Our Art and Design research is dynamic and imaginative. We have an outward looking research culture, with a strong focus on art and design practice as a significant contributor to cultural enrichment, social dynamics and economic vitality.
Entry requirements
Applicants for a PhD should normally have a minimum of a first or second-class degree and a Masters degree, or for some subjects, a period of pre-PhD study is required
Course length
Three years full-time, five years part-time
Study location
City site
Staff and postgraduate researchers undertake original investigations to discover fresh ideas, designs, performances and works of art that lead to new perceptions, products and processes.
More theoretically-based projects engage with a range of perspectives on art and design practice, drawing from cultural, perceptual, pedagogic and systems theory. In addition, a significant strand of activity is focused on the exploration of new technologies, innovating methods, materials and procedures.
Our work is of direct relevance to the needs and developments in the cultural sector and industry and commerce, and is supported by income from a range of bodies, including the AHRC, the Drapers Company, the EU and other national charities and public service agencies in the East Midlands and beyond.
Research in the School of Art and Design is organised through the activities of research groups:
Smaller clusters of academics working within and across these teams include:
Email usTelephone: +44 (0)115 848 2301 / +44 (0)115 848 2177Visit the School of Art and Design Research website.
Carrying out research for a PhD or an MPhil requires different skills from undergraduate or even taught postgraduate study. You will work on your own research project, but we also emphasise the importance of regular meetings with your supervisory team. The team consists of a director of studies – who will usually have expertise in the subject area of your research, and will take primary responsibility for supervising your work and monitoring your progress – and at least one other supervisor, who will be selected for their complementary expertise, for example specialist expertise in relevant research methods.Study for a research degree in art and design can include the investigation and creation of ideas, designs, performances and works of art that lead to new perceptions, products and processes.
Projects may explore practical or theoretical questions in the fields of art and design. Cultural, perceptual, pedagogic, and scientific or systems theory may provide the appropriate model of study, drawing from a broad range of perspectives. Whether logical positivism or post-structuralism, we encourage and support a range of single method and interdisciplinary approaches, and have extensive experience in supervising practice-based approaches.
Opportunities are available to develop your research project with appropriate industrial partners, drawing upon our links with the creative and cultural industries at regional, national and international levels.
There is currently no careers information available for this course.
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, all our courses are vocationally focused and benefit from strong links with industry.
To apply:
Further guidance regarding the application process can be found on the Research pages of our website.
For more information on funding opportunities please visit our fees and funding web page.
Find out more about this course by visiting one of our School of Art and Design Postgraduate Open Evenings. Book your place online now.
Email usTelephone: +44 (0)115 848 2301 / +44 (0)115 848 2177
