Why choose this course

Our PhD in Theatre will provide you with a supportive and collegiate research experience within our conservatoire, the Guildford School of Acting (GSA).

Our research, which encompasses traditional and practice-based forms, addresses performance in history and contemporary culture. It ranges from Shakespeare to performance philosophy and includes:

• work in theatre history
• contemporary dance
• performance and the nonhuman
• actor training
• musical theatre
• performance and cognitive science
• mental health and disability arts.

You will benefit from first-class conservatoire facilities including a 200-seat theatre, 15 rehearsal studios, six performance studios, an art gallery, a design studio, digital media labs, and high-quality recording facilities. The University Library also hosts the long-standing and internationally renowned National Resource Centre for Dance.

What you will study

GSA’s research activity at Surrey includes access to our two research centres hosted within the school: the Centre for Performance Philosophy and the Surrey Shakespeare Centre.

PhD researchers on all programmes at GSA can expect three levels of research training and support:

• University-level training provided by the Researcher Development Programme and the University Library, including a PhD induction, workshops on writing skills and preparation for your confirmation and viva. There is also an annual student-led university postgraduate conference.
• School-level training is offered in the form of interdisciplinary seminars, visiting speaker events and conferences. This includes events supporting the Centre for Performance Philosophy and the Surrey Shakespeare Centre.
• PhD researchers also receive subject-specific feedback at our biannual GSA postgraduate symposium that allows you to share and develop ideas in a supportive environment.