Shakespeare Studies PhD

University of Birmingham

In the heart of Shakespeare’s Stratford, with access to the theatres of the Royal Shakespeare Company and extraordinarily rich libraries and archives, The Shakespeare Institute offers postgraduate researchers an unrivalled academic experience.

You will join a lively and close-knit postgraduate community, taking part in a range of activities including weekly seminars and play readings, and an annual international conference organised by students for students.

You can study our programmes full-time or part-time, and the PhD and MA by Research on campus or by distance learning. The College of Arts and Law is experienced in delivering high quality distance learning to students all over the world.

The Institute offers three options for postgraduate research in Shakespeare Studies, whether you are looking to complete your academic studies with a PhD or to pursue Masters-level research following an undergraduate degree a related field. To find out more about what to expect from your research degree, please read our detailed guidance.

All research students take a course on the Methods and Materials of Research. The aim is to provide an initial training in the methodologies of research in the various fields associated with Shakespeare Studies. There are no other compulsory courses, but research students are expected to attend Thursday Seminars and the Research Seminars; they are also given the opportunity of undertaking specialist training in palaeography.