Drama and Theatre Studies Practice-Based

Overview

The Drama and Theatre Studies Practice-Based programme from University of Birmingham also provides a unique opportunity for you to specialise in a particular area of practice and prepares you for your chosen profession.

The Department’s diverse expertise and exceptional facilities open up a wide range of practical research opportunities, such as the investigation of the processes of theatre making or the practical application of particular aesthetic theories.

Your thesis must fully contextualise the practice and substantiate the claim that your work is innovative and demonstrates extension of the boundaries of the chosen field of research and practice. The practice-based PhD thesis is 40,000 words. The MA by Research is assessed by a shorter thesis of 20,000 words.

Why study this course?

• World-leading research: The latest Research Excellence Framework exercise ranked 30% of research at the University of Birmingham for Drama as top 4* rating, ‘world-leading’. A further 39% was rated 3* ‘internationally excellent’.
• Excellent resources: You can take advantage of our exceptional resources for theatre research, such as a large number of studio spaces, the Orchard Learning Resources Centre, with its own well-stocked library and computer suites, and a purpose-built theatre and high-definition cinema facility in the George Cadbury Hall.

• Links with The Shakespeare Institute: Students are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities afforded by The Shakespeare Institute campus in Stratford-upon-Avon and the University’s collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Career

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated  careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

• Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
• Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
• Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
• Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV