

PhD in Theatre Studies – University of Glasgow
University of Glasgow
Glasgow | Scotland, United Kingdom
PhD in Theatre Studies
- Performing Arts – Drama and Theatre Studies, Dance and Ballet, Performative Practices (Theory and/or Practice)
- Multimedia Arts, Audio-visual Techniques and Media Production
- Other fields
Full time: 3 years
Part time: 5 years
Public University
- PhD fully funded and with a stipend by the university
- Self-funded PhD – you must provide both tuition and your own maintenance
- PhD Fully or partially externally funded, with a stipend, through private or public foundations, scholarships, grants, one or more companies, or public institutions that you have to find on your own
It is important to know that many universities offer different funding options and public and private grants available to students who match the application criteria. Before applying, it is a good idea to check the institutions’ websites and inquire about the options available to you.
Many universities require applicants to pay fees such as matriculation or dissertation fees, even if they offer a fully funded programme with or without a stipend.
Fees:
https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/theatre/#tab=fees
Funding resources:
https://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/arts/graduateschool/fundingopportunities/
- Thesis length: 70,000-100,000 words, including references, bibliography and appendices (other than documentary appendices).
A Doctor of Philosophy may be awarded to a student whose thesis is an original work making a significant contribution to knowledge in, or understanding of, a field of study and normally containing material worthy of publication.
We also welcome practice-based PhDs where the written part of thesis will be of a shorter word length, but include a substantive piece(s) of practice. The written component of the thesis will be negotiated with your supervisor, but will not normally be under 30,000 words.
Application procedures: https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/theatre/#tab=apply
Our regular standard of admission is at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree (2:1), although candidates will usually also have completed or be undertaking a Masters qualification.
Research outline
Candidates are required to provide an outline of the proposed research subject in about 1000 words. This need not be your final thesis proposal but should include:
- a straightforward, descriptive, and informative title
- the question that your research will address
- an account of why this question is important and worth investigating
- an assessment of how your own research will engage with recent study in the subject
- a brief account of the methodology and approach you will take
- a discussion of the primary sources that your research will draw upon, including printed books, manuscripts, archives, libraries, or museums
- an indicative bibliography of secondary sources that you have already consulted and/or are planning to consult
Your application, including your references and research proposal, will be passed to members of staff whose expertise and research interests most closely match the area of your proposed study.
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
7.0 with no subtests under 7.0 - Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test
- IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.
Common equivalent English language qualifications
TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)
- 94; with Reading 24; Listening 24; Speaking 23; Writing 27
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 66 with no subtest less than: Listening 66;Reading 68; Speaking 65; Writing 82
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 185 overall, no subtest less than 185
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford English Test
- Oxford ELLT 8
- R&L: OIDI level no less than 8 with Reading: 27-28 and Listening: 20
- W&S: OIDI level no less than 8
Trinity College Tests
Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Pass with Pass in all sub-tests.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master’s level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
- Undergraduate 2+2 degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
| Contact of The School of Culture and Creative Arts | cca-pgcomm@glasgow.ac.uk |
| https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/theatre/#tab=fees,overview,studyoptions |
Info for international students: https://www.gla.ac.uk/international/
Languages used within the program and for thesis writing and discussion: English.

