Drama by Practice as Research - PhD

At Kent we have always been at the forefront of promoting and developing practice-based research. In addition to all the benefits of being a PhD student, you will have access to our excellent facilities, including two theatres, three studio spaces, a workshop and a technical studio, and will be supported by a technical team with extensive professional experience.

You can undertake Practice as Research (PaR) in a variety of forms and in diverse subjects. Throughout you will be fully supported by a team of specialist supervisors.

Drama at Kent was at the forefront of pioneering Practice as Research and continues to lead the field. Through a PaR PhD you explore and interrogate your research by undertaking practice and producing a performative output, as well as by producing a written dissertation of up to 40,000 words which is examined through a viva. The PhD by PaR provides opportunities to develop and reflect upon your performative practice at the highest academic level and with the benefit of excellent professional facilities and research resources. We welcome enquiries on any topic and form of practice.

During your time at Kent you will have a minimum of two supervisors who will support and guide you through your academic and professional development. You will meet regularly with your supervisor(s) who will not only guide your research but will also help you to identify areas where you may require further training or support. A series of reviews will take place throughout your studies in order to ensure that your research stays on track and that you have all the necessary support and resources required to successfully complete it.

Current PhDs reflect our diversity, with topics including actor training, autism, East Asian comedy, community theatre, Absurdism, live art, Shakespeare, translation and adaptation, Greek theatre, Grotowski, stand-up, eighteenth-century acting, neurodivergent performance, and accessibility. Recent and ongoing Practice as Research projects include: ‘Selfless Language: Acting Coordination Method Leading to Act of Speech’, ‘Minna Canth from Finnish to English: Feminist Translation of Nineteenth Century Social Realist Drama’, ‘Translating 18th Century Actresses Acting Techniques Into a Modern Performance Context’, and ‘The Burning Method: A Performance-Based Analysis of Jerzy Grotowski’s Book Towards a Poor Theatre’.

Funding your studies
We're here to help you find the best financial support available through postgraduate scholarships, research funding and loans, so you can focus on your studies.

Study support
Our expert teaching staff are leading researchers at the very forefront of their fields who use innovative teaching methods to provide you with high level supervision for your research project. Their guidance, combined with extensive facilities and support staff ensures you will get the most from your study.

Research
Kent is a leading research university, meaning that you will be informed about new discussions and developments by the people making them. This means your work will have real potential to make a difference.

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