PhD Theatre at University of Reading

Programme overview

Research PhD in theatre in the Department of Film, Theatre and Television, one of the first departments in the UK to establish practice-based research PhDs, with specialist facilities at Minghella Studios.

Department: Department of Film, Theatre and Television | Intake: September (most students) or second semester | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Reading, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent supervised research project, including the option of practice-based research.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need an undergraduate degree of at least a 2:1 (or equivalent) or a master's degree in a subject related to the proposed PhD topic. In some areas, particularly the arts, humanities, social sciences and business, applicants are normally accepted only with a master's-level qualification. A research proposal is normally required for self-devised projects in the arts, humanities, social sciences and business; it is not required for advertised projects or studentships. Two referees and academic transcripts are submitted through the online application. English language (international applicants): IELTS 7.0 overall is required for this area. Recommended deadlines: UK applicants at least two months, international applicants at least four months before the start date. Entry is mainly in September, with a smaller second-semester intake. Requirements apply to University of Reading PhD programmes generally.

Requirements published at program group level.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Full-time PhD, Home/Republic of Ireland; based on the UKRI minimum fee, payable each year. Part-time is GBP 2,619 per year. A research expenses charge may apply for some programmes. Source

International applicants: GBP 21,750 a year (2026/27). Full-time PhD, International Band 1 (Reading International Fee Banding for PhD programmes, March 2026). Part-time is GBP 10,900 per year. A research expenses charge may apply for some programmes. Source

Intake: September (most students) or second semester

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-6 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/doctoral-researcher-college/doctoral-opportunities/how-to-apply

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