Professional Doctorate in Performing Arts at University of East London

Professional Doctorate in Performing Arts is intended for practitioners across a range of performance-based disciplines who wish to make their practice the basis for doctoral study; indicatively theatre directing, acting, dance, music or technical practice such as sound and lighting. Unlike a traditional PhD, performance replaces the thesis as the main evidence of research, supported by a written report. It is designed for creative practitioners from the UK and abroad and can be undertaken in three years of full-time study or five years part-time.

Faculty: School of Arts and Creative Industries  |  Department: Department of Music, Writing & Performance  |  Duration: 3 years full-time  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: September 2026  |  Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The Professional Doctorate in Performing Arts at UEL is for experienced performing arts professionals who want to improve their research, creative practice, and professional development at the highest level. Through the Research Methodologies and Professional Development module, you'll learn to critically examine performance-making, explore contemporary theories. Modules include Research Methodologies and Professional Development - FA8000 (60 credits), Research (480 credits).

Career pathways

This Professional Doctorate is for performers and creatives who wish to develop their practice and gain a doctorate which opens pathways into academia, research and the wider creative and performance industries. Our graduates go on to thrive as actors, theatre directors, sound designers, performance artists, and applied theatre practitioners.

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