PhD Performing Arts Research Opportunities University of Lincoln

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The Lincoln School of Creative Arts boasts extensive research expertise in the fields of drama, theatre, and performance studies where a team of academics offer continued supervision and support throughout. Areas of specialism include playwriting, dramaturgy, scenography, musical theatre, Asian performance, intermediality, and historiography, as well as practice as research and practice-based research.

Research students are invited to join one of the School's thriving research groups - Contemporary Theatre-Making, (Re) Constructing Musics and Intercultural Performance - and participate in the Critical Encounters Research Series alongside academic staff and other postgraduate students. Students will also be encouraged to present their work at national and international conferences and to publish their findings.

How You Study

Our postgraduate research programmes enable independent specialist study, which is supported by regular supervision with academic supervisor(s) to ensure that the programme of research is on track and meets the required standards. Supervisions are held monthly for full-time students and every two months for part-time students.

Progression points throughout the programme (Confirmation of Studies, Annual Monitoring Review and Transfer) allow students to present their work to colleagues within the School.

Prioritising Face-to-Face Teaching

At the University of Lincoln, we strive to ensure our students’ experience is engaging, supportive, and academically challenging. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, we have adapted to Government guidance to keep our students, staff, and community safe. All remaining Covid-19 legal restrictions in England were lifted in February 2022 under the Government’s Plan for Living with Covid-19, and we have embraced a safe return to in-person teaching on campus. Where appropriate, face-to-face teaching is enhanced by the use of digital tools and technology and may be complemented by online opportunities where these support learning outcomes.

We are fully prepared to adapt our plans if changes in Government guidance make this necessary, and we will endeavour to keep current and prospective students informed.

How You Are Assessed

Students will produce an 80,000-word thesis on a subject agreed upon with their proposed supervisor(s).

Students completing a practice-based PhD will be required to produce a substantial body of performance or creative work and a thesis of between 25,000 - 40,000 words.

The thesis is examined by two examiners (one external to the School, one internal) and includes a Viva Voce (oral) examination.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

First or upper second class honours degree and a Master's degree.

International students will also require the English Language at IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6 in each part.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

Research Areas, Projects and Topics

The Lincoln School of Creative Arts boasts extensive research expertise in the fields of drama, theatre, and performance studies, where a team of academics offer continued supervision and support throughout. Areas of specialism include playwriting, dramaturgy, scenography, musical theatre, Asian performance, intermediality, and historiography, as well as practice as research and practice-based research.

How to Apply

Normally we require a UK Master's degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject, or relevant professional qualifications and relevant experience in an associated area.

Please submit the following supporting information when making your application:

• a supporting statement (500 words). This should explain the motivation for studying your chosen programme.
• a research proposal (1,000-2,000 words). This proposal should:
  • Clearly define the topic you are interested in and demonstrate an understanding of your research area.
  • Include two or three research questions that you will explore in your research.
  • Outline the range of research methodologies you will use to undertake the research.
  • Include a provisional bibliography of primary and secondary sources.

In addition, you may want to:

• Include a brief literature review of the key works that relate to your topic, particularly if this helps to exemplify the point below.
• Explain clearly how your research contributes to existing scholarship in the area; what gaps will it fill? How will it further knowledge of the area?
• Sketch out a provisional plan of work that includes research/archival visits and a timetable for the writing of chapters.

Please note: a research proposal will only be considered if there are academics in the subject with an interest in your field. Please study the staff profiles closely to make sure there is at least one member of staff whose interests intersect broadly with your own.

All suitable applicants will be invited for an interview, either in person or via Skype.

Career and Personal Development

An MPhil or PhD may enhance and progress careers in performing arts and can open up opportunities at senior levels in direction, production, management, and education. It can be the starting point for an academic career, and graduates may choose to go on to professional research or teaching in higher education institutions.