School of Performance and Cultural Industries
PCI Lecture Series
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PCI Lecture Series
Leeds Futures: a free programme for Year 12 students
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Open Days 2025
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School of Performance and Cultural Industries
The School of Performance and Cultural Industries creates new knowledge through the lens of performance, within the context of the arts and cultural industries.
We investigate the creation of cultural artefacts, movements and events, exploring how cultural activity changes the lives of artists, audiences and people in the wider world. Through performance we develop understanding about creativity and cultural activity, how it is applied in our everyday lives and its power to drive change.
The School of Performance and Cultural Industries is actively working to build a diverse and inclusive school community that supports all staff and students. Visit the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures’ Equality and Inclusion page to find out how to contact our School EDI Lead and access news, student resources and further information on EDI initiatives.
Studying with us
We are looking for individuals who want to make things happen with a thirst for knowledge about the world around them. Our students are the makers, thinkers and creators of the future.
Undergraduate
During your time with as an undergraduate student you’ll develop the creativity of the artist, the insight of the cultural activist and the dynamism of the entrepreneur.
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As a postgraduate student you’ll gain potential to challenge cultural practices, contribute to policy making, and shape the landscape of communities within which you’ll work.
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During your PhD you can experience a supportive, stimulating and challenging research environment alongside academics who share your passion for your subject.
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"world leading" or "internationally excellent"
Submitted research environment - REF 2021
6th
most targeted UK university by graduate recruiters
The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers Research
51st
in the world for Arts and Humanities
QS World Rankings by Subject 2024
Our research
Research in the School of Performance and Cultural Industries is firmly connected to the roles of arts and culture in society.
Our world-leading research, cuts across the fields of theatre, performance, scenography, somatic practice, new writing, creativity, entrepreneurship, audience research, participation, urbanism, cultural policy and more. We have a strong interdisciplinary ethos as we actively collaborate, with other schools in the University, to enhance our teaching and research, as well as with universities and industry around the world.
stage@leeds
stage@leeds is a public contemporary performance space, situated at the heart of the University of Leeds campus, dedicated to the supporting the work of new and emerging artists.

Times Higher Education ranks University of Leeds in global top 100 institutions for arts and humanities in 2025
THE evaluated 750 universities from 72 countries and territories according to…
Thursday 6 February 2025
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PCI Professor publishes new research on adapting Greek Tragedy for contemporary audiences
The chapter explores The Wife of Heracles, Professor Rodosthenous’ 2010…
Thursday 19 December 2024
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Fabulous Femininities project celebrated for Mature Cultural Impact
The research team was awarded a Special Mention for Mature Cultural Impact at…
Wednesday 18 December 2024
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Sherlock star and PCI graduate awarded Honorary Degree
Award-winning actor, writer and director Mark Gatiss has been honoured with a…
Monday 16 December 2024
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