Applied Theatre Professional Doctorate (PT)

Professional doctorates take explicit account of the professional practice-base of the candidate and integrate this as a central knowledge base for an advanced research project. Professional doctorates reflect the need for structured forms of professional development and reflective practice across the arts sector. The programme aims to develop dynamic and interactive knowledge practices and outcomes that will have an impact across academic and non-academic contexts. It will support the development of reflective practice that can respond to and influence the complex, unpredictable and shifting social and cultural contexts within which practitioners operate.

The programme introduces practitioners to a range of dynamic and challenging concepts and methods with which to reflect critically and constructively on their professional practice. The programme will be taught within a learning environment and methodology informed by the principles of reflective practice, action or practice-based research and enquiry based learning. This pedagogical approach enables students' professional context to become a primary research resource.

Students will receive individual supervision from an academic supervisor with a specialism related to their field of research as well as opportunities to develop reflective enquiry into practice via group-based learning exercises with other practitioners at two long residential weekends per year. All teaching and supervision will be led by applied theatre staff. This approach to teaching and learning supports interdisciplinary research and high levels of engagement and interaction between academic knowledge, policy imperatives and practical applications.

It is envisaged that this programme will be most appealing as part-time study. However, a full-time option is included as there may be applicants with special circumstances that would make full-time study a viable option.

For subject areas that hold awards in particular years, UK and EU applicants may enter the AHRC Block Grant Partnership competition (deadline to be confirmed). The complete list of subject areas covered and the number of awards available in each year is listed here. This is highly competitive, and applicants should discuss applying with the Programme Director as soon as possible. Some awards are usually offered by the School or department: see the School website for current information, or contact the Admissions Administrator. Some awards are reserved for international applicants.