Course summary
The Department of Theatre offers supervisory expertise in a wide range of subject areas, including early modern theatre and performance practices; 19th- and 20th-century theatre and performance histories and practices; contemporary British theatre; adaptation and translation of theatre and performance; contemporary performance practices; performance archives; dance histories and practices; the role of the body in performance; philosophy and performance; virtual and augmented reality; immersive theatre and audience studies. The department has particular strengths in historical research, digital and immersive theatre, and practice-as-research. We offer the opportunity for practice-based projects as well as projects based in the archives of the Theatre Collection, an accredited museum and archive service housed in the department. The Theatre Collection is the second-largest theatre archive collection in the UK with particular strengths in theatre in the South West, 19th-century theatre, post-Second World War theatre, live and performance art, scenery and costume design, and theatrical or related artwork. Should research proposals span various disciplines, a supervisory team will be assembled across departments and faculties to meet the needs of the project.
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2025/phd-theatre-and-performance.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries
Entry requirements
MPhil: An upper second-class degree or international equivalent. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of your readiness to pursue a research degree. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £4850 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £4850 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £4850 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £4850 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £4850 | Year 1 |
| EU | £21300 | Year 1 |
| International | £21300 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU