The Degree of PhD in Performance Studies (Drama) [Graduate]

Entrance Requirements

A candidate must hold a Master’s degree (or its equivalent) from a recognized institution. To be accepted, the candidate must normally demonstrate to the Department familiarity with the artistic and practical components of theatre art, as well as sufficient preparation in theatre history and criticism; for those with other performance studies-oriented Master’s degrees, additional foundation courses in drama may be required. Candidates are required to submit a sample of their expository writing. (Fast tracking through MA will be considered on a case by case basis.)

Program Requirements

Students are normally expected to complete ★18 in graduate courses, which must include DRAMA 608 and DRAMA 609 . PhD students may be required to take certain courses other than the above two in order to ensure adequate coverage of the field, or these requirements can be waived if similar subjects have been sufficiently covered during recent MA studies. As part of the ★18, students must fulfil a ★3 practical requirement in theatre practice. In addition they must demonstrate reading proficiency in a language other than English (normally the language that is most relevant for the proposed research); completion of a language requirement for an MA degree may satisfy the requirement for the PhD, provided proficiency was demonstrated no earlier than two years before the start of the PhD. After completion of course work and submission of a thesis proposal, doctoral candidates must fulfil a departmental examination, followed by an oral candidacy examination. Students must complete a written dissertation, founded on high scholastic achievement, original research, and firm theoretical grounding. It must be defended before an examining committee.

Length of Program

Students must normally fulfil all program requirements, with the exception of the dissertation, within the first three years of registration. Students must spend their first two years in residence – registered full-time, and physically on campus. The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research sets a time limit of six years for completion of a PhD.