Our PhD research programmes will allow you to explore your own interests in theatre and performance, supported by the expertise of our staff. At Anglia Ruskin, our research focuses on twentieth-century, contemporary and experimental performance, interrogating both theatre-making processes and performance outcomes. It covers a broad spectrum of performance forms, including text-based theatre work; interdisciplinary and collaborative performance, involving such aspects as digital media, interculturalism, medicine, dance, physicality and music; devising and directing strategies; critical theory; and live art practice. The interdisciplinary nature of our research creates a rich and stimulating environment for staff and students. You’ll benefit from a variety of research-oriented events, including our Faculty and Departmental research seminar series, performance events and international conferences.

We’ll provide you with many opportunities for career development and training, in areas like writing up a paper for publication; placing an academic article; giving a conference paper; the doctoral writing style; updates on research methods and literature searches; internet training; editing skills for doctoral research; subsequent monograph publication; and dealing with festivals, agents, and publishers. You might also be able to take on teaching responsibilities in the department, or organise research events like seminars and conferences. In conjunction with the University’s research support, you can request specific support for writing-up, conference papers, general research methods and other research skills if you need it.