Doctorate of Performing Arts (D.PA) at Liverpool Hope University

Programme overview

The Doctor of Performing Arts (D.PA) is designed for experienced practitioners who wish to advance creative practice, artistic leadership and professional innovation through doctoral-level research. It is intended for performers, directors, producers, choreographers, artistic leaders, educators and other professionals working across the performing arts who wish to generate original knowledge capable of informing creative practice, professional development and cultural engagement.

Faculty: School of Creative and Performing Arts | Duration: 5 - 8 Years (Part-time) | Study mode: part-time | Intake: September 2026 and January 2027 | Location: Liverpool, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules include Critical and Contemporary Issues, Introduction to Research in Practice, Literature Review in Your Specialism, Research Methods, Methodology and Methods in Your Specialism, Research Proposal.

Career pathways

The Doctor of Performing Arts is intended for experienced practitioners seeking to deepen their professional expertise and enhance their influence within the performing arts and creative industries. Graduates develop advanced capabilities in research, critical reflection, leadership and evidence-informed decision-making.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification. Applicants should also normally demonstrate a minimum of three years of sustained professional experience relevant to the proposed field of doctoral study. For the Doctor of Performing Arts, applicants would typically have substantial experience as performers, directors, producers, choreographers, educators, artistic leaders or within related performing arts and creative industries contexts. Applicants whose first language is not English will normally be required to achieve IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, or an equivalent recognised qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 2,750 a year (2026/27). Professional Doctorate (PRDP) home fee per year Source

International applicants: GBP 7,500 a year (2026/27). Professional Doctorate (PRDP) EU/international fee per year Source

Intake: September 2026 and January 2027

Duration: 5 - 8 Years (Part-time)

Apply through the official page: https://www.hope.ac.uk/postgraduateresearch/howtoapply/applyonline/

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