Overview
This self-funded PhD project investigates the complex and at times fraught relationship between photographic practices and the body in the digital age. Photography has undergone a major shift since the emergence of digital technologies: the mobile phone camera in particular has ‘democratized’ access to photography, transforming it into a widely used form of communication practiced across the globe. In parallel to this shift, the platforms on which photographs are shared have grown exponentially: Instagram is now one of the most popular social media sites today. These shifts have had a profound impact on the way that the body is presented, defined, critiqued and disseminated online. The ubiquity of the camera combined with the profound role of social media on everyday life has had a wide-spread impact on the way that we see, understand and relate to the body. The opportunities for further research and critical analysis are vast. This is a quickly shifting territory making this a timely and much needed research project.
The PhD project is to be completed through the traditional pathway of a PhD by thesis. Applicants interested in this PhD project area are asked to narrow the line of enquiry in a well-defined PhD proposal of no more than 1,500 words (not including references). Under clear headings, the proposal needs to contain the following information: a relevant title for the project, an outline of the chosen research question or focus, a brief overview of existing academic work on or connected to the topic and details of the methodology. Further information and help on writing a research proposal can be found here: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/postgraduate/phd/how-to-apply/writing-a-research-proposal Further information about Research Degrees at NTU as well as the application process can be found here: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/research/research-degrees-at-ntu
The successful applicant will join one of the country’s leading art and design schools which has been influencing, inspiring, and innovating since 1843. Buoyed by recent successes such as the QS subject top 100 world ranking, the school has a vibrant, forward-looking and expanding research community where collaboration, experimentation and interdisciplinarity are embraced and actively encouraged. The successful applicant will be part of the Creative Practices, Methods and Analysis CPMA research cluster. More PhD opportunities are listed on the CPMA website: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/research/groups-and-centres/groups/creative-practices,-methods-and-analysis
Enquiries about this self-funded PhD opportunity can be directed to Dr. Marco Bohr at marco.bohr@ntu.ac.uk.
Staff profiles
Entry qualifications
Entrants must have a Bachelors and a Masters Degree in a subject area relevant to the PhD research. Each degree must have been obtained with a minimum 2:1 classification (or international equivalent). English language fluency is essential.
How to apply
Applications for this PhD are accepted all year round.
Please visit our how to apply page for a step-by-step guide and make an application.
Fees and funding
This opportunity is for self-funded PhD students. Applicants are encouraged to apply for external funding and we will support this process if and when required.
Find out about fees and funding for PhD projects.
Guidance and support
Find out about guidance and support for PhD students.