National Taiwan University

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced coursework, sustained research training and a substantial doctoral dissertation. Students undertake seminars in theatre history, performance theory, dramaturgy, playwriting and directing studies, as well as specialised topics such as contemporary Asian theatre, intercultural performance, experimental performance practices, stage design and technology, and performance ethnography.

• Core research training: research methods in the humanities, historiography of theatre, theoretical approaches to performance studies.
• Subject specialisms: courses and seminars in dramatic literature, contemporary performance practice, directing and production studies, scenography, and digital/mediated performance.
• Practical and creative components: supervised practice-led research, workshop-based modules, and opportunities to develop staged work or creative portfolios where relevant to the dissertation.
• Teaching and professional development: pedagogical training, presentation and publishing skills, and optional internships or collaborative projects with Taipei’s professional theatres and cultural institutions.
• Dissertation: an original piece of scholarly or practice-led research culminating in a doctoral thesis and an oral defence; interdisciplinary approaches and archival or field-based research are encouraged.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (for example in theatre, performance studies, comparative literature, cultural studies, or a closely related discipline) with strong academic performance. Exceptional applicants with substantial professional experience in theatre or equivalent research experience may also be considered.

• Academic documents: official transcripts and a copy of the master’s degree certificate or proof of graduation.
• Research proposal: a clear, focused proposal outlining the intended doctoral research, methodology and bibliography.
• Supporting materials: curriculum vitae, samples of academic writing or creative work (such as articles, essays, scripts, recordings or production portfolios), and a list of relevant coursework.
• References: at least two academic or professional references addressing research potential and suitability for doctoral study.
• Interview: shortlisted candidates are normally invited to an interview (in person or online) with potential supervisors or faculty members.
• Language proficiency: instruction and research at NTU take place primarily in Mandarin and English. International applicants will normally need to demonstrate proficiency in English (e.g. recognised English-language test scores or equivalent evidence) and should indicate their capacity to use Mandarin or propose a plan to acquire the required Chinese-language skills for archival and field research where relevant; some supervisors may require additional Mandarin competence.

Career prospects

Graduates from the PhD programme typically pursue careers in higher education and research, including positions as university lecturers, researchers and postdoctoral fellows. Other common pathways include roles as theatre directors, dramaturgs, playwrights, critics and cultural journalists, as well as leadership positions in arts organisations, festivals and cultural policy bodies. The programme’s combination of theoretical rigour and practice-led options also prepares graduates for creative entrepreneurship, consultancy in performance and media, archival and curatorial work, and research roles in cultural institutions.

Why study at National Taiwan University

National Taiwan University offers doctoral students a research-intensive environment within one of Taiwan’s principal humanities faculties. Students benefit from close supervision by scholars active in theatre studies and related disciplines, interdisciplinary collaboration across departments, and proximity to Taipei’s vibrant professional arts scene.

• Access to resources: NTU’s libraries, special collections and performance facilities support both archival research and practice-led projects.
• Local and regional networks: strong links with national cultural institutions, theatre companies and festivals in Taipei and greater Taiwan provide opportunities for collaboration, fieldwork and placements.
• Supervision and mentorship: personalised supervision from faculty with expertise in contemporary Asian theatre, performance theory, and interdisciplinary methods.
• Professional development: opportunities for teaching experience, conference participation and publishing that prepare graduates for academic and cultural-sector careers.