PhD Performance and Play

PhD Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Prospective PhD applicants are expected to hold a taught Masters degree in a relevant subject area. The university typically requires a minimum of 65% as the standard for academic performance in the completed Masters program.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0 is required, with no individual band score falling below 6.0.
• TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 92 on the TOEFL is accepted, with no sub-score in any section falling below 20.
• PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 59.

Students must provide:

• Academic marksheets & transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement - SOP
• Passport
• Other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some PhD courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Abertay University offers several types of scholarships for international Ph.D. students, each with its own criteria and benefits. 

Merit-Based Scholarships: Awards based on academic excellence, research potential, and achievements. Merit-based scholarships aim to attract high-achieving students to contribute to the university's research community.

Research-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are dedicated to students undertaking research in specific fields. These may align with the university's strategic research priorities or emerging academic disciplines.

Partnership Scholarships: Collaborative initiatives between Abertay University and external partners may result in specific scholarships. These aim to strengthen ties with organizations, industries, or governments.

Graduates of Abertay University's PhD in Performance and Play program are uniquely positioned to embark on diverse and fulfilling career paths at the intersection of performance arts, interactive entertainment, and technology.

Academic Positions: PhD holders may choose to pursue academic careers as university professors, lecturers, or researchers. They can contribute to the academic community by advancing knowledge in the field of performance and play, teaching the next generation of artists and scholars, and leading research projects.

Theater and Performance Companies: Graduates can explore opportunities within traditional theater companies and performance groups. Roles may include director of interactive productions, immersive experience designer, or creative director, where they leverage their expertise in performance and play to create innovative and engaging theatrical experiences.

Game Development Studios: The gaming industry offers exciting prospects for PhD graduates, especially in game development studios. Graduates can contribute to the design and development of games with a strong emphasis on interactive narratives, storytelling, and innovative gameplay, combining elements of performance and play.

Interactive Media and Entertainment: PhD holders may find roles in interactive media and entertainment companies, contributing to projects that incorporate performance elements. This can include roles in augmented reality (AR) experiences, virtual reality (VR) storytelling, and interactive installations for museums and cultural institutions.

Educational Institutions: Graduates can pursue careers in educational institutions, developing and implementing innovative programs that integrate performance and play into educational curricula. This may involve designing workshops, courses, or educational games that enhance learning through interactive experiences.

Event and Experience Design: Event agencies and experience design firms seek individuals with expertise in creating immersive and interactive experiences. Graduates may work on designing and curating events, festivals, or brand experiences that blend elements of performance and play to engage audiences in unique ways.

Consultancy in Interactive Arts: PhD holders can establish themselves as consultants in the field of interactive arts, offering expertise to organizations seeking to incorporate performance and play into their projects. This may involve advising on creative direction, user experience design, or technology integration for interactive installations.

Cultural Institutions and Museums: Cultural institutions and museums increasingly embrace interactive exhibits and performances. Graduates can contribute to these institutions by designing and curating experiences that bring history, art, and culture to life through innovative performance and play elements.

Entrepreneurship in Immersive Experiences: Some graduates may choose to launch their own ventures, establishing startups focused on immersive experiences. This entrepreneurial path allows for creative freedom and the development of unique projects, such as pop-up performances, interactive exhibitions, or mobile experiences.

Continuous Professional Development: Abertay University's commitment to continuous learning provides graduates with opportunities for ongoing professional development. They can attend conferences, participate in industry events, and collaborate with professionals in related fields to stay updated on emerging trends and technologies, ensuring a dynamic and evolving career.