University of Gothenburg Performance Practices Fellowship applications are now open, offering a remarkable opportunity for artists and researchers to explore innovative performance forms through advanced doctoral study. This highly competitive fellowship allows candidates to immerse themselves in experimental artistic inquiry, develop new creative methods, and contribute to cutting-edge discussions in contemporary performance research.
To qualify, applicants must hold a relevant second-cycle degree or equivalent professional experience in the performing arts. Candidates should demonstrate a strong artistic background, clear academic preparation for doctoral-level study, and a well-defined research proposal that aligns with the program’s focus on performance practices. This fellowship is designed for individuals ready to deepen their artistic practice while engaging in rigorous academic investigation.
Benefits of University of Gothenburg Performance Practices Fellowship
- Fully funded doctoral studentship for 4 years (100% employment)
- Opportunity to teach and contribute to the Academy’s artistic environment
- Access to an internationally active artistic research community
- Salary set according to the University of Gothenburg’s doctoral pay scale
- Research training through seminars, courses, and conferences
- Support for international networking and collaboration
- Doctoral supervision, artistic resources, and inclusion in a vibrant academic environment
Eligibility for the University of Gothenburg Performance Practices Fellowship
- Eligible Countries: All countries
- Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded for doctoral studies in Performance Practices within the Academy of Music and Drama.
- Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- General Entry Requirements:
- Hold a second-cycle degree (Master’s level), or
- Have completed 240 higher education credits, including 60 at second-cycle level, or
- Possess equivalent qualifications obtained in Sweden or abroad.
- The Dean may grant exemption if the applicant demonstrates the ability to complete doctoral studies.
- Specific Entry Requirements:
- At least 120 credits (or equivalent) in relevant subjects connected to performance practices.
- Documented artistic practice at a high professional level in performing arts.
- Documented study choices addressing relevant topics within performance practices.
- Equivalent knowledge obtained through alternative pathways is acceptable.
- Additional Requirements:
- A strong research proposal aligned with the thematic focus on place, public spaces, and everyday environments.
- Good command of English.
- Willingness to be physically present in Gothenburg for all study activities.
Required Documents
- Personal motivation letter summarizing skills and experience
- Curriculum Vitae with documentation of performances, activities, and artistic work
- Degree certificates and relevant academic records
- A detailed research project plan (max 6 pages) with purpose, methods, significance, and timeline
- English summary if the proposal is written in Swedish
- Any additional documents proving equivalent knowledge
- Applicants not applying for a funded studentship must attach a certified funding plan
How to Apply for the University of Gothenburg Performance Practices Fellowship
- Apply online through the University of Gothenburg recruitment portal (deadline: 1 February 2026).
- Submit a motivation letter outlining skills and experience.
- Include a CV with documented performances, artistic work, and activities.
- Attach degree certificates and relevant academic transcripts.
- Provide a research project plan (max 6 pages): purpose, methods, significance, and timeline.
- Add an English summary if the proposal is written in Swedish.
- Upload any additional documents proving equivalent knowledge.
- If not applying for a funded position, include a certified funding plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
University of Gothenburg Performance Practices Fellowship offers a four-year, full-time PhD programme for experienced performing artists to conduct independent, research-led projects across theatre, dance, music and performance arts. Applicants need advanced artistic credentials, meet academic entry standards, and often contribute in teaching and research duties during their studies.
What is the University of Gothenburg Performance Practices Fellowship?
The fellowship refers to a doctoral-level programme in Performance Practices at the University of Gothenburg. It allows experienced performing artists to undertake independent artistic research, combining practice and theory across theatre, dance, performance, music-drama and other expressive disciplines
Who is eligible to apply for this University of Gothenburg Performance Practices Fellowship?
Applicants must hold a second-cycle qualification (or equivalent), have at least 120 higher-education credits in relevant subjects (or equivalent experience), demonstrate documented high-level artistic practice in performing arts, and show familiarity with research-related processes.
What kind of projects does the University of Gothenburg Performance Practices Fellowship support?
The fellowship is aimed at practitioners working in theatre, dance, music drama, choreography, performance art and similar disciplines. Projects exploring critical, experimental or socially relevant questions about performance, place, public spaces, or new media & audience engagement are encouraged.
What are the duration and structure of the doctoral studies?
The doctoral programme spans four full-time years. It comprises 240 higher education credits: 60 credits from coursework (including required courses, seminars and conferences) and 180 credits dedicated to a doctoral dissertation. Students also engage in teaching and academic duties as part of their training.
What documents are required for the application?
You need a motivational letter summarising competencies, a CV including performances/activities or artistic work documentation, degree certificates or proof of equivalent knowledge (translated if required), and a detailed research project plan (max 6 pages) with purpose, methods, project outline and timetable — plus an English summary if your proposal is in Swedish.
When is the application deadline and when does the University of Gothenburg Performance Practices Fellowship start?
For the current call, applications must be submitted by 1 February 2026. The fellowship is scheduled to start on 1 September 2026 at the Academy of Music and Drama, University of Gothenburg.
Will I be employed and paid during the PhD?
Yes. If accepted, you will be employed as a doctoral student under a fixed-term employment contract (100% employment) for four years. Salary conditions follow the local doctoral studentship agreement.
Are teaching or departmental duties part of the University of Gothenburg Performance Practices Fellowship?
Yes. As a doctoral student you may be expected to teach at bachelor or master level, and the programme allows departmental duties up to 20% of full-time, provided these do not interfere with studies. Teaching training is also offered.
Does the programme require physical presence in Gothenburg?
Yes. The doctoral programme is based at the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg. Physical presence is required for participation in courses, seminars, teaching duties, and research environment activities. Residence permit may be required for non-EU/EEA applicants.
What kinds of artistic research environments and support does the fellowship offer?
The University of Gothenburg Performance Practices Fellowship is a 4-year PhD studentship at the Academy of Music and Drama. It supports practitioners in theatre, dance, performance art and related genres conducting artistic-research doctoral projects. Applicants need relevant subject credits plus strong performance background, submit academic and artistic documentation, a research plan, and commit to full-time, on-campus studies in Gothenburg starting Sept 2026.
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