Drama by Research
| Award | Attendance | Study | Duration | Start | Domestic fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | On-Campus | Full-time, Part-time | 3 - 5 years | September, January, April | find out | find out |
About Drama by Research, PhD - at University of Kent
With access to specialistsupervision, excellent resources including unique archives, and a vibrantresearch community which welcomes everyone from 'Fresher to Professor', yourtime at Kent will be enjoyable and stimulating.
A PhD by Research in Drama will enable you to conductoriginal research under the guidance of your team of your supervisors. Wewelcome enquiries on any topic.
During your time at Kent you will have a minimum of twosupervisors who will support and guide you through your academic andprofessional development. You will meet regularly withyour supervisor(s) who will not only guide your research but will also help you to identify areas where you may requirefurther training or support. A series of reviews will take place throughoutyour studies in order to ensure that your research stays on track andthat you have all the necessary support and resources required to successfullycomplete it. The final thesis will be up to 100,000 words in length and will be examined through a viva.
CurrentPhDs reflect our diversity, with topics including actor training, autism, EastAsian comedy, community theatre, Absurdism, live art, Shakespeare, translationand adaptation, Greek theatre, Grotowski, stand-up, eighteenth-century acting,neurodivergent performance, and accessibility.
You may be eligibleto apply for a fully-funded PhD scholarship. Scholarship opportunities may includethe Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (GTA) and the Consortium of theHumanities and the Arts South-East England (CHASE) collaborative doctoralaward. For further information and eligibility requirements, please see our Scholarship website.
About the Department of Drama and Theatre
Drama at Kent is a vibrant and supportive international communityof academics, practitioners, and students, connected through our shared passionfor theatre and performance. Our staff are able to support a wide range of researchcovering histories, practices and philosophies of theatre and performance,whilst at the same time fostering an inclusive and welcoming culture.
Drama at Kent students also benefit from our fantasticlocation. Based in the cultural city of Canterbury, we are less than one hour fromLondon by train and forty minutes from the Eurotunnel making us close to bothLondon and Europe. This gives our students access to an international diversityof theatrical culture, as well as to national archives such as the BritishLibrary and V&A Theatre Collection. Our location and excellent transportlinks also enable us to provide excellent support to students who wish to studyand live further afield.
Entry requirements
Contact University of Kent to find course entry requirements.
Why study at University of Kent
- In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Kent has been ranked 387th in the world and 50th within the UK
- Kent has been ranked a TOp 50 UK University in the Complete University Guide 2026
- 97% of research at Kent was found to be of international quality in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (an independant national survey of UK universities
- Over 250 clubs and societies including a range of sporting, performance, cultural and faith groups. Share your interests and make lifelong friends around the world.
- Canterbury and Medway is 60 mins from London by high-speed train.
- Multimillion-pound scholarship fund,stunning locations, first-class facilities, and a diverse, inclusive and supportive community
- Dedicated postgraduate graduate and research college that provides extensive support in every part of your study experience – wellbeing, resources, workshops and career preparation.