Comedy Studies PhD 36 months PHD Programme By Brunel University of London |TopUniversities
Programme Duration

36 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

22,320 USDTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

17 Jul, 2026Application Deadline

Main Subject Area

Performing ArtsMain Subject Area

Programme overview

Main Subject

Performing Arts

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

In this interdisciplinary area we consider the production, content, reception and wider socio-political implications of comedy in a variety of formats and from a range of perspectives. We successfully bring together leading academics and writers in the fields of media and communications, sociology, psychology, theatre, drama, film and television, computing, English, creative writing and social work.

Our research examines the production, content, reception and wider socio-political implications of comedy in its variety of formats from television sketch shows to comedy thrillers. All of our research and teaching is strongly underpinned by the belief that comedy is socially, culturally, politically and economically significant at local, national and international levels. Our work clusters around a number of overlapping themes that include:

  • Mediated and Live Comedy
  • Comedy and Identity
  • Comedy, Taboo and Offence
  • Comedy, Power and Ideology
  • Comic Novels

We have strong links with the comedy industry and is supported by five Ambassadors:

  • Jo Brand– Comedian, writer, actress and Brunel Honorary Graduate.
  • Nitin Ganatra– Actor (e.g. Eastenders and Mumbai Calling).
  • Lee Mack- Comedian, writer, actor and Brunel Honorary Graduate.
  • Simon Minty– Co-founder and Producer of Abnormally Funny People.
  • Geoff Rowe– Director & Founder of Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival.

Find out about the exciting research we do in this area. Browse profiles of our experts, discover the research groups and their inspirational research activities you too could be part of. We’ve also made available extensive reading materials published by our academics and PhD students.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Performing Arts

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

In this interdisciplinary area we consider the production, content, reception and wider socio-political implications of comedy in a variety of formats and from a range of perspectives. We successfully bring together leading academics and writers in the fields of media and communications, sociology, psychology, theatre, drama, film and television, computing, English, creative writing and social work.

Our research examines the production, content, reception and wider socio-political implications of comedy in its variety of formats from television sketch shows to comedy thrillers. All of our research and teaching is strongly underpinned by the belief that comedy is socially, culturally, politically and economically significant at local, national and international levels. Our work clusters around a number of overlapping themes that include:

  • Mediated and Live Comedy
  • Comedy and Identity
  • Comedy, Taboo and Offence
  • Comedy, Power and Ideology
  • Comic Novels

We have strong links with the comedy industry and is supported by five Ambassadors:

  • Jo Brand– Comedian, writer, actress and Brunel Honorary Graduate.
  • Nitin Ganatra– Actor (e.g. Eastenders and Mumbai Calling).
  • Lee Mack- Comedian, writer, actor and Brunel Honorary Graduate.
  • Simon Minty– Co-founder and Producer of Abnormally Funny People.
  • Geoff Rowe– Director & Founder of Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival.

Find out about the exciting research we do in this area. Browse profiles of our experts, discover the research groups and their inspirational research activities you too could be part of. We’ve also made available extensive reading materials published by our academics and PhD students.

Admission Requirements

6.5+
59+
90+
The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1). An interview will be required as part of the admissions process and will be conducted by at least two academic staff members remotely via MS Teams, Zoom, or face to face. Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement and a research statement.

17 Jul 2026
3 Years
Jan
Apr

  • Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
  • Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance

Domestic
5,006 USD
International
22,320 USD

Scholarships

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