What you'll study

Applicants for PhD via MPhil should have either a first-class or upper second-class honours degree from a UK Higher Education Institution or an overseas qualification rated as equivalent.

We are also enthusiastic about hearing from applicants who are advanced arts practitioners from across the theatre and creative industries despite not having the above formal degrees. Please be in touch to discuss whether your experience as a practitioner might be applicable in this way.

The minimum language requirement for a research degree is an IELTS Academic English score of 7.0 overall (minimum of 6.5 in all components). This should normally have been gained within the past two years.

This research degree programme is designed with your needs in mind, offering both full-time and part-time study options. This flexibility allows you to balance your academic pursuits with your professional and personal commitments, while providing access to the exceptional facilities of both Rose Bruford College (RBC) and the University of East London (UEL).

Please note: Course content is regularly reviewed to make it relevant and current. Course modules are, therefore, subject to change.

Why choose this course?

Freedom to explore your work

Research a thesis based on a topic of your own choosing

Academic tutors

Develop high-level research skills supported by specialist academic tutors

Practical and theory based

Combine both practice-based and theoretical research areas

Resources

Access the resources and expertise of both a large multi-faculty university and a small specialist institution

More about the course

You will be assigned a supervisor from both Rose Bruford College and the University of East London (UEL)  and we encourage applications for practice-based research.

You will be registered with UEL and will receive a UEL degree. All students register for an MPhil degree in the first instance and then can upgrade to a PhD upon satisfactory progress.

You should identify your area of research and submit a research proposal to RBC. If we are able to support your research, you will then be required to make a formal application via the UEL website. Upon registration, you will be assigned a primary and secondary supervisor who will guide your research.

To complete your PhD, you will be required to write an 80,000-word thesis (or equivalent if you are submitting practice-based elements), summarising your research. You will then undergo an oral examination (a viva) on your thesis.

We champion diversity because a rich mix of people makes Rose Bruford College a more productive and creative place to study and work; and we champion equality because it is the right thing to do.

Find out more here.

So, ready?