36 monthsProgramme duration
22,320 USDTuition Fee/year
17 Jul, 2026Application Deadline
Jan, Apr, OctStarting Month
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
- Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
- Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
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