Shakespeare Studies PhD/MA by Research (On-Campus or by Distance Learning)

Study Discipline: Arts & Humanities
Study Programme Details
City:Birmingham
Country: United Kingdom
Admission Sessions:Autumn Session, Spring Session
Study Format: Full Time, Part Time
Mode of Study: Fully on Site, Online

Duration

12 Months

Scholarship Available

Yes

Language

English

About this Study Course

Immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare with our PhD/MA by Research in Shakespeare Studies, located in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. With unparalleled access to the theatres of the Royal Shakespeare Company and extraordinarily rich libraries and archives, The Shakespeare Institute offers a truly unique academic experience. Picture yourself delving into rare manuscripts, attending inspiring weekly seminars, and participating in vibrant play readings. You will be part of a lively, close-knit postgraduate community, enriched by an annual international conference organized by students, for students. Whether you choose to study full-time or part-time, on-campus or by distance learning, you will benefit from the College of Arts and Law’s extensive experience in delivering high-quality distance education to students worldwide.

 

Overview

Our collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) offers an extraordinary opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and creative discourse. Students and academic staff regularly join RSC artists in collaborative projects, blending scholarly insight with theatrical innovation. The University of Birmingham, ranked 10th among Russell Group universities in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, is proud to host The Shakespeare Institute, a specialist hub for Shakespearean scholarship. Here, you will benefit from a rich research culture, engaging in weekly seminars, annual student-led international conferences, and frequent interactions with senior RSC personnel.

The Shakespeare Institute’s resources are second to none. Our world-class library houses over 60,000 items, including the archives of Sir Kenneth Branagh’s theatre and film projects. Additionally, we offer the largest collection of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century dramatic manuscripts on microfilm. Combined with the nearby archives of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and the rare book holdings of the Cadbury Library, you will have access to the most comprehensive Shakespeare studies collection in the UK.

 

Admission Requirements

  • A good Honours degree (2:1 or above) or an equivalent international qualification in a relevant area for MA by Research.
  • A Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent) for PhD applicants, usually in a relevant area.
  • Consideration of academic and professional qualifications or relevant experience.
  • For distance learning applicants: Demonstrated time, commitment, facilities, and experience to study remotely.
  • English language proficiency: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, or equivalent.

 

  • Early Modern Drama
  • Shakespearean Performance
  • Renaissance Literature
  • Historical Contexts of Shakespeare
  • Shakespeare and Adaptation
  • Textual Analysis of Shakespeare’s Works
  • Research Methodologies in Shakespeare Studies
  • Theoretical Approaches to Shakespeare

UK: £4,786 full-time, £2,393 part-time
International: £21,840 full-time; £10,920 part-time (distance learning only)

Future Career Outcomes

Our graduates have forged successful careers in diverse fields, demonstrating the broad applicability of skills gained through our program. Alumni have become prominent academic researchers, influential theatre directors, and respected literary critics. The program’s emphasis on critical thinking, advanced research techniques, and comprehensive knowledge of Shakespearean literature ensures that you are well-prepared to meet the demands of various industries. The unique collaboration with the RSC also provides practical experience, making our graduates highly desirable in the job market.

 

Visa Requirements:

For visa information, please visit United Kingdom page for student visa and student life.