phd in design uk

• Schools & departments

Design PhD, MPhil

Awards: PhD, MPhil

Study modes: Part-time, Full-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Design

Introduction to Postgraduate Research

Join us online on 19 June to learn about applying for and studying a research degree at Edinburgh.

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Research profile

Design research is part of a dynamic and supportive environment within a vibrant community of world-class research. Design research integrates practice and theory within a dynamic and supportive environment. It connects across disciplines and research initiatives to support doctoral study within a vibrant community of world-class research. The range of subjects possible is vast and includes but is not limited to:

• Design anthropology
• Design history and theory
• Methodological development
• Design informatics
• Design for healthcare and wellbeing
• Design management
• Craft studies
• Service design
• Design for change (transition and transformation)
• Cultural and heritage studies
• Sustainability and the circular economy
• Design Cultures
• Design and Digital Media

You will also be supported through our practice specialisms (in theory or practice) in:

• Film and television
• Graphic design
• Illustration
• Performance costume
• Product design
• Screen studies (film and animation)
• Silversmithing

Programme structure

You can undertake the Design MPhil or PhD programme either as a practice-based programme of research, or theory based. And it is possible to change between approaches during your programme of study.

The PhD programme comprises three years of full-time (six years part-time) research under the supervision of an expert in your chosen research topic within Design. If you study by theory then the period of research culminates in a supervised thesis of up to a maximum of 100,000 words. For the practice-based approach your research would culminate in a portfolio of artefacts or artworks which would be accompanied by a thesis of up to a maximum of 50,000 words.

The MPhil programme comprises two years of full-time (four years part-time) research under the supervision of an expert in your chosen research topic within Design. If you study by theory then the period of research culminates in a supervised thesis of up to a maximum of 60,000 words. For the practice-based approach your research would culminate in a portfolio of artefacts or artworks which should be accompanied by a thesis of up to a maximum of 20,000 words.

Regular individual meetings with your supervisor provide guidance and focus for the course of research you are undertaking.

You will be encouraged to attend research methods courses at the beginning of your research studies.

And for every year you are enrolled on programme you will be required to complete an annual progression review.

Training and support

All of our research students benefit from Edinburgh College of Art's interdisciplinary approach, and you will be assigned at least two research supervisors.

Your first/ lead supervisor would normally be based in the same subject area as your degree programme. Your second supervisor may be from another discipline within Edinburgh College of Art or elsewhere within the University of Edinburgh, according to the expertise required. On occasion more than two supervisors will be assigned, particularly where the degree brings together multiple disciplines.

Our research culture is supported by seminars and public lecture programmes and discussion groups.

Tutoring opportunities will be advertised to the postgraduate research community, which you can apply for should you wish to gain some teaching experience during your studies. But you are not normally advised to undertake tutoring work in the first year of your research studies, while your main focus should be on establishing the direction of your research.

You are encouraged to attend courses at the Institute for Academic Development ( IAD ), where all staff and students at the University of Edinburgh are supported through a range of training opportunities, including:

• short courses in compiling literature reviews
• writing in a second language
• preparing for your viva

The Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities ( SGSAH ) offers further opportunities for development. You will also be encouraged to refer to the Vitae research development framework as you grow into a professional researcher.

You will have access to study space (some of which are 24-hour access), studios and workshops at Edinburgh College of Art’s campus, as well as University wide resources. There are several bookable spaces for the development of exhibitions, workshops or seminars. And you will have access to well-equipped multimedia laboratories, photography and exhibition facilities, shared recording space, access to recording equipment available through Bookit the equipment loan booking system.

You will have access to high quality library facilities. Within the University of Edinburgh, there are three libraries; the Main Library, the ECA library and the Art and Architecture Library. The Centre for Research Collections which holds the University of Edinburgh’s historic collections is also located in the Main Library.

The Talbot Rice Gallery is a public art gallery of the University of Edinburgh and part of Edinburgh College of Art, which is committed to exploring what the University of Edinburgh can contribute to contemporary art practice today and into the future. You will also have access to the extraordinary range and quality of exhibitions and events associated with a leading college of art situated within a world-class research-intensive University.

St Cecilia’s Hall which is Scotland’s oldest purpose-built concert hall also houses the Music Museum which holds one of the most important historic musical instrument collections anywhere in the world.

In addition to the University’s facilities you will also be able to access wider resources within the City of Edinburgh. Including but not limited to; National Library of Scotland, Scottish Studies Library and Digital Archives, City of Edinburgh Libraries, Historic Environment Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland.

You will also benefit from the University of Edinburgh’s extensive range of student support facilities provided, including student societies, accommodation, wellbeing and support services.

PhD by Distance option

The PhD by Distance is available to suitably qualified applicants in all the same areas as our on-campus programmes.

The PhD by Distance allows students who do not wish to commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh to study for a PhD in an ECA subject area from their home country or city.

There is no expectation that students studying for an ECA PhD by Distance study mode should visit Edinburgh during their period of study. However, short term visits for particular activities could be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• For further information on the PhD by Distance, please see the ECA website

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

Normally a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent. If you do not meet the academic entry requirements, we may still consider your application on the basis of relevant professional experience.

You must also submit a research proposal; see How to Apply section for guidance.

If your research is practice-based a portfolio should also be submitted; see How to Apply section for guidance.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Tuition fees.

Scholarships and funding

Featured funding.

• Edinburgh College of Art scholarships

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Research Team
• Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5741
• Contact: [email protected]
• Postgraduate Research Director, Design, Dr Craig Martin
• Contact: [email protected]
• Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Office Student and Academic Support Service
• The University of Edinburgh
• Evolution House, 78 West Port
• Central Campus
• Programme: Design
• School: Edinburgh College of Art
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Design by Distance - 6 Years (Part-time)

Phd design by distance - 3 years (full-time), phd design - 3 years (full-time), phd design - 6 years (part-time), mphil design - 2 years (full-time), mphil design - 4 years (part-time), application deadlines.

If you are applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. All applications must be received by the deadlines listed above.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

One of your references must be an academic reference and preferably from your most recent studies.

You should submit a research proposal that outlines your project's aims, context, process and product/outcome. Read the application guidance before you apply. If you wish to undertake research that involves practice then a portfolio will also be required, full details are listed in the application guidance document.

• Preparing your application - postgraduate research degrees (PDF)

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

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• International

MPhil/PhD Design

Content navigation menu, why study mphil/phd design at goldsmiths.

Goldsmiths’ Department of Design postgraduate research programmes offer you the opportunity to redefine design research in a community of design practice.

• It is aimed at practitioners and scholars of design, and those in related disciplines, who wish to develop a theoretically engaged, critically aware and empirically informed approach to design, design education, design research and design practice.
• The programme builds on and contributes to the Department’s internationally renowned approaches to inventive, experimental, and creative research where design’s relation to the social is placed centre stage.
• You can choose to do a practice-based or a thesis-based research degree.
• There is research funding available that you may be eligible for – see below for more information.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Professor Alex Wilkie (programme convenor) .

2-4 years full-time or 4-8 years part-time

Home - full-time: £4786 Home - part-time: £2393 International - full-time: £17690

You'll research

We offer the following pathways for your research degree.

Practice-based MPhil/PhD

The practice-based programme explores new approaches to, or applications of, existing knowledge by means of design practice.

For PhD, the research will create new knowledge by means of practice research. Your thesis will integrate an original body of practice and a written component providing critical analysis of your practice, critical assessment of relevant literature and practice and describe the method of research. Assessment is by thesis and viva voce. The word count will be as follows:

• MPhil includes a written component of between 20,000 and 30,000 words
• PhD includes a written component of between 30,000 and 60,000 words

Thesis-based MPhil/PhD

The thesis-based programme provides a written account of your research and contribution to knowledge on a subject related to design.

The MPhil thesis will provide a distinct contribute to the knowledge of a subject related to design and the PhD thesis will provide an original contribution to knowledge on a subject related to design. Both include a critical assessment of relevant literature and describe the method of research. Assessment is by thesis and viva voce. The word count will be as follows::

• MPhil has a written thesis of between 30,000 and 60,000 words
• PhD has a written thesis of between 60,000 and 100,000 words

A vibrant research community

At Goldsmiths you'll find a vibrant community of researchers, undertaking exciting multidisciplinary explorations. Recent PhD completions include:

• Empirical Speculation and Prototyping Futures in the Refugee Crisis
• The Housing Database Made Visible: Regenerative politics, participation and design
• Re-scripting Organisations: Inventing the designer-in-residence
• Care-politics in design: Towards an inventive feminist research practice
• Making Algorithms Public: Rendering visible the operations and politics of algorithmic systems
• Space for Boundary – Space as Place: An investigation into the design of architectural boundaries in residential mass housing, in the context of urban sustainability
• Re-doing Patient Experience Through Design-led Research: Considering the multiplicity and ontological politics of multiple sclerosis
• Designing the Future? How can speculation play a role in improving foresight for science and technology policymaking?
• Making Home: Agency, precarity and the internet of things
• Designing for Ambivalence: A designer’s exploration of the competing discourses offered by smartphones to mothers and their young children
• Controlled Prototyping Environments: Reconceptualising location through participatory and embodied design practice
• What's Happening? Explorations in the strategising and unfolding of free-form design events

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees.

These are the PG fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.

• Home - full-time: £4786
• Home - part-time: £2393
• International - full-time: £17690

If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office , who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment .

Funding opportunities

Chase (consortium for the humanities and the arts southeast england).

Goldsmiths is one of nine leading research institutions that are part of CHASE .

CHASE funds more than 56 studentships per year. These studentships cover:

• Tuition fees each year (this is currently £4,327 per year for full-time study)
• A maintenance grant each year (this is currently £17,009 per year for full-time study; including London weighting)
• Funding for research training

For more information about applying for AHRC studentships, please visit the CHASE website , and be sure to check guidelines and deadlines for prospective students.

ESRC/SENSS Doctoral Studentships

Fully-funded ESRC studentships are available to research students via this Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). Find out about the  ESRC/SENSS Doctoral Studentships .

Goldsmiths scholarships and studentships

Explore the Goldsmiths scholarships finder  to find out what funding you may be eligible for.

Paying your fees

Find out about paying your tuition fees .

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page .

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments.

Entry requirements

You should normally have (or expect to be awared) the following qualifications:

• A good 2:1 or 1st class honours degree
• A taught Masters in a relevant subject area

You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.

International qualifications

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the  qualifications we accept from around the world .

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or  equivalent English language qualification ) of  7.0 with a 7.0 in writing and no element lower than 6.5  to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of  courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate study .

How to apply

You apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system.

Before submitting your application you'll need to have:

• Details of your education history , including the dates of all exams/assessments
• The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively an electronic copy of your academic reference
• Contact details of a second referee
• A personal statement – this can either be uploaded as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online
• A visual portfolio if relevant – see below for details
• Details of your research proposal
• If available, an electronic copy of your educational transcript (this is particularly important if you have studied outside of the UK, but isn’t mandatory)

You'll be able to save your progress at any point and return to your application by logging in using your username/email and password.

Before you apply for a research programme, we advise you to get in touch with the programme contact, listed above. It may also be possible to arrange an advisory meeting.

Before you start at Goldsmiths, the actual topic of your research has to be agreed with your proposed supervisor, who will be a member of staff active in your general field of research. The choice of topic may be influenced by the current research in the department or the requirements of an external funding body. 

If you wish to study on a part-time basis, you should also indicate how many hours a week you intend to devote to research, whether this will be at evenings or weekends, and for how many hours each day.

Visual portfolio

For the purpose of the initial application it is recommended that you prepare a portfolio of material documenting your previous work. We typically ask for a 10-page annotated portfolio in the form of a PDF file, which you can upload when you apply.

Research proposal

The proposal should be between 1,500 and 3,000 words in length (not including references). The key consideration in drafting the proposal should be clarity.

Your research proposal should be organised using the following headings:

• Title: be concise and explicit
• Introduction: introduce the questions and issues central to your research / identify the field of study in broad terms / indicate how you expect your research to contribute to the field
• Research background and questions: expand on your introduction – look at key sources, texts and approaches in the field / consider how your proposal differs from and contributes to existing work / consider how it extends our understanding of particular questions or topics / also briefly indicate how your previous studies, professional and/or other experience contributes to your understanding of the field and your preparedness for undertaking research training
• Research design: outline the methodology you will employ / consider resources and facilities needed / forms of analysis
• Schedule of work:  outline how you plan to complete the project within the period of the award – this could include a timetable for researching and writing
• References: a list of works cited in your proposal, such as: books, journal articles, websites and prior art and design

For more detailed information, contact the Design department by email:  [email protected]

The level of detail required under each heading will depend on the specific project. The key requirement is that the proposal communicates a clear programme of enquiry and investigation. It should demonstrate that you are capable of framing your own agenda for research and that you have a sense of the larger field to which you wish to make a creative and critical contribution.

Supervisors

An initial suggestion of who you think might be an appropriate supervisor for your research is useful both for directing your application to appropriate members of staff and in determining a good match between your research and the Department. Please see the description of Design staff research interests for details.

When to apply

You can make an application to study for an MPhil or PhD with us at any time of the year, for the academic starting the following October.

We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you haven't finished your current programme of study. It's very common to be offered a place conditional on you achieving a particular qualification..

If you're applying for external funding from one of the Research Councils, make sure you submit your application by the deadline they've specified.

Selection process

Admission to many programmes is by interview, unless you live outside the UK. Occasionally we'll make candidates an offer of a place on the basis of their application and qualifications alone.

Find out more about applying .

Professor Alex Wilkie

Professor of Design and Societies

Alex Wilkie explores more-than-human futures through the intersection of design and science and technology studies.

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Get our latest Postgraduate Guide

Similar programmes.

MA Design: Expanded Practice

This is a radical post-disciplinary programme for practitioners who want to push the boundaries of what design can be and do.

MA Designing Education

Explore the relationship between designing and education, through radical pedagogies, design thinking methods, creative processes, and practical applications of design.

• Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
• School of Design
• Research degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Our PhD course will allow you to become an expert in a specialist area and gain high-quality research training in Design. Your PhD can be taken full-time (three years standard, four years maximum) or part-time (five years standard, seven years maximum). We also offer a PhD by online learning. 

Structure 

Your research will be guided by supervisors with whom you'll have regular meetings throughout your PhD. Your supervisors will help you put in place an initial plan, provide guidance on your progress, discuss your findings, and set out your plans for the next stage of research. During your first year you'll work on a plan for your PhD project as well as a bibliography and will also develop a detailed research proposal with a literature review. This work will be submitted to a panel of examiners who will assess it and provide you with feedback and advice on the progress of your research to help ensure you are fully prepared for the next stage of your doctoral degree. 

The further years are mostly spent focus on writing your thesis which is examined by two academics (one external to the University). You'll discuss and defend your findings in a formal oral examination called a viva which is a way to further expand on your research and demonstrate your expertise in your chosen area of study.

Areas of supervision

Currently the areas of research support by the School of Design for PhD students are:

•    Archiving and Design History •    Art Practice as Research •    Colour and Imaging •    Experience Design •    Textile and Fashion Design •    Textiles Technology •    Visual Communication

These broad categories are reflective of the interdisciplinary nature of the School and we can usually support research in the area you are interested in. 

We have a range of funding available to support you in funding your postgraduate study. You can find out more about the full range of funding opportunities currently available through our  scholarships database .

Our postgraduate research fees are set independently and reviewed on an annual basis. For the latest information, visit the  University’s PhD fees website .

PhD by online learning 

We offer a PhD by online learning which is available to UK, EU and international applicants, allowing you gain an advanced degree from anywhere with internet access. You can study at the time and place that best suits you, and our part time options lets you study alongside work and other commitments.

For further information, please contact  Dr Pammi Sinha ,  Head of the Graduate School. 

Pre-sessional English

You can improve your academic English level to the standard needed to study a postgraduate research degree by taking one of the following pre-sessional courses:

• 6-weeks: Language for postgraduate researchers
• 10-weeks: Language for postgraduate researchers

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, you can find out more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses .

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• Entry year 2024
• Duration Full time 3 - 4 years, Part time 4 - 7 years

Your Design PhD at Lancaster can focus on one of a wide range of topics within Design or on a research topic that crosses different disciplines. As a PhD student you will normally be supervised by a team of two supervisors who will ensure that you receive focused critical feedback and encouragement throughout the programme. In some cases the second supervisor will be based in a different discipline within the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts (LICA), or a different department within the university in order to ensure that you have the most appropriate supervisory team for your chosen project.

Previously, we have supervised PhD projects on an wide variety of topics in areas such as design management, policy and leadership; urban design and future cities; speculative design, design fiction and design as rhetoric; user-centred and user-led design; design for health; design for ageing; design education; design theory; design for sustainability; design and traditional knowledge and practices; and human-computer interaction and digital fabrication. In the past, many of our Design PhD students have conducted field research in other parts of the UK and abroad, including the US, Turkey, Malaysia, Thailand and China. We encourage our Design PhD students to develop their work into papers for presentation at international design conferences and for publication in academic journals.

You can take your Design PhD at Lancaster either in the standard format of a written thesis, or as a project that combines a written thesis with creative practical work. Many of our academic staff are engaged with practice-based research in the fields of design, art, theatre, and film and we have a dedicated team of technicians to support you as well as workshops, editing suites and technical resources for our students.

As a PhD student based in the LICA and part of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), you will be part of a multidisciplinary community of research students, able to participate in seminars, reading groups, conferences, and research training courses. We also offer opportunities to study for a certificate in higher education teaching.

We encourage you to contact the LICA postgraduate coordinator at [email protected] or any member of the design staff team to discuss your ideas for PhD research.

Your department

• Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
• Telephone +44 (0)1524 510563

Entry requirements

Academic requirements.

Master’s Degree: Master’s degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline.

Undergraduate Degree: 2:1 (Hons) degree (UK or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline

We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Additional Requirements

As part of your application you will also need to provide

A PhD Proposal form, which you can find on the Departmental website . You will need to upload your completed proposal form to your online application.

Practice based Research applicants are also required to submit a portfolio

English Language Requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications .

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes .

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email [email protected]

Fees and funding

General fees and funding information

There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.

Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.

College fees

Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee  which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.

For students starting in 2023 and 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.

Computer equipment and internet access

To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated  IT support helpdesk  is available in the event of any problems.

The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.

For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.

For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.

The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your  fee status .

If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about  fees in subsequent years .

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities .

We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries .

Similar courses

• Design Management MA

Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2024/2025 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information .

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We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies .

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Lancaster has so much to offer. On our campus, in our city and in our community, you’ll find your place – whoever you are.

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What do you want to do?

Find out about the research we do in design.

Find a supervisor

Mode of study

3 years full-time

6 years part-time

International   £23,615

UK   £4,786

Entry requirements

Research profile.

Brunel Design has a well-established record of research excellence, with multidisciplinary, product-related design research grounded on strong engineering design traditions.  Research activities within the design programmes at Brunel cover a wide-ranging and diverse field of topics. Academic staff involved within these programmes combine human-centred design for autonomous vehicles, ageing demographics and healthcare systems; from incorporating sustainability in design by developing cleaner electronics, design for 3D and 4D printing, and incorporating social responsibility; to using innovative design for creative industries and information architecture.

Research in Design is organised according to the following thematic priorities:

• Human-Centred Design through inclusive design, design for ageing demographics, perception and enhancement.
• Sustainable Design through social responsibility, cleaner electronics and advanced materials and manufacture.
• Advanced Technologies through engineering methods, optimization techniques, computer-aided-design and other emerging technologies.
• Products, services and digital design through design innovation management, open design, design entrepreneurship, creativity, the digital economy, digital production and interfaces, and Information Architecture.

The department’s scope of research includes but is not limited to:

• Human Centred Design
• Trust in autonomous vehicles
• Inclusive Design and Design of Healthcare Systems
• Perception Enhancement
• Design and Sustainability - theory, methods and tools
• Design for 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) and Printed Electronics
• 4D Printing /  Shape Memory Materials for Additive Manufacturing
• Social impact of Distributed Manufacturing Systems
• Design Innovation Management
• Digital Design, Interfaces and Digital Production
• Open Design and Co-Design
• Social Innovation
• Pedagogy and Curriculum

Research students are welcomed as valued members of our thriving, research-intensive community in Brunel Design. Our doctoral researchers join the  Made in Brunel team in the annual  final year project showcase and lead-up events . In addition, our yearly Design Doctoral Symposium, as well as social events, enable you to foster vibrant connections with the outside research community. 

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.  

Learn more about research in this area.

You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour .

Our researchers create knowledge and advance understanding, and equip versatile doctoral researchers with the confidence to apply what they have learnt for the benefit of society. Find out more about working with the Supervisory Team .

You are welcome to approach your potential supervisor directly to discuss your research interests. Search for expert supervisors for your chosen field of research.

While we welcome applications from student with a clear direction for their research, we are providing you with some ideas for your chosen field of research:

Research journey

This course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in January. Or this course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in October. Or this course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in April.

Find out about what progress might look like at each stage of study here:  Research degree progress structure.

Research support

Excellent research support and training

The Graduate School provides a range of personal, professional and career development opportunities. This includes workshops, online training, coaching and events, to enable you to enhance your professional profile, refine your skills, and plan your next career steps as part of the Researcher Development Programme . The researcher development programme (RDP) offers workshops and seminars in a range of areas including progression, research management, research dissemination, and careers and personal development. You will also be offered a number of online, self-study courses on BBL, including Research Integrity, Research Skills Toolkit, Research Methods in Literature Review and Principles of Research Methods.

Library services

Brunel's Library is open 24 hours a day, has 400,000 books and 250,000 ebooks, and an annual budget of almost £2m. Subject information Specialists train students in the latest technology, digital literacy, and digital dissemination of scholarly outputs. As well as the physical resources available in the Library, we also provide access to a wealth of electronic resources. These include databases, journals and e-books. Access to these resources has been bought by the Library through subscription and is limited to current staff and students.

Dedicated research support staff provide guidance and training on open access, research data management, copyright and other research integrity issues.

Find out more: Brunel Library

Careers and your future

You will receive tailored careers support during your PhD and for up to three years after you complete your research at Brunel. We encourage you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research, even (or perhaps especially) if you don't yet have a career path in mind. Our careers provision includes online information and advice, one-to-one consultations and a range of events and workshops. The Professional Development Centre runs a varied programme of careers events throughout the academic year. These include industry insight sessions, recruitment fairs, employer pop-ups and skills workshops.

In addition, where available, you may be able to undertake some paid work as we recognise that teaching and learning support duties represent an important professional and career development opportunity.

Find out more.

UK entry requirements

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. Please contact your proposed supervisor, where possible, to receive feedback and guidance on your research statement before submitting it. Learn how to prepare a research statement  here .   

EU and International entry requirements

If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list . This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
• Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
• BrunELT : 63% (min 58% in all areas)
• TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all) 

You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our  English Language Requirements  page.

Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our  Brunel Language Centre .

Please check our Admissions  pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.

Fees and funding

2024/5 entry, international.

£23,615 full-time

£11,805 part-time

£4,786 full-time

£2,393 part-time

Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.

Some courses incur  additional course related costs . You can also check our  on-campus accommodation costs  for more information on living expenses.

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. Recently the UK Government made available the Doctoral Student Loans of up to £25,000 for UK and EU students and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Scholarships and bursaries

• Brunel Graduate Discount

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Arts & Humanities

Wide-ranging expertise, key details.

• Full-time or part-time study

School or Centre

• School of Arts & Humanities

Next open event

• Watch Open Day recording

Application deadline

• Applications closed. Please check back soon.

Career opportunities

• PhD study leads to a range of opportunities. You might become a researcher in industry or government or an academic in an international institution It is an opportunity for you to investigate a research question or issue in depth, enabling you to take a more reflective, more innovative role in design.

A dynamic interplay between theory and practice.

The School provides expert supervision across the spectrum of art and writing practice, art and design history and theory, curating and criticism. We welcome proposals for theoretical and practice-led projects, industrial collaborations and technologically focused research.

Our research interests are wide-ranging and reflect the expertise of our staff, focusing on arts, humanities and material practices, their scholarship and dissemination. The School’s distinctive research culture encompasses a broad range of activities from highly individuated scholarly and creative enquiries to projects that concern public policy and evaluation, collections and archival research, material and technical explorations as well as more speculative arts practice-focused projects. It includes the V&A/RCA PhD in History of Design, a degree offered jointly between the RCA and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Beyond your individual supervision, you’ll be able to participate in research groups, where staff and students cluster around an idea or issue.

Research takes place within an environment that is ambitious to generate new methods and insights. We thrive on interaction across the broad areas of fine and applied arts and the humanities, through School-wide lectures, workshops and tutorials delivered by key contemporary artists, writers, curators and thinkers, many of whom form part of our permanent staff base. The broad base of expertise offered by the School means we can support research interests across a large range of disciplines; moving image and sound, painting, performance, photography, printmaking and sculpture as well as jewellery, metal, ceramics, glass, curating, critical and theoretical writing and design history. The School embraces its cross-disciplinary perspective and celebrates the deployment of diverse and original methods of research and production.

Applications for the September 2024 intake are now closed. Applications for 2025 entry will open in September.

Programme details

• PhD: 3–4 years (full time), 6–7 years (part time)
• MPhil: 2–3 years (full time), 4–6 years (part time)

Explore further

Catch the replays from our latest online Open Day.

Object of Research residency, Techne Conflux, School of Arts and Humanities, 2018

School of Arts and Humanities Research: Aslyum Live, 2017

Clair Le Couteur, Despina Zacharopoulou

The Urgency of the Arts, NAFAE Research Student conference, 2018 hosted by RCA School of Arts and Humanities

School of Arts and Humanities Research Presents......Me with Professor Carol Mavor, 2019

School of Arts and Humanities Research Presents......Reenactment with Ali Smith, 2019

Entanglement Research Group

Object of Research residency,Techne Conflux, School of Arts and Humanities (Grizedale visit), 2018

School of Arts and Humanities Research: Flight Mode (Assembly Point), 2018

School of Arts and Humanities Research: Despina Zacharopoulou, Flight Mode (Asylum), 2018

Dr Josephine Berry

Tutor (Research)

Dr Josephine Berry is an art theorist, writer and editor. She supervises thesis only and practice based PhDs in the School of Arts and Humanities.

Professor Rachel Garfield

Senior Tutor (Research) and School Research Lead

Rachel Garfield is an artist and writer whose work is engaged with the role of lived relations in the formation and intersections of subjectivities.

Professor Johnny Golding

Professor of Philosophy & Fine Art

Johnny’s work situates post-Newtonian analytics, new materialisms and the erotics of sense as ‘radical matter’, a practice-led encounter with contemporary philosophy, art and the wild sciences.

Dr Peter Oakley

Reader in Material Culture

Dr Peter Oakley specialises in research on materials, making and manufacturing.

The School of Arts & Humanities is located across our Battersea and Kensington sites.

Shared workspaces are provided for all research students. There are a number of bookable seminar and project spaces across the site available to all Arts & Humanities students.

Daybreak: Asylum Live, Research Student Project, Adjoa Armah

Darkroom facilities (photo: Richard Haughton)

Gorvy Kiln Room (Photographer: Richard Haughton)

Hot Glass Workshop (Photographer: Richard Haughton)

Screenprint Workshop (Photographer: Richard Haughton)

More details on what you'll study.

Find out what you'll cover in this programme.

What you'll cover

What is a research degree.

At the RCA we offer both MPhil and PhD research degrees. Research candidates can study in part-time and full-time modes (subject to approval) and their research can be undertaken by project or thesis modes. The mode of research will be discussed in interview, and should be indicated in the application process.

A postgraduate research degree challenges you to complete a research project that pushes the boundaries of our understanding.

Unlike a taught degree, a research degree emphasises independence of learning and increased specialisation. You will manage your own research project in order to investigate your topic in depth and to produce new ideas, arguments and solutions.

A research degree will give you the subject matter expertise and transferable skills necessary for a wide range of senior roles in research and academia, as well as in business, industry and the cultural and creative sectors.

A PhD is awarded to students who produce a substantial piece of original research that makes a contribution to research in the field. This can take the form of a thesis (60,000-80,000 words) or by project (a body of work and thesis 25,000-40,000 words). If you’re a PhD candidate you’ll normally registered for three years full-time, with submission within four years, or six to seven years part-time. You must remain registered and pay an appropriate fee until submission.

An MPhil is awarded for original research and submission of a thesis. If you’re an MPhil candidate you’ll normally be registered for two years (full-time) or four years (part-time).

Our postgraduate community

We have more than 250 PhD students pursuing cutting-edge research and undertaking advanced training across the College:

• School of Architecture
• School of Communication
• Computer Science Research Centre
• School of Design
• Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design
• Intelligent Mobility Design Centre
• Material Futures Research Centre

The RCA is a world-leading postgraduate university and is ranked the most research-intensive university of art and design in the UK since 2014. Both our students and staff are drawn from countries across the globe. Overseas students play a vital role in ensuring that our College community benefits from a diversity of experience and skills.

Doctoral training programme

At the RCA, research students undertake training both at a cross-College level and within their Schools/Centres, offering rich and robust preparation and learning opportunities for their research degree progression. Many of these also offer opportunities to build a portfolio of experience for future careers.

All students are required to attend our Doctoral Training Weeks in September, February and July (pro-rata attendance by negotiation for part-time students). These are opportunities to participate in the broader research community at the RCA, but also to undertake timely training to support research progression. These intensive weeks include a range of professional development seminars, training and advice in writing, getting published, achieving impact, entering the academic job market and more, and opportunities for you to develop and present your research to your peers and staff.

Our Research Biennale, held every alternate February, offers a showcase of research to internal and external partners and public. The events include space for testing and experimenting with public facing aspects of research, extending and challenging frameworks and perceptions of what art and design research can be.

We are committed to ensuring that you are well equipped, not only to complete your studies but also to develop your future careers.

Supervisors

All students are allocated supervisors upon registration; your supervisory team will have both subject specialism and experience of supervising to completion. Our of current staff index includes an overview of their research interests, recent research outputs and areas of expertise. These give an idea of the key areas of research that are covered at the RCA.

We are not able to guarantee allocation to a specific supervisor as we need to balance staff capacities and our research strategy. However, if there is a particular supervisor whose research aligns with your research proposal, please join us at one of our Open Days and we can talk with you about the possibilities.

Each student will have six supervisions per year (3 for PT students); these might be with the full supervisory team or with one supervisor. Students are expected to initiate these meetings, set the agenda and provide supervisors with pre-reading or other materials in an agreed timeframe for review.

Annual progress reviews

All research students have Annual Progress Reviews, which they must pass in order to progress into the next year of study. These are vital points where all candidates receive formal feedback not only from their supervisory team, but also from other members of the faculty.

There is a formal Confirmation Exam that takes place midway through the period of study to ascertain your readiness for PhD submission; if you who do not meet the requirements at this stage then you’ll usually be recommended to submit for MPhil examination.

Our research

In addition to supervision from world-leading artists, academics, historians, theorists, curators and critics, the School’s MPhil/PhD community offers a rich and stimulating range of doctoral training, including the College-wide Doctoral Training Programme, the School-based Research Groups (small groups that include seminars, workshops and crit sessions, open to all Arts & Humanities research students) and opportunities for exhibiting and publishing research in student-led group exhibitions and symposia and in Prova (the School’s SoAH annual research journal). New student-led initiatives are encouraged and facilitated by the School. Public engagement is a vital part of our practice and we are keen to support interdisciplinary studies and dynamic and innovative projects that expand the potential for arts and humanities research both within the academic context and the wider cultural community

Beyond their individual supervision, students are able to participate in Research Groups, where staff and students cluster around an idea or issue. You will select a group based on your own research interests and attend weekly sessions led by senior academics and with input from a wide range of research-active staff. These groups are also closely linked to our 'SoAH Research Presents....' series, public events with guest speakers and performers, devised by the Research Groups. Additionally, you can attend twice termly research events examining the platforms for their research and forms of dissemination, as well as having the opportunity to present your research formally within the School. The year includes an exhibition, conference, event or publication. In 2017 this was Daybreak , a project which included Asylum Live and exhibitions at Safehouses 1&2 and Amp. In 2018 we staged Flight Mode and in 2019 we hosted the NAFAE conference, The Urgency of the Arts , as well as staging an exhibition, There’s Something Lurking In The Shadows That May Be Interesting .

Requirements

What you need to know before you apply

The programme welcomes applications from candidates from across the world and of all ages, including those with academic and professional backgrounds.

Applications are considered in terms of quality of proposal, quality of practice (where appropriate), readiness to undertake a research degree at this level and supervisory capacity.

What's needed from you

Portfolio requirements.

Your portfolio showcases your work as an artist or designer and can be made up of images, videos or writing examples. Your portfolio helps us to understand your application better and allows you to show evidence of your ability and motivation to undertake a given programme.

Generally, we’re looking for you to demonstrate your:

• Creativity, imagination and innovation
• Ability to articulate the intentions of the work
• Intellectual engagement in areas relevant to the work
• Technical skills appropriate to the work
• Potential to benefit from the programme

If you are applying for a research degree by project please submit a single PDF portfolio of between 8–16 images/files that relate to your proposed research project.

In addition to image files, please include a piece of writing (between 2000–5000 words) that demonstrates your approach to articulating ideas. This can be a piece of writing that you have completed within the last three years or a new piece of writing.

Video requirements

We ask that you upload a two-minute video recorded on your phone or laptop, speaking to us directly. High production qualities are not needed. We will review the work in your portfolio, so keep your video simple.

We would like you to create a video where you identify one project demonstrating how research was an important aspect to its completion. Explain the impact this has had on others and yourself and how this motivated you on your journey to the RCA.

English-language requirements

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, MPhil candidates will need the equivalent of an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with a 6.5 in the Test of Written English (TWE). PhD candidates will need the equivalent of an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 with a 7.0 in the Test of Written English (TWE).

If you need a Student Visa to study at the RCA, you will also need to meet the Home Office’s minimum requirements for entry clearance.

Fees & funding

For this programme, fees for new students.

Fees for September 2024 entry on this programme are outlined below. From 2021 onward, EU students are classified as Overseas for tuition fee purposes.

Home: High residency

Home: low residency, overseas and eu: high residency, overseas and eu: low residency.

New entrants to the College will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit in order to secure their place. This will be offset against the tuition fees for the first year of study.

Overseas and EU

Progression discount.

For alumni and students who have completed an MA, MA/MSc or MRes at the RCA within the past 10 years, a progression discount is available for Doctoral study. This discount is £1,000 per year for thee first three years of full-time study.

Continuation fees

Candidates who have completed the minimum three years of study (FT or 6 years PT) for PhD will be eligible to apply for Continuation Status. This is a period of study, for up to one academic year, during which a candidate will be focused upon revising and editing their thesis/project.

Scholarships

Rca scholarships.

Sir Frank Bowling Fund support is available for both MPhil and PhD students for 2024/25

The Sir Frank Bowling Studentship

For: full-time, three-year PhDs will be applicable (both high and low residency routes)

Eligibility criteria: UK students from Black African and Caribbean diaspora heritage, or from mixed Black African and Caribbean diaspora heritage

Eligible fee status: Home fee status

Value: Tuition fees for a three-year period of full-time study, a stipend of £20,622 per annum, and access to research training support.

The successful applicant must commence their PhD between September 2024 and October 2025.

How to apply: Applications closed on Friday 3 May 2024.

Successfully shortlisted candidates will be called for interview either in person or online.

Any questions? Email [email protected] in the School of Arts & Humanities.

Sir Frank Bowling Scholarships

For: All programmes excluding PhD & short courses

Eligibility criteria: Black or Black British Caribbean, Black or Black British African, Other Black Background, Mixed - White and Black Caribbean, Mixed - White and Black African

Value: Full fees & maintenance

Applying for a scholarship

More information, mphil/phd fee bands.

The RCA is introducing two separate tuition fee bands for MPhil/PhD students with effect from the academic year 2023/24: Low Residency and High Residency. For more information about what the different fee bands entail, and for frequently asked questions on fee bands, visit:

Additional fees

In addition to your programme fees, please be aware that you may incur other additional costs associated with your study during your time at RCA. Additional costs can include purchases and services (without limitation): costs related to the purchase of books, paints, textiles, wood, metal, plastics and/or other materials in connection with your programme, services related to the use of printing and photocopying, lasercutting, 3D printing and CNC. Costs related to attending compulsory field trips, joining student and sport societies, and your Convocation (graduation) ceremony. 

If you wish to find out more about what type of additional costs you may incur while studying on your programme, please contact the Head of your Programme to discuss or ask at an online or in person  Open Day .   

We provide the RCASHOP online, and at our Kensington and Battersea Campuses – this is open to students and staff of the Royal College of Art only to provide paid for materials to support your studies. 

We also provide support to our students who require financial assistance whilst studying, including a dedicated Materials Fund.

External funding

With the Government's introduction of the new Doctoral Loan and the continued support available via the Arts and Humanities Research Council, there are more financial support options than ever before.

Tuition fees are due on the first day of the academic year and students are sent an invoice prior to beginning their studies. Payments can be made in advance, on registration or in two instalments.

Ask a question

Get in touch if you’d like to find out more or have any questions.

More opportunities to study at the RCA

Related programmes, master of research rca.

An interdisciplinary research MRes by practice or thesis across art and design

Contemporary Art Practice

A discursive environment of experimentation, self-reflexivity and critical art practices

Committed to broadening the understanding of painting

Architectural Design MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

This programme encourages the development of architectural research through the combination of designing and writing. You present a thesis consisting of a project and a text that share a research theme and a productive relationship. The project may be drawn, filmed, built, or made using whatever media is appropriate.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

• Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, in a relevant subject, is essential. Exceptionally: where applicants have other suitable research or professional experience, they may be admitted without a Master's degree; or where applicants have a lower second-class UK Honours Bachelor's degree (2:2) (or equivalent) they must possess a relevant Master's degree to be admitted. We expect any successful application to include a sufficiently strong and convincing proposal, and those holding a Master's degree are typically well prepared to provide one. Relevant work experience is highly desirable.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

This doctoral programme encourages the development of architectural research through the creative combination of designing and writing.

The Architectural Design thesis consists of projects and texts that share a research theme and have a productive relationship. The projects may be drawn, written, filmed, constructed, or make use of whatever media is appropriate to the research subject.

Integrating varied research methods, the thesis emphasises the creative interdependence of drawing, writing, and building in the development of innovative practices and theories of architecture.

You will have the option of auditing modules from  Architectural History MA , led by Professor Peg Rawes.

You are also encouraged to take advantage of the variety of skills development courses run by the  UCL Doctoral School  and the  UCL Centre for Languages & International Education . 

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.

Who this course is for

Students are expected to be independent thinkers, in order to make an original contribution to knowledge and expand the disciplinary discourse in their field of inquiry. They should be reflective within the shifting boundaries of their discipline and the rapidly changing nature of the architectural profession, and aware of how these are affected by societal and institutional challenges. The research proposal is crucial to our decision on your application since it demonstrates your ability to identify and articulate an independent line of research inquiry.

What this course will give you

The Bartlett School of Architecture is one of the world's most exciting architecture schools, in one of its most inspiring cities. Our name stands for provocative ideas, boundary-pushing research and high-achieving lecturers and students.

We are a multi-disciplinary department with researchers active in architectural design, architectural history, urban studies and space syntax, who bring together approaches from the arts, humanities, social sciences and engineering to the study of architecture. 

91% of research at The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment has been deemed ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’, and the faculty is number one for Research Power in the built environment (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

We offer specialisations in architectural and urban design, history and theory, criticism and technology, and place strong emphasis on innovative research across disciplinary boundaries. Our internationally renowned and award-winning design and research work is published and exhibited at galleries and events worldwide, helping our students become the most sought after in Europe. An inspiring programme of lectures and seminars by international academics and practitioners is supplemented by workshops and access to advanced digital fabrication tools. Our central London location makes us ideally placed for architectural education, research and practice, in close proximity to an exceptional concentration of built environment firms and related agencies.

The foundation of your career

Graduate study at The Bartlett School of Architecture is enriched by our contact with a vibrant community of specialist consultants and research associates in industry and academia.

Located in central London, we collaborate on projects with a variety of national and international research centres and public engagement institutions.

Our students also benefit from the most advanced and extensive facilities available in any similar faculty in the EU. This combination of networks, knowledge and technical expertise makes our graduates some of the most sought after in the world.

Employability

Our graduates find employment in a wide range of careers as built environment professionals including academia, government, public service, policy formation and media worldwide.

We provide an increasing number of networking opportunities for our students, including book launches and social events, lectures, collaborative projects and visits.

Teaching and learning

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) consists of a piece of supervised research, normally undertaken over a period of three years full-time.

Students have the option of auditing modules from Architectural History MA , subject to availability.

Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the variety of skills development courses run by the UCL Doctoral School and the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education . 

Assessment is by means of a thesis, which should demonstrate your capacity to pursue original research based upon a good understanding of the research techniques and concepts appropriate to the discipline.

Initially, you will be registered for the MPhil degree. If you wish to proceed to a PhD, you will be required to pass an 'Upgrade' assessment. The purpose of the upgrade is to assess your progress and ability to complete your PhD programme to a good standard and in a reasonable time frame. It is expected that a full-time student will attempt upgrade within 18 months of registration.

Architectural Design thesis submissions combine a design project and a text of typically 60,000 to a maximum of 100,000 words. 

Primarily, you are expected to conduct independent research, with guidance and supervision. The programme places emphasis on a close one-to-one working relationship between you and your supervisor. Your Principle Supervisor will establish a timetable of regular meetings with you at which all matters relating to you work can be discussed.

Research areas and structure

Read about recent PhD student research projects on Issuu .

The research activities of our staff can be viewed on UCL’s Institutional Research Information Service .

Research environment

Supervision and mentorship is typically available from researchers with national and international contacts and collaborations across policy, government, industry and academic sectors. These links provide real opportunities to network and collaborate with a variety of external partners. You will usually have the opportunity to showcase your research at national and international conferences. You may lead your own networking initiatives such as the Bartlett Film, Place, Architecture Network, which organises seminars and workshops for staff and students. You will usually also gain access to networking events, career workshops and seminars held by the Bartlett School of Architecture.

The MPhil/PhD Architectural Design and Architectural and Urban History and Theory routes jointly run a series of events which you will be expected to attend. There are 'Research Conversations', fortnightly work-in-progress seminars and reviews for new MPhil/PhD students, and 'Research Projects', annual PhD conference and exhibition with invited critics as respondents, organised by the AUHT and AD programmes of The Bartlett School of Architecture.

You will be expected to undertake independent research, with supervision and guidance, and normally are also expected to attend structured courses to learn about research methods in the field.

The programme encourages the development of architectural research through the combination of designing and writing. You will typically be required to present a thesis consisting of a project and a text that share a research theme and a productive relationship. The project may be drawn, filmed, built, or make use of whatever media is appropriate. 

The programme encourages the development of architectural research through the combination of designing and writing. You will typically be required to present a thesis consisting of a project and a text that share a research theme and a productive relationship. The project may be drawn, filmed, built, or make use of whatever media is appropriate.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

Route code RRDBARSADE01

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

As a research student, your additional costs may include expenses such as books, conference attendance and field research, in the UK or overseas.

The Built Environment Faculty Office provides financial support to students through the Bartlett Student Conference Fund, Bartlett Doctoral Initiative Fund, Bartlett External Training Fund and Bartlett Extenuating Circumstances Fund. However, please note that these funds are limited and available through competition. 

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

UCL offers a range of financial awards aimed at assisting both prospective and current students with their studies.

Any additional funding available from the Bartlett School of Architecture and the Built Environment Faculty Office are advertised on the respective websites.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Bartlett Promise PhD Scholarship

Deadline: 19 May 2024 Value: Full fees, plus £19,668 maintenance (Normal duration of programme) Criteria Based on financial need Eligibility: UK

UCL Research Opportunity Scholarship (ROS)

Deadline: 12 January 2024 Value: UK rate fees, a maintenance stipend, conference costs and professional development package (3 years) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: UK

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Bartlett School of Architecture

[email protected]

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Design - MPhil/PhD

The PhD in Design is for those students with prior advanced knowledge of and qualifications in a Design discipline who want to pursue a rigorous, in-depth study of a specific topic under specialist supervisory guidance. We welcome prospective students with a strong idea of what they want to research and how they will carry it out.  A willingness to engage with primary-source material and to interpret this alongside existing literature in the field are essential attributes in those wishing to undertake this programme. The student’s aim will be to make an original and substantial contribution to knowledge in the chosen area of study. 

Undertaking an MPhil or PhD in Design offers you the opportunity to become part of a dynamic and varied research community. We have students engaged in a wide range of research projects covering, deepening and extending the disciplines that make up the School of Design.   

We encourage students to explore both discipline-specific areas, and interdisciplinary programmes of research, and as such, supervision may be provided by a range of academic staff from across Design and beyond. We welcome both practice and research led approaches to research.   

Whichever area your research engages with, you will elect to carry out a practice-based programme of research, or a standard MPhil/PhD. The first offers you the opportunity to work through and submit a practical portfolio and textual output, while the standard approach requires a fully text-based output. Both routes can be studied at PhD-level over three years full-time, or six years part-time. At MPhil-level full time study is two years, or four years part-time.

Research interests

Research is central to the School of Design, providing MPhil and PhD candidates with a rich variety of staff research interests, and we specialise in areas including: animation practice and theory; illustration; place, body and environment; design, craft and digital technologies; immersive technologies, interaction and gaming; materiality and making; design informatics and computational crafts; narrative; design anthropology; design history and theory; contemporary film theory and practice; design for healthcare and wellbeing; design management and service design; design for change (transition and transformation); cultural and heritage studies; sustainability and the circular economy; and participatory and co-design approaches.

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Why you should choose this programme

You will have access to supervision from a range of world-class researchers, drawn from within and beyond the discipline of design.

We actively promote interdisciplinary approaches and encourage research that challenges conventional modes of practice and thought.

You will benefit from leading research training methodologies and seminar events, including distinguished visiting professors, all within a lively, research-driven environment.

You will have access to world-class computing, library and workshop facilities, all located in a European capital city with good transport links.

The programme provides exciting opportunities for cross-disciplinary exploration and research with the Schools of Art, Music, History of Art, and Architecture and Landscape Architecture. 

How to apply and entry requirements

If you'd like to study on a postgraduate research programme at Edinburgh College of Art, you must apply through EUCLID, our online application system. You can find out how to do this on the University of Edinburgh website, where you'll also be able to:

• See detailed entrance requirements for each programme on the Degree Finder
• Get information on what to expect after you apply
• Find out about study modes, start dates and fees
• Find out if, and how, you need to submit a portfolio, showreel or research proposal
• Find out where to go for further advice and guidance.

Application process

Before you apply.

Students are assigned two research supervisors, the second of which may be from another discipline within ECA, or from somewhere else within the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS) or wider University. 

Please ensure that at least one member of staff (see below) maintains an active research programme that aligns with the themes of your proposed project.  

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to make contact with the relevant member(s) of staff via email to explain your research interests prior to submitting an application. Please note that we only accept applications and review application materials submitted through the official EUCLID application portal.

After you apply

Once your application has been submitted for consideration, it will be sent to a team of academic reviewers for their attention. They will then make a decision about your application and research topic, and decide whether it is possible to make an offer of a place to study with us. You may be asked to attend a brief online interview but if this is the case, you will be notified in advance.

Get in touch

Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Admissions

Scholarships and bursaries

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Meet our staff

Prof Craig Martin

Personal Chair of Interdisciplinary Design Studies

Programme Director, MPhil/PhD Design; Deputy Director of the Scottish Graduate School for the Arts and Humanities

• Interdisciplinary Design Studies
• Ethics of design
• Alternative forms of design thinking and innovation
• Social design
• Design geographies

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Winchester School of Art offers an interdisciplinary, research-led environment for full- and part-time postgraduate research students from a range of areas of art, design and global culture.  We welcome proposals for PhD in Fine Art, Graphic Arts, Media, Fashion, Textiles and Art and Design Management.  As part of a vibrant research-intensive University, cross-disciplinary engagement is encouraged and many of our PhD students extend their research across academic disciplines and collaborate with researchers in related areas of the creative arts, and in fields as diverse as archaeology, psychology, biomedical sciences, nanoscience, economic, social and political sciences, and sound engineering.

4 Years, following standard progression for a FT student.

7 years, following standard progression for a PT student

Programme Overview

The University of Southampton offers a PhD programme for both practice and non-practice-based Fine Art and Design research at the Winchester School of Art (WSA) campus in Winchester. The School is recognised as an International Centre for research in global art and design, culture and communication and enjoys a reputation as a world leader in research. PhD candidates at the School work with Faculty engaged in creative and critical practices across a wide range of research interests and who disseminate their work through internationally recognised publications and exhibitions. The School’s postgraduate researchers engage in both material and intellectual practices as specific ways and means of thinking in order to produce critical knowledge and innovative objects. The School is proud to be a hub for collaborative projects and public events, offering a vibrant venue for artists, designers and intellectuals to debate the key issues of the 21st century. The School’s Centre for Global Futures in Art, Design and Media provides an overarching vision for researchers at the School. Its activities are focused on creating and sustaining mutually beneficial and interactive professional associations with a range of public organisations. These include galleries, museums, arts and community centres, publishers and online sources whose activities may benefit diverse social groups locally, nationally and around the world.

Career opportunities are wide ranging and varied within the arts, culture, curation and publishing realms. Opportunities exist to engage with and contribute to wider research in academia, leading to future leadership positions within an academic context. The nature of the generic and discipline-specific skills obtained during your study make your experience and skills attractive to a range of organisations post qualification.

View the doctoral programme profile for this course

Doctoral Programme Director:

Dr Jo Turney Associate Professor Art Design and Fashion Winchester School of Art email: [email protected]

Entry Requirements

Typical entry requirements.

Second class Honours degree and Master of Arts in a relevant subject.

Other qualifications are considered on an individual basis for all programmes and pathways.

Work experience in a related field considered.

IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components, or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University.

Selection process

Online application and interview

This page contains specific entry requirements for this course. Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country.

Programme Structure

Typical course content, fees & funding, tuition fees.

Scholarships, bursaries, sponsorships or grants may be available to support you through your course. Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or your country of origin. These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.

Study locations

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PhD Postgraduate Research in Art and Design

Why choose this course.

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a research degree with the Faculty of Arts.  We will be delighted to discuss your area of interest with you but, before doing so, it is important to determine whether or not we can offer research supervision in your chosen area.  Please follow the link shown below to review our current areas of research supervision.

The aim of our research programmes is to give each student the best possible foundation from which to launch further research and career development. We help our students to develop the relevant research skills and methods and also support the development of related skills such as IT, presentation and career planning.

This approach, together with the relevant research expertise and resources support the completion of high-quality research degree programmes.

Details of current and recent research degree topics include:

• Classical and modern portraiture; contemporary art theory and phototheory; post-60s critical theory
• Postwar art (especially Francis Bacon); death of God theologies (especially Georges Bataille); art and theology; critical theory; abjection; visual communication, especially theories of branding.
• Ornament, explored through painting and collage.
• Photography
• Narrative, memory, identity and the Archive: Fine Art , Drawing and Photography practice related to Documentary, Landscape and Alternative and Experimental practices .
• Design history, gender and design, dress and textiles, material culture, co-creation/co-design and community engagement, arts/design for health and wellbeing, magazines and gender, archival practices, British interwar design.   
• Practice-led research investigating conceptual art and ‘hypermedial’ technology.
• Performance based arts practice, Performance based practice (Acting Methodologies), Film practice, Multidisciplinary practice (inc. Collage, Photography, Appropriation), National
• Erosion in urban environs through the everyday processes by which surfaces are worn down, thinned or marked by contact with weather, citizens, or other agents, and detritus deposited elsewhere.
• Contemporary and modern art theory (in particular the avant-garde and neo-avant-garde); phototheory (theories of realism); post-Kantian philosophy; contemporary cultural theory and critical theory; post-relational art practice
• Material colour in glass and its emotional affects in relation to bipolar disorder and other themes.

Now is a great time to start your postgraduate research degree as loans are now available to help ease the cost of study at this level. For more information please see the following web page: https://www.gov.uk/doctoral-loan .

What happens on the course?

Full-time students will meet with their Director of Study at least once a month, and their supervisory team at least 3 times a year (every two months with the DoS plus 2 meetings a year with the team for part-timers).

Approximately half-way through the doctoral study (12-18 months full-time, or 3 years part-time) the student is required to complete a ‘Progression’ stage. Here the student will summarise their research achievements and outline their future research plans (including research methods) to completion. They will also give a presentation of their work to an independent assessor and members of the research community.

Finally, at the end of their study, they will produce a thesis for a viva examination by an internal and an external academic with the appropriate expertise.

Potential Career Paths

Successful completion of your PhD opens up a range of career opportunities and demonstrates your proven skills as a researcher. In Film, Media and Broadcasting, having a PhD is now an essential element for those looking to develop a career in lecturing or research within higher education. As well as demonstration of your research skills, a PhD shows your extensive knowledge of a particular field in an applied and rigorous manner that is attractive to employers.

In addition to developing competence in a range of intellectual skills that can be advantageous to the majority of occupations, a PhD in Film or Media is academically relevant to careers in the arts and media, leading to employment in arts administration, film archiving, film and media research, film journalism, filmmaking, animation, photography, film event management, and teaching.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Why Wolverhampton?

The Wolverhampton School of Art is a buzzing city art school in the centre of the UK offering a dynamic and stimulating environment for PhD study. The iconic building also hosts the Centre for Art, Design, Research and Experimentation (CADRE) where a community of scholars and research-led practitioners work on individual and collaborative projects. CADRE has an established and proven track-record of high quality research and dissemination coming from its 3 research groups: Art, Philosophy and Social Practice; Material and Theoretical Practice; Communication and Design. 

The last Research Assessment Exercise in 2014 indicated that over half of our staff included were working at a level of international significance; which includes world-leading research. Our postgraduate research students play a key role in the research community here and we are very experienced in developing research projects to successful completion. We consider our PhD students as early-career researchers and fully support them towards their chosen career. As such we provide funding towards conference attendance and research visits and encourage our students to disseminate their work to the wider academic community. Research students are invited to attend the Faculty’s rolling programme of public speakers, seminars, workshops and skills training events, as well as those provided by the University and Doctoral College. We also expect them to contribute to the annual PhD students’ self-organised conference.

All student activity is supported and encouraged by our experienced and knowledgeable PhD supervisors who are happy to advise when needed. They meet regularly with their supervisees to ensure full support throughout the life-time of their doctoral study; which can be either practice-led research (45,000 words + practice) or theory-based (95,000 words).

The Centre for Art, Design, Research and Experimentation has an international reputation for excellence across a range of subjects and our staff are happy to receive inquiries regarding potential research topics. Our principal areas of research are:

• Studio practice and theory (painting, sculpture, printmaking, glass, ceramics, installation work…)
• Social Art practice
• Public Sphere work and Art Collectives
• Co-creation, Craft and Design
• Art, Design, Health and Well-being
• Critical and cultural theory
• Digital media art
• Virtual environments and creative spaces
• Material theory and practice
• Documentary film and animation

Course Fees and Finance

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure , with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

  Applicants for a research degree shall normally hold either:

 • a first or upper second class honours degree, or

 • a master’s degree, or

 • evidence of prior practice or learning that is accepted by the University, or a qualification which is regarded by the University as equivalent to a first or upper second-class honours degree.

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at least to the level of an IELTS score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no individual element less than 6.0. The only exemption to this is for students who are not required to do so as per UKVI regulations: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english. 

Financial support for research study:

Before applying, you should consider carefully how you will finance your studies for the duration of your programme, including tuition fees, research support fees and living costs.

Government loans (Home Fee Status):

Government loans are available for postgraduate research students of up to £28,673, to cover fees and living expenses. More information can be found at Doctoral-loans website.

Studying in the UK: Guidance for EU students

For 2021/22 new entrants, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fee status and financial support from Student Finance England.

Self-funded:

We are able to take payments in instalments, to spread out the cost of your studies, and it is possible to switch between full-time and part-time modes of study. For more information go to How to pay.

Postgraduate Research Loyalty Discount:

To students progressing from an undergraduate programme and/or a taught postgraduate programme to a postgraduate research programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree and/or Masters level qualification, as long as the new award is at a higher level.

Research councils:

The UK Research and Innovation funds postgraduate study in all subject areas on a discretionary basis.

University Research Studentships:

Other sources:

Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

01902 32 22 22

[email protected]

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Art and Design - PhD

Currently viewing course to start in 2024/25 Entry .

A PhD in Art and Design will help you create opportunities to develop research skills that support professional practice, research and/or academic careers within the fields of art, design and the creative industries.  You will study in a world-class research environment which enables both practice-led and/or entirely text based PhD research to be developed to the highest level.

• Level Postgraduate Research
• Study mode Full Time/Part Time/Distance Learning
• Location City Centre
• Start date February 2025
• Fees View course fees
• School Birmingham School of Art
• Faculty Faculty of Arts, Design and Media

This course is:

Open to International Students

A PhD in Art and Design will help you create opportunities to develop research skills that support professional practice, research and/or academic careers within the fields of art, design and the creative industries.  You will study in a world-class research environment which enables both practice-led and/or entirely text based PhD research to be developed to the highest level.

What's covered in this course?

A PhD enables you to follow a programme of self-directed, independent study, supported by experienced supervisors who are themselves experts in their area.  You will also be supported by the wider research community in Art and Design and you will have regular opportunities to attend research seminars, conferences and symposia.

Our PhD gives you the opportunity to spend time researching and developing a deep understanding of a unique area of interest whilst contributing world-leading insight to the academic specialisms in Art and Design at Birmingham City University.

It opens doors to other institutions and to world leading researchers and facilities as they take PhD research here seriously and they are interested in collaboration. It’s a two way process.

Why Choose Us?

• When you join us you will become a member of the thriving research culture in Art and Design at Birmingham City University across the Schools of Architecture and Design, Art, Fashion and Textiles, Jewellery and Visual Communication.
• You will study in a world-class research environment which enables both practice-led and/or entirely text based PhD research to be developed to the highest level. We support a range of thesis submissions, including a combination of written and practice elements as well as a traditional written thesis.
• Whether based in the contemporary Parkside building, or our historic School of Art and School of Jewellery buildings, our research students have access to dedicated workspace that acts as the hub of our PhD research activity. 
• You will be guided in your PhD research by a team of supervisors who you will meet on a regular basis to review your progress and plan your next steps.
• You will be encouraged to organise your research as a programme of professional and academic development tailored to your individual interests and career aspirations. For example, you can strengthen your PhD research and personal/professional development by participating in wider international research communities and conferences, and by helping to teach degree modules to undergraduate students.
• On successful completion of your PhD research degree you will have either contributed new knowledge or extended existing theory and understanding of an area of interest and significance within the fields of art, design and the creative industries.

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation. Booking isn't open yet for this event, register your interest and we’ll email you as soon as booking goes live.

Next Event: 28 September 2024

Research Interests

Research in Art and Design takes place within and across five schools (Art, Architecture and Design, Fashion and Textiles, Jewellery, and Visual Communication), as well as through faculty-wide clusters.

Real-world relevance is key to our work, and this is reflected both in the types of research that we undertake and the external funding that is generated by our researchers. Our researchers are frequently invited to organise and curate major global events and to speak to international audiences (including policy-makers and funding bodies) as well as disseminating their work through publications, exhibitions and performances. We recruit Postgraduate Researchers to study for PhDs aligned with our research clusters:

Art Activisms

The increasingly political dimension of contemporary art has given rise to a number of important questions about the role it plays in society today. We focus on the political dimensions of cultural production and, specifically, the extent to which art as a form of activism reflects upon, intersects with and, invariably, seeks to define debates within civil society, political movements, and social practices. In short, researchers in the Art Activisms cluster across all five schools aim to challenge and extend the potential of contemporary art to change the world. Supervisors:   Ravi Deepres , Anthony Downey , Andrew Gillespie , Dem Kargotis , Sabine Lettmann , Lisa Metherell ,  Theo Reeves-Evison ,  Sian Vaughan , Gavin Wade , Stuart Whipps .

Centre for Chinese Visual Arts (CCVA)

As a leading research cluster in the UK, the Centre for Chinese Visual Arts (CCVA) aims to foster new understandings and perspectives of Chinese contemporary arts, design, media and visual culture through curating exhibitions, interdisciplinary practices and academic research. With extensive regional to international partnerships, CCVA brings together artists, designers, curators and researchers who are working with, or are interested in the contemporary contexts of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan in order to share expertise, understanding, critiques and ideas of innovation. Using its unique position in the UK, CCVA continues its transcultural dialogues by questioning the existing histories of Chinese contemporary arts, design media and visual culture, while fostering new ways of thinking and modes of knowledge in relation to today’s global-Chinese situation. Supervisors:   Joshua Jiang , Lauren Walden , Jieling Xiao .

Centre for Printing History and Culture (CPHC)

The Centre for Printing History and Culture is a joint initiative between Birmingham City University and the University of Birmingham. It encourages research into all aspects and periods of printing history and culture, as well as providing education and training into the art and practice of printing. The Centre aims to provide a means of exchanging information, skills and expertise in printing history and culture; to engage in ground-breaking interdisciplinary research; forge partnerships in order to encourage the investigation and understanding of printing history and culture; and promote the transfer and exchange of knowledge of the subject amongst individuals and within communities and institutions. Supervisors:   Caroline Archer .

Craft Cultures

Craft Cultures provides a forum to explore the multidisciplinary characteristics of craft and its praxis. A core objective is to encourage research and understanding into all aspects of craftsmanship, from the creation of the object through the design, technology and material to the role of the object and how it engages and communicates with maker, wearer and audience. Craftsmanship is explored through two main themes: Craftsmanship as the creative endeavour - in the context of: heritage, contemporary practice, traditional and digital innovations, and the sciences; and Craftsmanship and its impact on - individuals, relationships, shared experiences and the wider society.  Supervisors:   Ann-Marie Carey , Sarah O’Hana.

Dress in Context

Dress in Context is concerned with dress in all its manifestations, and its relationship to the individual and society. Dress is not restricted to clothing and fashion in the conventional sense, but encompasses all forms of personal adornment and self-presentation. We welcomes doctoral projects that examine dress from a range of perspectives, including fashion theory and design, technology, psychology, sociology, literature, history, and art. The cluster includes researchers from a variety of backgrounds, and places emphasis on working collaboratively with academics from other institutions as well as building bridges to those from outside the academy. Supervisors:  Hye-Won Lim.

Material Encounters

Through the Material Encounters cluster our researchers extend and interrogate the boundaries of materiality within the context of contemporary art. The broad range of individual research concerns include interests in the collaborative idiom through co-creation, performance and participation and ethico-aesthetics. Notions of the body both as physical object, a vehicle for encounter, as embodied subject in the environing natural world of objects tie the diverse practice of researchers together. The cluster provides a critical intellectual space for the exploration of embodiment, subjectivity and aesthetic practices as they are encountered through material and theoretical investigations. Supervisors:   Catherine Baker , Lisa Metherell , Jacqueline Taylor , Esther Windsor .

Urban Cultures

Urban Cultures promotes and supports research projects on the changing pattern of art, crafts, architecture, and the urban environment in the context of both regional and global culture. We believe that design has a role to play in addressing these issues at a global and local scale. We aim to break new ground through an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to research and design responding to climate change and sustainability alongside the focus on social and cultural values of space. Utilising innovative and emergent thinking, new design methods and advanced technology, engineering and fabrication, we critique, challenge and disrupt traditional thinking and develop radical alternatives to current conditions. Supervisors:  Jemma Browne , Sandra Costa , Rachel Sara , Hocine Bougdah , Katriona Byrne , Senem Sadri , Jieling Xiao , Yazid Khemri , Mersha Aftab , Alessandro Columbano , Michael Dring .

For further information on the Art and Design PhD programme at Birmingham City University, please contact the appropriate Research Degrees Coordinator:

• Dr Lisa Metherell
• Sian Hindle  (Craft Cultures, Dress in Context as well a broader Fashion & Textiles projects )
• Dr Jieling Xiao  ( Urban Cultures )

Fees & How to Apply

• International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students .

Starting: Feb 2025

• £4,786 in 2024/25
• Apply Online
• £2,393 in 2024/25

International students

• £14,675 in 2024/25
• £7,338 in 2024/25
• Distance Learning
• £9,180 in 2024/25

Entry requirements

To apply for our Art and Design PhD research degree you should have, or expect to be awarded, a Masters degree in a relevant subject area from a British or overseas university.

Exceptional candidates without a Masters degree, but holding a first class Bachelors degree in a relevant subject area, may be considered.

We also welcome enquiries from potential PhD researchers without formal academic qualifications but with appropriate levels of professional experience.

If you intend to take a practice-led research approach to your PhD study, then you will expected to show your portfolio as part of the application process, normally at the formal interview stage.

Please send us an initial PhD enquiry containing your brief PhD research proposal (max. 500 words), and/or any questions or queries you may have.

We will review your initial enquiry to ensure your research proposal compliments one of our PhD research interests and if so we will ask you to make a full application. 

English Language Requirements for International Students

Valid Academic IELTS certificate with overall score of 7.0 with no band below 6.5 or equivalent.

Research proposal guidance

Your research proposal in the full application should address the following areas:

  The Working Title of Proposal

  context of the research.

Explain why this research is needed. Outline previous work in the field (if any exists).

  Work experience

Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.

  Research Question(s)

What are your aims and objectives?

  Methodology

Explain what methods you will use to conduct your research and why? Explain the reasons for your choice of methodology and why it is appropriate. Try and think of potential problems that you may encounter.

  Resources Required

Are there specific facilities that you will need to conduct your research (e.g. materials, hardware or software)? If so are these already in place? How do you propose to fund your research?

  Potential application and impact of your research

What do you imagine the wider benefits of this research will be? Who will be interested in your work?

  References

What are the key texts, sources and interlocutors that you are engaging with now, and plan to engage with during your research.

You may wish to upload supporting documentation, for example if you proposing research that will be practice-led or practice-based, then we will need to see evidence of your creative and professional practice.

Course in Depth

The phd journey.

Our PhD in Art and Design gives you the opportunity to spend time researching and developing a deep understanding of a unique area of interest whilst contributing world-leading insight to the academic specialisms in Art and Design at Birmingham City University.

You will present your research developments regularly to supervisors and have opportunities to present to the research community at various events across the Faculty.

Full-time students are expected to complete within three to four years, whilst part-time students may take four to seven years.  In your first year (two years for part-time students) you will spend time reviewing the field and refining your individual PhD research proposal and projected plan. You will be supported in this by your supervisory team and through attendance at the PGCert in Research Practice, which runs for the first semester of your studies.  At the end of your first year (second year for part-time students) you will complete a Progression Assessment Panel.  Your second year (years three and four for PT students) is likely to be spent undertaking in-depth research in your chosen area, with the third year (years five and six for part-time students) focused more on writing, preparing and finalising the format of your PhD thesis for examination. Your thesis will present your findings in a suitable format for your research topic (whether that be through artwork, artefact, exhibition, performance, or as an entirely written thesis). 

On successful completion of your PhD research degree your findings will have either contributed new knowledge or extended existing theory and understanding of an area of interest and significance within the fields of art, design and the creative industries.

You will have proven yourself as a scholar, be an expert in your field and be eligible to use the title ‘Doctor’.

Supervisors and Support

As a PhD research student you will be guided through your programme of study by a team of supervisors.

Your supervisory team will include a Director of Studies whose role it is to ensure that you are meeting targets and following the correct processes and systems for conducting PhD research.

You will also be supported by a second supervisor (and sometimes a third) who will provide guidance based on their specialist knowledge of your specific PhD research interest.

You will meet with your supervisors on a regular basis to review your progress, receive advice and plan the next stages of your PhD research.

Modes of study

Our PhD programmes are offered full-time and part-time. We do also occasionally consider proposals for part-time distance learning. These modes of study ensure that we can create a PhD research plan around your lifestyle needs, even if you are in full-time employment.

Full-time PhD Research: three to four years

As a full-time PhD research student you will undertake much of your research on campus using the facilities at Birmingham School of Art, Birmingham School of Jewellery and/or the Parkside building as appropriate to your research project.

You will be expected to complete your research and submit your work for examination within 36-43 months.

Part-time PhD Research: four to seven years

You can chose part-time PhD research if you opt to study whilst in employment or if full-time study is impractical.

You will be encouraged to use the campus facilities when you can and may often work from home.

You will be expected to complete your research and submit your work for examination within 48-72 months.

Distance Learning PhD Research: four to seven years

Distance learning is possible, under carefully controlled circumstances, if you normally live outside of the UK but wish to conduct PhD research with Birmingham City University.

You will still be required to have some level of face-to-face engagement with us each academic year, often by conducting research on campus in Birmingham (UK).

Face to face research will be arranged for a period of time during the summer months, or at a mutually agreed time.

Employability

The value of a phd to employability.

The Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is recognised worldwide and is often an essential requirement for those wishing to follow an academic or research career in the fields of art, design and the creative industries.

Our Art and Design PhD research degree will help you create opportunities to develop research skills that support your professional practice. We recognise that in our fields academic work is often combined with professional creative practice in portfolio careers.

After the PhD

Our PhD graduates often continue their research through post-doctoral fellowships and academic posts. Our graduates have also gone on to successful professional careers in a diverse range of fields and role including as artists, designers, architects, consultants, curators, writers and managers.

PhD researchers funded under the Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership have the opportunity to undertake industry placements as part of their research. For more information visit the Midlands4Cities website.

For those students not funded by Midlands4Cities, the PhD still allows you the opportunity to work with other institutions and companies as part of your research. You can discuss your options with your potential supervisors, if you feel a placement would benefit your research.

International

Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

• Details of the entry requirements for our courses
• Some of the good reasons why you should study here
• How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
• Information relevant to applicants from your country
• Where to find financial support for your studies.

Further Information

Application process.

Before you apply for our Art and Design PhD, please send us an initial PhD enquiry  containing a brief overview of your PhD research proposal. This gives us an opportunity to discuss and focus your PhD research before you make your final online application.

 Send Initial PhD Enquiry

Facilities & Staff

Our facilities, birmingham school of art.

The Birmingham School of Art has a dedicated gold-standard peer review research journal,  Zetesis: The International Journal for Fine Art, Philosophy & the Wild Sciences , a professional gallery - ARTicle Gallery, and world leading press - ARTicle Press. Your research environment in the School of Art will include state-of-the-art metal workshops, print-making facilities and large studios all housed in the beautiful purpose-built 19th century Victorian building on Margaret Street, Birmingham City Centre. Located next to the city centre’s Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the School is just a five-minute walk from the new Library of Birmingham and Ikon Gallery.

Birmingham School of Jewellery

Our internationally renowned School of Jewellery is the largest in Europe, with unrivalled facilities  and expertise. Located in the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter, the School was founded in 1890. The Vittoria Street building’s historical facade conceals a contemporary environment including workshops, a specialist library, an atrium gallery and exhibition space.

The Parkside Building in the City Centre Campus  is home to the Schools of Architecture,

Fashion, Textiles and 3D Design, and Visual Communication. Our art and design students work from a core of workshops in the centre of the five-floor building, with studio space around them. There is also ‘collision space’ where students and staff from different courses will see each other to pass the time of day, and exchange thoughts and ideas. The Parkside Gallery is a leading art and design exhibition space within the Parkside Building, with an emphasis on, but not confined to, design-led practice.

Dr Sian Vaughan

Reader in Research Practice

Dr Sian Vaughan is Reader in Research Practice with expertise in doctoral education and creative research methods. She is Director of Research for RAAD – research in art, architecture, and design (REF UoA32) where she provides strategic leadership, coordination, and care for a growing community of researchers.

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Applying for a PhD in Design Engineering

All applications to the Design Engineering PhD Programme are made online via the Imperial College Application System . Please see below for a step-by-step guide on what you need to do to apply. 

• Check the entry requirements below to ensure you meet the minimum entry criteria for research.
• You need to determine a potential supervisor before submitting an application. Please see  here for our current academic and teaching staff to identify topics of interest and an appropriate supervisor in the department.
• Contact your proposed supervisor to devise and discuss your potential PhD project. You can find their contact email address in their profile on the academic and teaching staff page. 
• Consider how you will fund your PhD - both tuition fees and living costs. You can find information on the College's tuition fees  here , and information on scholarships available  here . Please also consult the 'Funding your PhD page' here for more information. 
• Make your official PhD application via the Application system . Make sure you state your chosen topic and supervisor(s) on the form and details of any department/College funding you may be applying for, as well as attaching all necessary documents. Please note that we do not accept applications that do not detail a proposed supervisor or a research topic. Once submitted, you can monitor the status of your application in the portal. 
• If successful, your proposed supervisor will contact you to arrange an interview. Following the interview, your proposed supervisor will inform you whether they would like to offer you a PhD position and/or nominate you for funding (if appropriate). 

PhD applications can be made all year-round. However, we encourage you to apply as early as possible. Specific application deadlines apply if applicants would like to be considered for certain scholarships. Such deadlines are driven by the funding requirements. Please refer to the application deadlines highlighted on the  Imperial College Scholarship page for full details.

For general information about joining us to do PhD research, please refer to the  online postgraduate prospectus.  

Additional Information for the Application Process

Entrance requirements.

Design Engineering requires higher than the minimum Imperial College entry requirements; our PhD applicants are expected to have a First Class (Distinction) Degree or equivalent at Masters level in a relevant engineering, design or scientific discipline. In exceptional cases where extensive research/industry experience can be demonstrated, candidates with a UK-equivalent of 2:1 (Merit) at Masters level can be considered. 

As part of the application process applicants will need to show that they have met the College’s English-language requirements. Details can be found  here .

Candidates with study up to Bachelors degree level will not normally be considered without evidence of significant industrial, research, or field experience. However, they are welcome to apply for our Master's Degrees,  Innovation Design Engineering  and  Global Innovation Design .

If your undergraduate and/or master's qualifications are from overseas institutions, please see  here for information on international grade equivalencies and how they relate to the Imperial College entry requirements. 

International Applicants

If you are applying to the PhD Programme as an overseas student, there are a number of additional requirements you may need to fulfil as part of the application process: 

• Meeting the College's  English language requirements . 
• Securing a  tier 4 student visa to study in the UK. 
• Most nationals who require immigration permission to be in the UK and intend to study an Engineering PhD will require ATAS clearance. Further information on this is available  here . Please note that nationals from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the USA are NOT required to have ATAS clearance (as of 5th October 2020).  The CAH code used in ATAS applications for Design Engineering is CAH10-01-01.  

Submitting your Application

You should  apply online using the College's application portal. Please keep in mind the following:

• Enter ‘Design Engineering Research’ in the programme title field on the application form
• Start your application as early as possible
• Many studentships have application deadlines well ahead of your planned start date
• Sponsors will be more impressed if you can show you already meet our requirements

As part of the application, you will need to upload the following supporting documents: 

• Degree transcripts 
• 2 references
• Evidence of your English language qualifications (where applicable)
• A short personal statement and/or a research proposal (maximum 1-2 pages)

The main thing to keep in mind is to answer the following questions:  

• What is your motivation to undertake a PhD and why now?  
• Why Imperial and why Design Engineering? Why this particular research team?  
• What is your research question or what is the area you are interested in? What is the need/gap for this research?   

Preparing for Interviews

All applicants must be interviewed before a formal offer of admission can be made. This interview will be conducted by at least 2 members of academic staff; on occasions the Director of Postgraduate Research or the Head of Department may be present. The interview should be carried out in English. 

Normally, interviews are carried out face-to-face. If it is not feasible for the candidate to meet with the potential supervisor – for instance if they are an overseas applicant – candidates may be interviewed by phone or via Teams/Zoom. Due to Covid-19, all interviews are currently being held remotely.   

You are requested to prepare an appox 20-minute (maximum) PowerPoint presentation that should include the following items. 

• Highlights of your CV:  Academic performance, skills, achievements, etc.
• Description of your undergraduate project.
• Description of your MSc project or equivalent.
• Description of any advanced project  (for candidates with industrial experience).
• Highlight skills of particular relevance to your PhD topic.

Funding your PhD

The College has a number of scholarships available for you to apply for. We would recommend you look at the  available scholarships to help you find all available sources of funding. 

The application form will request information on how you plan to fund your PhD, and this will be considered in appraising the strength of your application. Applications to the College's  President's Scholarship Scheme  are made in the PhD application form.  

It is important to consider the deadline dates of scholarship schemes when applying for to the PhD programme. Scholarship applications can take some time, and it is therefore best to apply in good time in order to secure funding. 

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Doctorate of Design 2 Years Full-Time | January and October Start

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• Course Overview
• Modules & Learning
• Teaching Staff
• Research-rich Learning
• Your Future
• Fees, Funding & Scholarships

Are you an experienced design practitioner? Are you motivated to contribute to a field of design knowledge and demonstrate impact in a professional and academic context? This unique programme will develop your design-led professional practice and enhance your employability in both academic and industrial enterprises.

The Doctorate of Design provides both practical and theoretical content that reflects the professional requirements of your field, making you stand out to employers. During the Professional Practice Design Research module teaching will take place on a weekly basis and you will also engage in independent study, with online and/or face-to-face tutor support. We will cover a range of theoretical principles, such as: redirective practices, a reflective and transformative approach to design practices and subjects, responsible innovation and design development, and the understanding / practice of distinctive processes of design ethics. In addition, you will cover core practical research methods that will help you to effectively frame your design practice as research.

Research contribution is a key focus on this course. You will be expected to identify, appraise, and analyse the potential impact research can make to professional design practice - culminating in a thesis or practical portfolio that will inform your own practice and the wider practice in the field of design.

You will be supported academically on the programme through a combination of module tutor and supervisor guidance and assistance. All teaching and assessment materials will be available electronically on our E-Learning system, including recorded teaching materials and/or streamed material for distance-learning.

The course has been designed for professionally qualified individuals based in the UK and internationally - covering a range of design disciplines, including but not limited to industrial, graphic, digital, interior, multisensory and fashion. This programme will substantially benefit you if you wish to pursue an academic career in the field of design and develop both conceptual and practice-led research outputs and projects.

There may also be the opportunity for students to engage with professional industries and design studios as part of their thesis research, given the practice-led nature of the programme.

Course Information

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Full Time 1 other options available

Department Arts

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Fees Fee Information

Modules Module Information

The Doctorate of Design (DDes) is a creative and practical focused advanced qualification, with an emphasis on developing your experience and employability through research training.

You will gain a foundational knowledge in research methodology, design concepts and theory, ethics, and research design principles by means of the 30-credit taught core module (Level 7). Teaching will take place on a weekly basis and can be delivered face-to-face or online (synchronously and asynchronously), using cutting edge software such as Blackboard Collaborate and Panopto.

Across the taught element, there will be a combination of structured lectures, workshops, directed learning activities, group work and seminar presentations. With a focus on creative student-centred learning and self-evaluation/reflection at each juncture. You will be taught by suitable academically qualified staff and research active members of the School of Design.

By the end of the taught element you will be required to produce a research proposal. This is the equivalent of the PhD Project Approval and meets the same criteria. Once successfully completed, you will further develop and progress your research during the independent research phase of the DDes (supported by your supervisor).

You will be assessed on a Pass/Fail basis for the taught Professional Practice Design Research module and your thesis will be reviewed as part of the Annual Review process within the Faculty of Arts, Design and Social Sciences and will be formally assessed in a viva voce examination.

The teaching team on this course consists of qualified educators and design practitioners with extensive experience, research and knowledge in a variety of contexts across the field of design. Each will bring their creativity and expertise to the classroom to enhance your learning experience.

With many years’ experience supporting design students, our expert team will be there as a support through every step of the programme, ensuring students leave with confidence and the professional knowledge needed to succeed in the field of design practice.

You will be supported pastorally most immediately through your allocation of a Principal Supervisor based in the School of Design, and you will also have an additional Second Supervisor who will also give you both academic and personal support.

Furthermore, additional PGR support is provided by the School of Design’s Lead of PGR, the Faculty Lead of PGR, and Northumbria’s Graduate School.

This course is based at the Northumbria School of Design, which is located at City Campus East – a dedicated learning space that is located within Newcastle city centre.

Throughout the duration of your programme, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as our University library – which is ranked in the top three in the UK – and well equipped working space, The Hub, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Your learning experience will be enhanced though the use of technology and learning materials such as module guides, assessment information, lecture presentation slides and reading lists will be available via our innovative e-learning platform, Blackboard. You can also access student support and other key University systems through your personal account.

The Doctorate of Design (DDes) is taught by our team of research-active academics who incorporate their individual areas of specialism into teaching.

You will work with your supervisory team which will help you to locate and critically evaluate and apply up-to-date design research to enable you to engage in research independently, which forms the basis of Year 2 study (and Year 3 if you are a part-time student).

The programme will support you in becoming a researching professional by studying a professional doctorate, rather than an academic researcher by studying a PhD. In this way, the DDes assists practitioners looking to develop their experience and employability through research training, which will substantially benefit you if you wish to pursue an academic career in the field of design and develop both conceptual and practice-led research outputs and projects.

You will complete a review of your planned and completed research training at the end of the Design Research module (and when applying for subsequent annual progressions). This review requires you to reflect upon your training and experiences to date and allows you to identify any further training requirements that you feel you may need to complete your thesis. Additionally, you will be able to employ effective information searching strategies to identify and retrieve current literature relating to their research using appropriate information resource tools to undertake your research.

On completion of this course, you will have mastered the use of explicit design knowledge to make a creative impact in both industry and academia, in addition to having the attributes required to be an innovator within your own professional environment.

The professional basis of the programme means that you will be engaging with research that is directly relevant to design-based industries and design-based academic institutions. In terms of practical skills that will enhance employability, the Professional Design Doctorate includes creative thinking, group work and presentations of research questions and findings, it will enable you to hone your expertise and clearly communicate the impact you can make in different practical contexts.

Most fundamentally, the doctoral programme is designed to enable design-based practitioners to develop as research-active academics. Generating research that will centrally address relevant issues, developments, emerging practices, and challenges relating to design industries. This unique career trajectory can also have relevance for post-doctoral industry engagements and start-up business initiatives, in the industrial context of design and design development.

Learn more about the Northumbria Design School and the opportunities we will provide you with.

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Entry Requirements 2023/24

Standard entry.

Candidates joining the Doctorate of Design should have one of the following:

• A Masters qualification and a minimum of 3 years’ experience of professional experience and/or evidence of appropriate continuous design professional development. 
• Substantial professional experience (5 years or more).

Where English is not the applicant's first language, either an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no component below 6.0), or an equivalent as recognised in the University English Language Admissions Guidelines for the current academic year is the minimum requirement for consideration. 

Candidates will be assessed on these criteria and utilising the University’s APEL, APL and AWBL policy for entry, 150 credits of advanced standing will be recognised against the existing Masters qualification. Where a candidate holds a UK Masters award that satisfies the learning outcomes at Masters level, advanced entry to the DDes programme is permitted. 

Evidence of qualifications and professional work experience must be provided, with detailed documentation of the content of Postgraduate awards provided for an assessment of eligibility to be made. 

Fees and Funding 2023/24 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £7,969

EU Fee in Year 1: £22,476

International Fee in Year 1: £22,476

Scholarships and Discounts

ADDITIONAL COSTS

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Modules overview 2023/24.

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Professional Practice Design Research (Core,30 Credits)

Through a combination of lectures and seminar discussions you will engage with academics and other practitioners to examine how professional knowledge can be constructed and defended. These activities will help you define a research problem, formulate a research statement, and form the clear and critical research question that will guide and inform your doctoral project. You will examine the nature of practice-led research from the perspective of design and consider how to effectively develop concepts, use theoretical frameworks and apply reflective approaches to support the development, undertaking, and successful completion of a practice-led and practice-based design research project. You will appraise how the development of evidence enables an analysis of the saliency or usefulness of emerging practices and how a practice context can develop evidence about how design integrates with other change agents to build intelligence for strategic decision making and systemic change. The core of the module will enable you to learn key contemporary design theoretical approaches that will be applied to your professionally related thesis subject. In this regard, you will cover key and distinctive theoretical and conceptual subjects and approaches such as redirective practice, a body of thought which cultivates and inspires a self-reflective and ultimately transformative design attitude and practice. You will also learn socially and environmentally responsible innovation, design for strategy and social development and design ethics. These topics and knowledge forms will enable you to conceptualise your practical experience in a contemporary manner that stresses the transformative role that designers have and therefore facilitates a viable and relevant research topic and research process strategy. Furthermore, you will learn the principles of key research methods such as key qualitative approaches (unstructured and semi-structured interviews, textual and material analysis, focus groups, and key ethnographic approaches) and quantitative methods and data analysis principles (surveys, for example). You will also engage with the ethics of research, which are a fundamental component of research and engagement with the social world. Finally, you will be taught effective research proposal design, an essential aspect of the programme that will assist you in formulating a clear and original design-based doctoral subject, which will be the basis of your subsequent study for the duration of the doctoral programme and which will result in the production of an original research project that enhances professional design practice and produces fresh design-oriented critical knowledge.

Study Options

The following alternative study options are available for this course:

Oct, Jan start

3 years Part Time / Oct, Jan start

To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.

Doctorate of Design

Start month, any questions.

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form .

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We are proud to work in partnership with  AccessAble  to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

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PhD Architecture / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page
• Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
• Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 60% or above, a minimum mark of 60% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent)

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 19 January 2024.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

• For September 2024 entry: 30 June 2024

Programme options

Programme overview

• Ranked 5th in the world and 2nd in the UK for Architecture (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
• The University of Manchester was ranked in the top 5 in the UK for Architecture, built environment and planning research (overall GPA, REF2021).
• Explore the complex processes and practices that run through the development, adaption and use of built environments.
• Enjoy supervision by leading specialists and research-active staff who provide a supportive and stimulating working environment.

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To find out what studying on a postgraduate research programme at Manchester is like, visit our Open days and study fairs page and explore our virtual open week or future on-campus and international events.

We will be conducting our Humanities PGR virtual open week in October 2024. Find out more about future events and postgraduate research sessions by signing up for our email alerts.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £6,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £3,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £10,750

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Your fees will cover the cost of your study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation (excluding graduation robe hire).

Payment of tuition fees will also entitle you to membership of The University of Manchester library, the Students' Union and the Athletic Union.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including School of Environment, Education and Development studentships is 19 January 2024.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting the funding application form and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

• ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Environment, Education and Development Postgraduate Research Studentships 2024 Entry - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• AHRC North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership (NWCDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• School of Environment, Education and Development Enhancing Racial Equality (SERE) Studentship - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

• Architecture

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

We have 7 Creative Arts & Design (fully funded) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for UK Students

Creative Arts & Design

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Creative Arts & Design (fully funded) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for UK Students

Creative technologies - fully funded phd studentship, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Funded PhD Studentship in Dance, Communities and Wellbeing

Funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Socially intelligent management of built environments - Leverhulme Doctoral School in Nature Inspired Acoustics

Adrian henri – early happenings in britain in the 1960s and 1970s, literature, drama and creative writing at uea, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Humanities Research Programme

Humanities Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

De Montfort University PhD Scholarships

Funded phd programme (uk students only).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

PhD Opportunities

PhD Opportunities highlight some of the specific PhD projects, programmes or other information currently available from a university.

Research degrees in the School of Design

Arts research programme.

Arts Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

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Six UK-based architecture and design courses featured on Dezeen Courses

Dezeen Courses: we've selected six courses available across the UK , exploring disciplines across architecture and design .

The selection includes short courses, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. They cover subjects like visual design, interior architecture and model-making.

DLAB Visiting School at Architectural Association School of Architecture

The DLAB Visiting School programme at  Architectural Association School of Architecture  guides participants through the manufacturing process while experimenting with digital methods of design and physical machinery.

Find out more about the course ›

BA (Hons) Modelmaking at Arts University Bournemouth

The BA (Hons) Modelmaking course at  Arts University Bournemouth  enables students to translate their ideas into models using a combination of traditional and contemporary techniques.

BA (Hons) Visual Design at Istituto Marangoni

The BA (Hons) Visual Design course at  Istituto Marangoni  gives students a thorough grounding in visual design communication, 2D and 3D editing software and AI tools.

Interior Design MA at Kingston University

The Interior Design MA course at  Kingston University  challenges students to create sustainable spatial designs that respond to real-world problems.

Automotive and Transport Design BA (Hons) at Staffordshire University

The Automotive and Transport Design BA (Hons) course at  Staffordshire University  prepares students to start their careers in transport design.

Master of Architecture at Anglia Ruskin University

The Master of Architecture course at  Anglia Ruskin University  is a practice-based RIBA Part 2-accredited course that is led by industry specialists.

• Dezeen Courses

Dezeen Courses is a service from Dezeen that provides details of architecture, interiors and design courses around the world.  Click here  for more information.

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Course type

Qualification, university name, phd degrees in art and design.

18 degrees at 15 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

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• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

MPhil/PhD at UCA

University for the creative arts.

MPhil/PhD at UCA at UCA A PhD is an advanced postgraduate qualification that will require you to plan and complete your own focused Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,670 per year (UK)

Art and Design PhD

Anglia ruskin university.

Explore your research interests in art and design - from computer games art, to illustration and photography - supported by the expertise Read more...

• 2 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 2.5 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 3 years Part time degree: £2,392 per year (UK)
• 3.5 years Part time degree: £2,392 per year (UK)

PhD Postgraduate Research in Art and Design

University of wolverhampton.

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a research degree with the Faculty of Arts. We will be delighted to discuss your area of interest Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 8 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD Postgraduate research opportunities in Art and Design

Liverpool john moores university.

Excellent research opportunities await at the Liverpool School of Art and Design, enabling you to work at the forefront of developments Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Art & Design PhDs and MPhils

University of portsmouth.

If you're looking to take your skills in art and design into postgraduate research, our research degree programmes can help you achieve Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)

PhD Research Degrees in Art & Design

Nottingham trent university.

Our Art and Design research is dynamic and imaginative. We have an outward looking research culture, with a strong focus on art and design Read more...

• 4 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

History of design PhD

University of brighton.

The University of Brighton has an established reputation for pioneering research into art, design and material culture and is a recognised Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,796 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,398 per year (UK)

Art and Design MPhil/PhD

University of worcester.

We welcome applications to undertake research towards MPhil and PhD degrees in Art and Design. Research at Worcester has grown Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,950 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,475 per year (UK)

PhD Fine Art and Design

Sheffield hallam university.

Course summary Undertake doctoral research in an approved fine art and design topic. Join the vibrant research community in the Culture Read more...

MPhil/PhD Art and Design

University of chester.

The Department of Art and Design provides a supportive environment for students who wish to undertake postgraduate research leading to Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)

Art & Design PhDs and MPhils (Distance Learning)

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,393 per year (UK)
• 3 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

University of Derby

We welcome applications for PhD artistic research study in practice and theory. We can offer you an intellectually stimulating environment Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Art and Design Existing Published or Creative Work PhD

University of sunderland.

A PhD by Published or Creative Work is designed for individuals with an existing portfolio of published work addressing a central Read more...

• 6 months Part time degree: £6,000 per year (UK)

PhD (Direct) Art and Design (Centre for Enrichment of Culture and Identity)

Buckinghamshire new university.

BNU welcomes applications for research degrees across a wide range of disciplines, including Nursing, health and wellbeing; Art, design, Read more...

• 24 months Full time degree: £4,800 per year (UK)
• 48 months Part time degree: £2,800 per year (UK)

Art and Design - PhD

Birmingham city university.

A PhD in Art and Design will help you create opportunities to develop research skills that support professional practice, research and/or Read more...

Ulster University

The Belfast School of Art has established the most mature Art and Design research environment on the Island of Ireland, which REF2021 Read more...

• 6 years Part time degree: £2,390 per year (UK)

A PhD is “probably the most internationally transferable qualification” according to the Higher Education Policy Institute. You will Read more...

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £3,681 per year (UK)
• 4 years Distance without attendance degree: £3,681 per year (UK)
• 4 years Full time degree: £4,500 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £3,681 per year (UK)

PhD Art and Design (Centre for Enrichment of Culture and Identity)

• 30 months Full time degree: £4,800 per year (UK)
• 60 months Part time degree: £2,800 per year (UK)

Course type:

• Distance learning PhD
• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

Qualification:

Related subjects:.