Aberystwyth University
Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies

The Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth is one of largest departments within the University and also one of the largest of its kind in the UK. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 30% of its research was rated as world-leading and a further 30% as internationally excellent. By one of the most widely respected ranking methodologies, Research Fortnight's 'Power' league table, the department ranks third in the UK.

Firmly located in Wales, and with an established international profile across its disciplines, the Department is at the forefront of research and study of regional, national and international significance in theatre, film, performance and media within a globalised cultural environment.

Our success in the RAE and other rankings are testimony to the fact that Aberystwyth University is an international powerhouse in Theatre, Film and Television Studies, with over 5% of the UK's total graded research being conducted by staff within the Department.

The Department is uniquely located to provide high-quality learning, teaching and research opportunities for students. Situated in the Parry Williams Building (purpose built in 2000) students have access to a wealth of facilities and resources including:

• a new digital media suite designed specifically for work in digital production and editing;
• three fully-equipped theatre spaces, seating approximately 100 people each;
• three rehearsal studios, each with sprung floors and flexible technical facilities;
• a new studio dedicated to performance research and experimental theatre practice;
• a dedicated television production studio, plus two multiple purpose flexible theatre, film and media production studios;
• 36 digital and HD editing suites, over 40 industry standard HD and digital cameras, a new digital vision mixer and enhanced gallery facilities;
• a digital sound studio with advanced digital recording and editing equipment;
• access to the Centre for Performance Research Resource Centre, a unique set of collections of books and audio-visual materials on world theatre and performance;
• lecture theatres with integrated screening facilities.

The Departmental facilities are supplemented by those of the Beacon Status Aberystwyth Arts Centre, one of the largest campus Arts Centres in the UK, which provides access to major theatre and cinema events. In addition, students benefit from the combined library provision of the University's Hugh Owen Library, together with the print and visual collections of the National Library of Wales located next to the campus, which is one of the UK's five copyright libraries, holding one of the most extensive collections of books and manuscripts in Europe. Further facilities are available to students through our partnerships with Boomerang Plus plc, Wales's largest independent television production company, Theatr Arad Goch, an Aberystwyth-based community theatre organisation, and BBC Wales whose local offices and broadcast studios are housed within the Department.

Research

The Department draws upon an extensive network of local and global connections and collaborations in order to sustain research into the regional, national and international significance of theatre, performance, film, and screen media within a globalised cultural environment. There are four Research Groups in the Department

Research groups

• Drama and Theatre
• Film and Television
• Performance
• Welsh Theatre and Media

Taught masters

• Film Studies
• Practising Theatre and Performance
• Scriptwriting

PhD

The Department has a large and vibrant community of research students from all over the world, working towards doctoral qualifications. The range of topics and methodologies employed is exceptionally wide covering the whole range of theatre, performance, media, film and television studies. For further information about current research student projects please see our current research student pages.

An important part of our doctoral provision is the wider research culture in which students are embedded. We offer an annual programme of research seminars, visiting speakers and performers, and an annual three day conference organised and attended by both staff and postgraduate students, in which we share research ideas and problems. Our doctoral students also benefit from a dedicated study suite with PCs, internet access, offices, printing and telephone facilities. A number of independent study and reading groups have also been founded by our present community of postgraduates e.g. the Performance Studies group which has a web-based discussion facility and the enthusiastic Discourse Analysis reading group.

PhD students in the Department receive funding from a number of sources: AHRC, Aberystwyth University, independent charities, employers and overseas providing bodies. We offer support and guidance in making applications to such organisations, and augment the opportunities they provide through a number of TFTS doctoral studentships awarded to outstanding students who have otherwise been unable to secure funding.

Contact details

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Student Welcome Centre
Aberystwyth University
Penglais
Aberystwyth
SY23 3FB
Wales, UK.

Tel: +44 (0) 1970 622270
Fax: +44 (0) 1970 622921
Email: pg-admissions@aber.ac.uk