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2026

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The PhD specialising in Drama and Film Studies is a research-intensive programme for students who wish to pursue advanced, methodologically diverse and original scholarly inquiry into the creative, cultural, intermedial socio-political and theoretical dimensions of theatre, film and performance. Students are guided to position their work within the broader social, political and economic landscapes of contemporary artistic practice and representational media, and to be responsive to contemporary socio-political and artistic contexts. The programme encourages students to re-imagine the possibilities of film, theatre and performance in expanding the horizons of praxis and scholarly inquiry.

The degree culminates in a thesis, completed under the guidance of a supervisor, that will be examined by three examiners, at least one of whom will be an international external examiner. An oral examination may be required.

General Admission Regulations:

Refer to the UP Institutional Admissions Policy as well as the General Academic Regulations and Student Rules (Go to https://www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/home and click on General Rules and Regulations, then on General Academic Regulations and Student Rules)

1.  All applications must be accompanied by the following documents: 
   1. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level; 
   2. Certified copy of ID or passport; 
   3. A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees): A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words.
2.  All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents, subject to provision number 9: 
   1. A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
   2. *TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable) 
   3. Certified copy of passport.
3. All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes. 
4. Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable). 
5. Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department, therefore the relevant department has the right to limit the number of students per year. 
6. Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree. 
7. Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department. 
8. If a qualifying candidate has expressed an interest in a field of study that the relevant department cannot  accommodate, the applicant may be considered for an alternative project. 
9. All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria. Candidates who cannot provide evidence that previous studies were completed in English, must submit TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results with their application. 
10. All applicants must be computer literate.
11. All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access.
12. Allowance will be made for the diversity profile of students in accordance with the University strategy. 

Minimum admissions requirements:

1. Relevant master's degree  (NQF level 9)
2. An average of at least 65% for the master's degree

Note: 

1. An admissions essay/examination may be required
2. Additional work/modules may be required in order to reach the desired level of competency

• An interview may be required on request.
• An approved research concept note of no less than 500 words is required. The description of the proposed research field, indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed research, should be supported by stating the envisioned approach to the research and demonstrating evidence of engagement with relevant literature and scholarly discourse on the topic. The concept note should also demonstrate familiarity with academic writing conventions and referencing methods.
• A sample of previous academic writing is required.
• The relevant master's degree should be in drama, theatre, performance, film or a cognate discipline.