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  • Undergraduate courses
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Course options

  • Qualification

    PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

  • Location

    Canterbury Campus

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    SEP

  • Duration

    3 years

Course summary

Drama at Kent is known for its dynamic and inclusive research community. Whether you are interested in acting, directing, physical theatre, accessibility and disability, history, dance, psychology, philosophy, gender, comedy, popular performance, or politics, we have the academic expertise to support your research.

Overview

With access to specialist supervision, excellent resources including unique archives, and a vibrant research community which welcomes everyone from ‘Fresher to Professor’, your time at Kent will be enjoyable and stimulating.

A PhD by Research in Drama will enable you to conduct original research under the guidance of your team of your supervisors. We welcome enquiries on any topic.

During your time at Kent you will have a minimum of two supervisors who will support and guide you through your academic and professional development. You will meet regularly with your supervisor(s) who will not only guide your research but will also help you to identify areas where you may require further training or support. A series of reviews will take place throughout your studies in order to ensure that your research stays on track and that you have all the necessary support and resources required to successfully complete it. The final thesis will be up to 100,000 words in length and will be examined through a viva.

Current PhDs reflect our diversity, with topics including actor training, autism, East Asian comedy, community theatre, Absurdism, live art, Shakespeare, translation and adaptation, Greek theatre, Grotowski, stand-up, eighteenth-century acting, neurodivergent performance, and accessibility.

Careers

Drama PhD students come from a range of backgrounds. Some have followed the academic path through from undergraduate studies, whilst others come to us after working in the Arts for a number of years, and others are seeking a career-change. We also have a number of PhD students who join us in retirement. Whatever your background and experience, we treat each PhD student as an individual and tailor your support to reflect the reasons for doing a PhD and what you want to get out of it. Many of our PhD students have gone on to have successful careers as academics both in the UK and internationally. Others have used their PhDs to develop their artistic practice in new directions, whilst many have also gone on to work in the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector: gaining professional positions in museums, archives, the media, and theatre. We are proud that Drama at Kent has a reputation in the theatre industry for producing innovative, creative and passionate graduates.

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 18,600per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University of Kent

  • University League Table

    52nd

  • Campus address

    University of Kent, Recruitment and Admissions Office, Registry, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, England

A range of scholarships for international students, including GREAT Scholarships for students from China, Ghana, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan or Thailand.
Kent offers globally recognised degrees, and has a diverse student community representing over 180 nationalities.
Kent provides excellent support for international students, including English language training and academic study support.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    28th out of 95

  • Entry standards

    / Max 198
    129 65%

    60th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    57.0 57%

    52nd

    3
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.01 75%

    61st

    18

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