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Postgraduate Research

Drama research degrees

The length of programme registration will be longer as it includes the maximum writing-up phase. See further details on how research degrees are structured at Hull and thesis submission expectations.

Drama at Hull has a strong reputation for world-leading and internationally excellent research with the option to study at MA by Thesis or PhD level.

About our Drama research degrees

Drama at Hull has a strong reputation for world-leading and internationally excellent research. We offer supervision of research degrees at MA by Thesis and PhD level in a wide range of subjects, reflecting both the individual interests of staff and our research groupings in Performance, Technology and Aesthetics; Performance Translation and Dramaturgy; and Research in Engagement and Participation.

Your research might take the traditional form of a wholly written thesis, or might be based on experimental practice supplemented by written critical commentary and other forms of documentation. Either way, you have the opportunity to expand your own knowledge, and that of the subject area, through original research in a form tailored to your needs, under expert guidance. We have three well-equipped performance studios – all with backstage facilities, including dressing rooms, control rooms, a design workshop, and costume and prop stores. Students also benefit from visits by speakers, trips to see performances and professional touring theatre, dance and music performances.

Research topics

Our experts welcome applications for postgraduate study across a broad range of topics. Our main research interests include:

The Postgraduate Training Scheme

It is now widely recognised by employers, professional bodies and research funding agencies that specialist expertise alone is not sufficient preparation either for research or a subsequent career. With this in mind, we require all our postgraduate research students to follow a research training programme relating both to their particular field of study and to generic skills; for example, information technology and communication skills.

Programme structure

PhD structure

Full timePart time
3 years of research, with up to 12 months writing up if required6 years of research, with up to 24 months of writing up if required

Masters structure

Full timePart time
1 year of research, with up to 12 months writing up if required2 years of research, with up to 24 months of writing up if required

Writing up and thesis submission

A standard full-time PhD programme comprised three years of research plus up to 12 months of thesis finalisation (also referred to as “writing-up”). Part-time is six years plus up to 24 months thesis finalisation if needed. Full-time standard Masters programmes are comprised one year of research plus up to 12 months of thesis finalisation needed; and part time Masters programmes have two years of research with up to two years of thesis finalisation.

For full-time students, the thesis finalisation phase should take three months but may be extended to one year without further paperwork. For part-time students, thesis finalisation should take six months, but may be extended to two years without further paperwork. The maximum thesis finalisation period is included in your overall programme length, which means that international PGRs will not need to apply for an additional visa to cover this phase.

If you need to move into the thesis finalisation period of your research degree, you must enrol for this phase and you will be liable to pay a continuation fee.

Thesis submission timelines

It is expected that you will submit your thesis within the timeframes outlined below:

Masters degrees

  • Submission by one year and 3 months full-time.
  • Submission by 2 years and 6 months part-time.

Doctoral degrees

  • Submission by 3 years and 3 months full-time.
  • Submission by 6 years and 6 months for part-time.

Entry Requirements

What do I need?

You should normally have, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a related discipline appropriate to your intended research.

Contacting your prospective supervisor before you submit your application is not essential but may be helpful.

Typical offer

2:1 in a relevant subject area

Fees & Funding

How much is it?

Ready to get started?

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

Make your application online now, and our admissions team will get back to you as soon as possible to make you an offer.

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