Jain Studies). Applications will re-open autumn 2026.
Applications have now closed for 2026 entry.
To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
When proposing your own research topic you’ll need to make sure the department offers the necessary expertise. We ask that you identify an appropriate supervisor and contact them before you submit your application.
If there is a good fit between your proposed research and our research strengths, we’ll be able to give you advice on a draft of your research proposal before you make a formal application.
When contacting a member of our staff, it would be helpful to include the following:
Please contact only one member of staff in the first instance.
A summary of our key research areas, and staff working within those, can be found below.
The research proposal is a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.
Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.
You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department.
The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes.
If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.
If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.
We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If the programme has a Distance learning option then students will usually attend a residential visit in September or January, and those students wishing to attend the September residential are also encouraged to apply by 1 June 2026. The visit will take place at the end of September/beginning of October and you will receive further details once you have accepted your offer.
If you experience any difficulties with the application process and contacting potential supervisors, please contact us via the "Ask us a question" form.
When you're ready, return to this page and begin your application by clicking APPLY NOW
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate research programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
At Birmingham, we prepare our researchers to make an impact across every sector of society. Our PhD graduates are global change-makers: advancing knowledge, shaping policy, leading industries, and educating future generations.
You'll benefit from dedicated careers support tailored to your unique paths. Our expert team of Careers Advisers, including a dedicated postgraduate research adviser, offer one-to-one guidance to help researchers navigate career decisions both within and beyond academia.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.
We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll have a variety of choices of accommodation. Stay with us in our dedicated postgraduate halls or explore a wide range of private accommodation close to campus.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
