Creative Practices, Methods & Analysis

The Creative Practices, Methods & Analysis (CPMA) research cluster examines how creative practices shape the ways in which we understand and engage with the world. Bringing together creative practitioners, practice-based researchers and scholars from across disciplines, the cluster explores the cultural, political and social significance of images, media, design, performance and other creative forms. Creativity is understood not only as a mode of artistic production but also as a powerful means of generating knowledge, fostering dialogue and addressing contemporary challenges.

The cluster is united by an interest in creativity as both a mode of inquiry and a form of knowledge production. Researchers within the cluster produce research through a wide range of creative practices whilst also critically examining the cultural, historical and social contexts in which such practices emerge, circulate and acquire meaning.

CPMA adopts a broad understanding of creative practice, encompassing areas such as digital arts, photography, film, graphic novels, illustration, performance, sound and graphic design. While these forms are deeply embedded in contemporary life, their capacity to influence public discourse, cultural values and social change remains an important area of investigation.

Research within the cluster frequently challenges conventional disciplinary boundaries. Creativity is reflected not only in the outputs produced by researchers but also in the methods, approaches and forms of dissemination that underpin their work. Interdisciplinary collaboration is therefore central to the cluster's identity. Researchers regularly collaborate with colleagues and practitioners across fields including architecture, science, technology, the humanities, the social sciences, business and law, as well as with organisations beyond academia.

The cluster supports a diverse community of researchers at all career stages and serves as a focal point for creative-practice research at Nottingham Trent University. CPMA fosters a supportive and intellectually vibrant environment in which researchers can develop new ideas, share work in progress and build interdisciplinary collaborations.

As one of the four research clusters within the Research Centre for the Creative Industries (RCCI), CPMA contributes to a wider programme of interdisciplinary research examining the role of creativity in addressing contemporary social, cultural and technological challenges. Through its focus on creative practice, critical analysis and methodological innovation, the cluster supports RCCI's commitment to collaborative research that generates new knowledge and creates meaningful impact beyond academia. CPMA also provides a research environment for projects aligned with NTU's Digital, Technology and Creative Strategic Research Theme, particularly those examining the relationship between creative practices, digital cultures, emerging technologies and social change.

The development of new collaborations across Nottingham Trent University and with external partners remains a key priority. We welcome enquiries from potential collaborators in academia, industry, the cultural sector and the wider community. Prospective PhD researchers interested in joining CPMA's vibrant and interdisciplinary research culture are also encouraged to get in touch. The cluster is particularly interested in supporting projects that cross disciplinary boundaries, combine theory and practice, or employ innovative methodological approaches.

For further information, please contact Dr Marco Bohr, Cluster Lead, at marco.bohr@ntu.ac.uk.

Self-funded PhD Opportunities

Please see below a list of self-funded PhD opportunities developed by researchers in the CPMA research cluster. These opportunities are open-ended and we welcome enquiries throughout the year. Anyone interested in applying to our PhD programme should contact the researcher listed on the PhD opportunity webpage.

Dissenting Graphic Illustration in Eastern Europe

Film Visions and Pushing Boundaries

Film: an Ecology of Light

Photography, Landscape and Trauma

Photography and the Digital Body

Visual Culture and Japan: Context, Critique and Analysis

Visual Culture in Times of Political Change

Visual Memes and Viral Images: Analysis, Discourse, Politics

• Sam Coope (PGR)
• Marion Derouineau (PGR)
• Lucia Hubinska (PGR)
• Jack Cole (PGR)
• Tamsin Johnson (PGR)
• Zeynep Serinkaya Winter (PGR)