Drama and Performance

Entry requirements

For MPhil

• First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree or an approved equivalent award

or

• Research or professional experience which has resulted in appropriate evidence of achievement

For PhD

• Postgraduate Masters Degree in a discipline which is appropriate to the proposed programme of study

or

• First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree or equivalent award in an appropriate discipline

or

• Research or professional experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of achievement

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

We welcome applications to undertake research towards MPhil and PhD degrees in Drama, Performance and Dance.

We offer students either an MPhil (Master of Philosophy) in Drama, Performance and Dance or PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Drama, Performance and Dance.

Key features

• Diverse academic and professional background
• Specialist knowledge in British theatre
• Contemporary performance practices
• Applied theatre and audience engagement
• Practice as research focus

Staff bring a rich blend of academic excellence and real-world experience to enhance your learning. Specialist areas of potential research include Shakespeare in performance, British theatre history, regional theatre, and culturally diverse theatre (Black British and British Asian). A potential PhD or MPhil may cover writing for performance, sexuality in performance, theatre and digital media, autobiographical and site-specific performance, and contemporary dance. There is an emphasis on theatre and performance that connects with communities and engages diverse audiences. Guidance for post graduate study provides a strong orientation towards Practice as Research within contemporary performance disciplines.

Careers

The follow potential career avenues provide and insight into the benefits of pursuing a PhD or MPhil in Drama, Performance and Dance at the University of Worcester:

• Principal Performer (Actor / Dancer/ Producer)
  Engage in high-profile performances across theatre, film, television and online media, creating original work and collaborating with leading practitioners.
• Senior Theatre Director / Creative Director
  Lead and curate productions, from conceptualisation to performance, within professional theatre companies, festivals, or community arts organisations.
• Theatre / Stage Manager
  Oversee technical and logistical aspects of productions, ensuring smooth delivery of complex, large-scale performances.
• University Lecturer
  Teach drama performance, dance studies, performance theory or research methods, and contribute to curriculum development, postgraduate supervision, and academic research.
• Arts Administrator / Artistic Manager
  Coordinate programmes, secure funding, lead outreach initiatives, and manage projects within theatres, festivals, community arts organisations or charitable foundations.
• Media & Broadcast Professional (Producer, Presenter, Researcher)
  Drive content creation for television, film, radio or digital platforms, utilising performance knowledge to enhance storytelling, production quality, and audience engagement

Information for international students

International applicants will be required to demonstrate that they have the appropriate level of written and spoken English.

For MPhil/PhD this is an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in every component.