ACI postgraduate research
ACI postgraduate research
Our postgraduate research students are a key part of our research community and contribute to our political commitment to an inclusive creative centre of research. We offer two routes for doctoral research; a MPhil/PhD and a Professional Doctorate in Performing Arts. Several of our students are professional practitioners keen to make their practice the basis of their doctoral studies.
Our postgraduate research courses
We welcome applications from all aspects of the fields of performing arts, film, media and creative cultural practices.
Please do contact Professor Sarahleigh Castelyn (Postgraduate Research Degree Leader) s.castelyn@uel.ac.uk to find out more about studying with us.
Postgraduate research students

Amaia Mugica
Amaia Mugica is a Professional Doctorate in Performing Arts student and a theatre artist. Her research explores intersectional feminism, Somatic Theatre, Physical Theatre, and bringing under-represented stories to the theatre stage. She focuses on how the body is a vehicle for storytelling, emotional expression and social commentary. Amaia’s doctorate is anchored by her commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for performers and how theatre can contribute to a more equitable world.

Tosin Sanni
Tosin Sanni is a MPhil/PhD student and a multidisciplinary artist. His research explores filmmakers in Nigeria, democratising virtual production, and combining African folklore with contemporary film production techniques. Tosin is part of the 2023 Future of Film cohort, a global initiative that seeks to inform, inspire, and empower the future of film.
Other students such as Irene Miguel (MPhil/PhD student) is studying how in Salsa music and dance are inseparable. Rebekah Taylor (Prof Doc) is studying how theatre’s impact on diverse and developing communities. In his doctoral project James Tudor Jones (MPhil/PhD student) draws on his working-class background to make theatre accessible for all. June Yuen Ting (Prof Doc) a movement worker researching Queer friendship and Abolitionist kinesthetics. Grace Britten (MPhil/PhD student) is looking at the ethics of crime in the digital era. In her research Ziran Tang (MPhil/PhD student) studies how users of digital platforms can build their own content and generate discourses of power. Deepak Verma (MPhil/PhD student) focuses on the relationship between yoga and acting training and Holly Kasselder’s (MPhil/PhD student) thesis is on feminist stand-up.