PTE Academic: 67
IELTS: 6.5
Delivered
On Campus, Online
Campus Location
Guildford, United Kingdom
Disciplines
Drama
Overview
The University of Surrey is 33rd in the UK rankings for overall research quality by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. The University is now also ranked in the top 20 in the UK for the overall quality of research outputs – research papers and other published works.
PhD researchers on all programmes at GSA can expect three levels of research training and support:
- University-level training provided by the Researcher Development Programme and the University Library, including a PhD induction, workshops on writing skills
- Preparation for your confirmation and viva. There is also an annual student-led University postgraduate conference
- School-level training is offered in the form of interdisciplinary seminars, visiting speaker events and conferences
- PhD researchers also receive subject-specific feedback at our biannual GSA postgraduate symposium that allows you to share and develop ideas in a supportive environment.
As a research conservatoire, we can offer dedicated time and support to practice-led research experiments and practical modes of knowledge enquiry. GSA's research activity at Surrey includes access to the Surrey Shakespeare Centre which is hosted within the School.
We welcome proposals that will result in an 80,000-word thesis or a practice research-curated portfolio (c.40,000).
Assessment
Your final assessment in Theatre will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners.
You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.
Programme Structure
Research themes
- Actor training
- Disability and performance
- Equality, diversity and inclusion in the arts
- Musical theatre
- Performance and cognitive science
- Shakespeare.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL iBT: 88, or 4.5 on the new TOEFL iBT 1–6 score
- PTE Academic: 67
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
General requirements
- For all our research degrees in performing arts, entry is based on a good honours degree and usually an MA in a relevant arts subject or appropriate professional experience.
- Candidates submitting proposals that include practice-based research will be required to evidence appropriate experience and expertise in the relevant area of practice.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (non-residents): 39,648 AUD / year (≈ 21,000 GBP / year)
- Domestic (citizens or residents): 9,889 AUD / year (≈ 5,238 GBP / year)
Part-time: UK £2,619; Overseas £10,500
Living costs
Guildford, United Kingdom: 1,246–2,152 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Scholarships
Below you will find PhD scholarship opportunities for Theatre.
- GREAT Scholarships – Spain — Grant: 10,000 GBP — Deadline: 29 May 2027
- The Water Conservation Trust Scholarship — Grant: 5,000 GBP — Deadline: 05 Oct 2026
- GREAT Scholarships – India — Grant: 10,000 GBP — Deadline: 29 May 2027
- GREAT Scholarships – Kenya — Grant: 10,000 GBP — Deadline: 29 May 2027
- ISTAT Foundation Scholarship Program — Grant: Various benefits — Deadline: 06 Mar 2027
- Discounts for Surrey graduates — Grant: Various benefits — Deadline: Anytime
- ICAEW Foundation Bursary — Grant: 5,000 GBP — Deadline: 27 Feb 2027
