phd in fine art uk

PhD Fine Art

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.

English language entry requirements: 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.

COURSE  TITLE	AWARD	YEAR OF ENTRY	MODE OF STUDY	UK	INTERNATIONAL
Fine Art	MPhil/PhD	2023	Full-time	£4,596	£18,600
Fine Art	MPhil/PhD	2023	Part-time	£2,298	£9,300
Fine Art	MPhil/PhD	2024	Full-time	To be confirmed Spring 2024	£19,200
Fine Art	MPhil/PhD	2024	Part-time	To be confirmed Spring 2024	£9,600

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

The City of Winchester

Winchester is a historical and vibrant city located just twelve miles ... Find out more

DPhil in Fine Art

• Entry requirements
• Funding and Costs

College preference

• How to Apply

About this course

The DPhil in Fine Art is designed to support research in contemporary art making (through the practice-led DPhil) and contemporary art history and theory (through the DPhil by written thesis only).

The Ruskin School of Art provides an exceptional research environment that enables artists, art historians and art theorists to work closely together in a world-leading, research-intensive university. Its intimate size and its dedication to contemporary art practice and theory within a stimulating and dynamic cross-disciplinary structure allows it to sustain close relations with other academic departments and faculties, distinguishing it from other, larger art schools, and allowing for a wide range of interdisciplinary and collaborative work at DPhil level.

The Ruskin DPhil programme includes two strands: the contemporary art history and theory DPhil (by written thesis only) and the practice-led DPhil (which also includes a substantial written component).  

In the case of the contemporary art history and theory DPhil, the Ruskin can offer supervision across a wide range of research projects. These may include aspects of exhibition curating and organisation, as well as the historiography of twentieth-century art and the theorisation of contemporary artistic practices. In the case of the practice-led DPhil, art work will be undertaken as the central component of the registered research programme, and will be presented in relation to written work that engages with the relevant theoretical, historical, technical, or critical context. The department can offer supervision in most areas of contemporary art practice including moving-image, painting, performance, sculpture, installation and writing. The two strands of the programme are brought into a productive dialogue, both in a structured way at the regular DPhil research seminars and informally in the studios. 

For an indication of the range of practical, historical and theoretical topics that are addressed in the Ruskin School of Art, please see the Ruskin website.

Further information about part-time study

This DPhil is available in both full- and part-time study modes.

As a part-time student you will be required to attend DPhil Seminars, supervision meetings and other obligations in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year. There will be limited flexibility in the dates of attendance, which will be determined by mutual agreement with your supervisor.

Attendance will be required during term-time on day(s) each week on dates to be determined by mutual agreement with your supervisor.

You will have the opportunity to tailor your part-time study in liaison with your supervisor and agree your pattern of attendance.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Ruskin School of Art and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Ruskin School of Art. Students meet regularly with their supervisors, and at least once a term.

There are three stages in obtaining the degree of DPhil: Probationer Research Student (PRS) status, DPhil status, and confirmed DPhil status. Transfer (ToS) and Confirmation (CoS) of Status are formal assessment procedures.

Full time PRS students are expected to transfer to full DPhil status in the third or fourth term of their degree. In the case of part-time students, applications for transfer should normally be made by the end of the sixth term. Following transfer to DPhil status, CoS should normally take place in the third year of full-time study or in the fifth/sixth year of part-time study.

Final Submission

The final submission consists of

(A) For the Degree of the contemporary art history and theory DPhil, a thesis of up to 80,000 words, and will involve a viva with both an internal and external examiner.

(B) For the Degree of the practice-led DPhil, a thesis of art practice that makes an original contribution to knowledge and a written component, and will involve a viva with both an internal and external examiner.

Graduate destinations

Many alumni from the Ruskin  have pursued careers in the fine arts as practising artists, teachers, curators and gallery professionals in both public and private galleries. Others have gone on to pursue careers in diverse areas such as education, finance, architecture and the film industry.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2024-25

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in fine art, art history or a related subject, depending on the DPhil stream applied to.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a master's degree in fine art, art history or a related subject.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA generally sought is 3.75 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

• Details of any publications and/or exhibitions you have held that would be of interest to the assessors should be included in the application.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.

Minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level requirement

Test	Minimum overall score	Minimum score per component
IELTS Academic (Institution code: 0713)	7.5	7.0
TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition' (Institution code: 0490)	110	Listening: 22 Reading: 24 Speaking: 25 Writing: 24
C1 Advanced*	191	185
C2 Proficiency	191	185

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides  further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process.  

Although we prefer to conduct interviews in person, in the interest of fairness to overseas candidates or applicants unable to attend, interviews are held online. In all cases, there will be a minimum of two interviewers. Additional supporting material (such as a further sample of writing or a more extensive portfolio) may be requested before the interview.

How your application is assessed

Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading.

References  and  supporting documents  submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide  more information about how applications are assessed . 

Shortlisting and selection

Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot selection procedure  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Processing your data for shortlisting and selection

Information about  processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the  About  section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

Intellectual life and community

The Ruskin School of Art is home to a closely integrated creative and intellectual culture between graduate and undergraduate programmes, students and staff. Its intimate scale fosters highly productive, informal collaborations across all parts of the School, allowing you to work closely with some of the UK's leading contemporary artists, writers and art historians. Students and researchers at the Ruskin are also able to draw upon the expertise of staff, resources and facilities throughout the rest of the University of Oxford, including the extraordinary collections in its world-famous museums and libraries.

Studio and technical resources

The Ruskin has workshops for specialist training by Ruskin tutors in digital, 2D and 3D media. The project space at the Ruskin's re-developed Bullingdon Road site is equipped for the full breadth of contemporary art practices, from performance and digital installations to painting and sculptural work. The project space opens to the street for maximum public engagement with new work by students and staff. There are also communal spaces to foster dialogue and collaboration across all levels of the Ruskin's undergraduate and graduate programmes.

Museums and galleries

Oxford holds some of the world's richest collections of art and artefacts. The Pitt Rivers Museum, the Museum of Natural History and the Ashmolean Museum are important centres for the research and display of artefacts and artworks within the University of Oxford and the Ruskin has excellent connections with the museums' network of curators, facilities and holdings.

Oxford also hosts important exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Modern Art Oxford has a national and international reputation for the quality of its exhibitions of contemporary art, and for its accompanying community and education programmes. The Ruskin works closely with Modern Art Oxford in the provision of its academic courses, and Ruskin students and staff have participated in exhibitions and public presentations at the gallery.

Libraries and archives

The University of Oxford's libraries, centred on the Bodleian, are the UK’s largest academic collection. The University's integrated library service comprises nearly 40 libraries, many offering borrowing rights. The Bodleian Library  is a copyright library and as such it has long collected copies of all works published in the United Kingdom, in addition to an extensive range of foreign publications. Since it is not a lending library, its holdings are immediately available on request.

A main point of reference for most Ruskin graduate students is the  Bodleian Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library  - one of the principal research libraries of the University, which has incorporated the collections of the former Ashmolean Library (Western art), history of art, Eastern art and Classics. Its holdings are in excess of 200,000 volumes, and include monographs, catalogues, periodicals on fine and decorative art, theory, criticism, historiography, as well as the collections of Edgar Wind and Francis Haskell. All books and periodicals are open access.

The Ruskin has its own specialised in-house library of more than 7,000 volumes, providing both lending and reference collections centred on art history, art theory, art techniques, exhibition catalogues and artists’ monographs. The Ruskin holds around 20 sets of art journals and more than 2,000 art-related pamphlets. The library is fully integrated into  the University’s electronic circulation system and a digital archive of the slide collection, comprising 15,000 images, is available on the departmental server. Ruskin library terminals offer full access to the electronic resources of the University of Oxford.

Ruskin Research Seminars and Visiting Speaker Series

A series of specifically designed Ruskin research seminars complement the students’ independent research by offering an opportunity to present research projects, both studio and theoretical. The research seminars follow a small workshop format in which students can present new research work in innovative and experimental ways. The School also has a regular visiting speaker series in which leading artists, scholars and thinkers discuss their latest work. Ruskin students also participate in the Oxford Centre for Research in the Humanities (TORCH) , which offers a stimulating range of interdisciplinary activities. 

Ruskin School of Art

Oxford’s Ruskin School of Art provides an exceptional teaching and research environment that enables contemporary artists, art historians and art theorists to work closely together in a world-leading, research-intensive university.

The Ruskin offers a one-year (three terms) Masters in Fine Art (MFA) and a graduate research programme, the DPhil in Fine Art, with a cohort of both practice-led and theory-based doctoral researchers. It also supports a wide-ranging portfolio of art making and research activities by its students, staff and visiting scholars in which fine art is prized as a vital component of contemporary culture with a broad range of practical, historical and theoretical references.

View all courses   View taught courses View research courses

The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25. You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships , if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential. 

For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit our dedicated Funding pages, which contain information about how to apply for Oxford scholarships requiring an additional application, details of external funding, loan schemes and other funding sources.

Please ensure that you visit individual college websites for details of any college-specific funding opportunities using the links provided on our college pages or below:

Please note that not all the colleges listed above may accept students on this course. For details of those which do, please refer to the College preference section of this page.

Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the school's website.

Annual fees for entry in 2024-25

Full-time study.

Home	£13,380
Overseas	£34,980

IMPORTANT : Please note that while most of the content of these pages relates to the course starting in 2024-25, this information about course fees and the additional information section on this page relate to entry in 2025-26 . The remaining content will be updated for 2025-26 entry later in September.

Part-time study

Home	£6,690
Overseas	£17,490

Information about course fees

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Continuation charges

Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

Students on the theory-based course are unlikely to incur any additional costs over and above the routine costs associated with postgraduate study in Humanities subjects. Those on the practice-based DPhil may incur additional costs in the making of their work (costs being variable, depending on the nature of their practice), and in the staging of their exhibited work for examination. Students may apply to the Ruskin Graduate Studies Committee for grants of up to a combined maximum of £500 in the first three years, together with a further grant of £500 to support the costs of installing work for examination up to the end of the 4th year.

Students on the theory-based course are unlikely to incur any additional costs. Those on the practice-based DPhil may incur additional costs in the making of their work (costs being variable, depending on the nature of their practice), and in the staging of their exhibited work for examination. Part-time students may apply to the Ruskin Graduate Studies Committee for grants of up to a combined maximum of £500 in the first six years, together with a further grant of £500 to support the costs of installing work for examination up to the end of their course.

Please note that you are required to attend in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year, and you may incur additional travel and accommodation expenses for this. Also, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur further additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.

If you are studying part-time your living costs may vary depending on your personal circumstances but you must still ensure that you will have sufficient funding to meet these costs for the duration of your course.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . 

If you are a current Oxford student and you would like to remain at your current Oxford college, you should check whether it is listed below. If it is, you should indicate this preference when you apply. If not, you should contact your college office to ask whether they would be willing to make an exception. Further information about staying at your current college can be found in our Application Guide. 

The following colleges accept students for full-time study on this course:

• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Campion Hall
• Christ Church
• Exeter College
• Hertford College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• The Queen's College
• Regent's Park College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Wycliffe Hall

The following colleges accept students for part-time study on this course:

Before you apply

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines and when to apply  in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Readmission for current Oxford graduate taught students

If you're currently studying for an Oxford graduate taught course and apply to this course with no break in your studies, you may be eligible to apply to this course as a readmission applicant. The application fee will be waived for an eligible application of this type. Check whether you're eligible to apply for readmission .

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

You do not need to make contact with the department before you apply but you are encouraged to visit the relevant departmental webpages to read any further information about your chosen course.

Queries about the DPhil programme can be directed to the Ruskin's  Graduate Administrator . It is not necessary to contact a potential supervisor before you apply.

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents . 

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Proposed field and title of research project

Under the 'Field and title of research project' please enter your proposed field or area of research if this is known. If the department has advertised a specific research project that you would like to be considered for, please enter the project title here instead.

You should not use this field to type out a full research proposal. You will be able to upload your research supporting materials separately if they are required (as described below).

Proposed supervisor

If known, under 'Proposed supervisor name' enter the name of the academic(s) whom you would like to supervise your research. Otherwise, leave this field blank.

Referees Three overall, of which at least two must be academic

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

Ideally, you should provide at least two academic references. If you have been out of education for a substantial period of time, you may use up to two professional references relevant to the course.

Your references will support intellectual ability, academic achievement, motivation, ability to work individually and in a group, and in the case of applicants to the practice-led DPhil, artistic achievement and creativity.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

A CV/résumé is compulsory for this course. Most applicants choose to submit a document of one to two pages highlighting their academic achievements and any relevant professional experience.

Research proposal: A maximum of 1,000 words

All applicants (practice-led and written thesis only) should submit a research proposal, comprising a detailed outline of their proposed research written in English. 

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

The word count does not need to include any bibliography or brief footnotes. Please clarify at the top of this document whether you are applying for the ‘Practice-led DPhil’ or the ‘Written-only DPhil’.

Your research proposal should focus on your research rather than on personal achievements, interests and aspirations. It will be normal for your ideas subsequently to change in some ways as you investigate the evidence and develop your project. You should nevertheless make the best effort you can to demonstrate the extent of your research question, sources and method at this moment.

Your research proposal will be assessed for:

• your reasons for applying
• the coherence of the proposal
• the originality of the project
• evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study
• the ability to present a reasoned case in English
• the feasibility of successfully completing the project in the time available for the course (a maximum of four years)
• commitment to the subject, beyond the requirements of the degree course
• preliminary knowledge of research techniques
• capacity for sustained and intense work
• reasoning ability
• ability to absorb new ideas, often presented abstractly, at a rapid pace.

Written work: Written-only DPhil: One piece of written work of 4,000 to a maximum of 6,000 words

For written-only DPhil applicants, a sample of recent written work is required. This should be preferably but not necessarily related to the proposed topic or area of research, such as an undergraduate or master’s dissertation (or part of it) or a substantial essay.

Extracts from longer pieces are welcome as written work but should be prefaced by a note that puts the writing in context and identifies the part(s) on which assessors should focus.

All written work should be in English. The word count does not need to include any bibliography or brief footnotes.

This will be assessed for clarity in the exposition of ideas; comprehensive understanding of the subject area; and evidence of critical thinking. The writing sample is expected to be a piece of academic writing rather than creative writing or reflections on your artistic practice.

Written work: Practice-led DPhil: One piece of written work of 2,000 to a maximum of 3,000 words 

For practice-led DPhil applicants, a sample of recent written work is required. This should be preferably but not necessarily related to the proposed topic or area of research, such as an undergraduate or master’s dissertation (or part of it) or a substantial essay.

For practice-led DPhil students, your written work should also contain a page with details of how to access your portfolio (see 'Portfolio' below).

Portfolio (practice-led DPhil only):

Your digital portfolio should consist of recently-completed studio work documented through up to 15 images and/or 12 minutes of moving image or sound work. You should add one URL linking to your portfolio at the beginning of your written work document. This should occupy a page by itself, with the written work starting on a new page.

Portfolios should be hosted on a website or service that is publicly accessible via the internet, eg via Vimeo, YouTube, Flickr, Google or your own website.

Your portfolio will be assessed for evidence of creative thinking and artistic accomplishment, clarity in the exposition of ideas, and a comprehensive understanding of the subject area. Important things to note:

• Do not upload your portfolio as a file or it will be removed and your application not assessed
• Please avoid ad-heavy platforms and/or password-protection if you can
• It is your responsibility that the link works in January and February 2024

We cannot accept any content other than the requested URL. The department will not accept portfolios submitted via email. If you cannot provide a web-based portfolio, please send an email to [email protected] to discuss alternative arrangements in good time before the deadline. 

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice .

Application Guide   Apply - Full time Apply - Part time

ADMISSION STATUS

Closed to applications for entry in 2024-25

Register to be notified via email when the next application cycle opens (for entry in 2025-26)

12:00 midday UK time on:

Tuesday 7 January 2025

Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships Final application deadline for entry in 2025-26

Key facts

	Full Time	Part Time
Course code	RD_FR1	RD_FR9P1
Expected length	3-4 years	6-8 years
Places in 2024-25	c. 5	c. 2
Applications/year*	82	12
Expected start
English language

*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2021-22 to 2023-24)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by the Ruskin School of Art

• Course page on the school's website
• Funding information from the school
• Academic and research staff
• Ruskin School of Art research
• Humanities Division
• Residence requirements for full-time courses
• Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 276941

Application-process enquiries

See the application guide

Other courses to consider

You may also wish to consider applying to other courses that are similar or related to this course:

View related courses

Visa eligibility for part-time study

We are unable to sponsor student visas for part-time study on this course. Part-time students may be able to attend on a visitor visa for short blocks of time only (and leave after each visit) and will need to remain based outside the UK.

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• PHD Fine Art and Design
• Art and design

Fine Art and Design

Investigate a research topic of your choice during a period of supervised study and make an original contribution to knowledge in Fine Art or Design.

Everything you need to know...

What is the fee.

Home: £4,786 per year International/EU: £17,205 per year

How long will I study?

Where will i study, city campus, when do i start.

October 2024 February 2025 May 2025

Course summary

• Undertake doctoral research on a programme specialising in practice-led approaches, with outstanding student satisfaction ratings
• Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become an independent and effective researcher
• Benefit from excellent workshop, studio, and creative media centre facilities
• Study within the exciting research environment of the Art, Design and Media Research Centre , Lab4Living or Design Futures , delivering critical insight and world-leading impact

Develop and implement a programme of research with experienced supervisors and practitioners in fine art, design, or film & media production, with research interests in health and wellbeing, physical and digital making, and social and political challenges.

Creative UK membership

We are members of Creative UK , which means our art and design students are also members until they graduate. With 10,000 members in its network, Creative UK represents, champions and supports the UK’s creative industries, advocating on the issues that matter the most to creative communities.

Top 10 in the UK

View our students' work

View our gallery of student work and learn more about the exciting projects they've been working on this year.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

90% of our research in Art & Design was assessed as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in REF2021.  SHU is in the top 10 of UK universities for research impact in art and design.

You will work with a supervisory team with expertise in your chosen research area who will help you to define and plan your research programme, agree associated training requirements, and provide direction while supporting you to develop as an independent researcher.  You will join a dynamic community of postgraduate researchers and have opportunities to share your work at SHU and beyond. 

You learn through:

• independent study
• project supervision
• active research, making and exhibition (as appropriate)
• practice-led research workshops and live projects
• researcher development training events
• presenting your research at conferences and seminars
• participation in lively debate and discussion with your peers
• writing and defending a practice-led doctoral thesis 

You will receive training on professional standards in research practice, including ethics and project management, and how to enhance your personal effectiveness as a researcher.  You will explore how to disseminate your research and establish an academic profile.  You will present at the Culture & Creativity Research Institute (CCRI) interdisciplinary conferences on the themes of research METHOD and research IMPACT, which provide a platform for focussed discussion on research process and practice and questions of application, audience, and impact. 

Your learning is supported by access to:

• a dedicated Postgraduate Research Tutor for Fine Art, Design & Media practice, and PGR administration team
• a library research support team and 24-hour access to library facilities
• SHU Academic Skills Centre with sessions specifically for doctoral researchers
• the University English Scheme for international students
• a programme of support for doctoral student wellbeing

Applied learning

Networking opportunities

Throughout your course you will have opportunities to interact with academics and specialists in your field.  Funds are available for you to present your work in professional academic settings at international and national conferences and/or in public exhibition and we will encourage you to seek opportunities to engage different audiences with your research.   All our doctoral students make a vital contribution to the intellectual life of the University from the earliest stages of their research.

The Art, Design and Media Research Centre hosts stimulating seminar series featuring established academics and practitioners in the field, such as the highly regarded Transmission and Gravity , and international conferences such as Design for Health . 

CCRI is a partner in the AHRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Heritage .

SHU doctoral students are supported to enter the national ‘3-minute thesis’ competition

SHU art and design students are members of Creative UK . With 10,000 members, Creative UK represents, champions, and supports the UK’s creative industries, advocating on the issues that matter the most to creative communities

Live projects

Research in this area offers critical insights on cultural and political issues and explores specific social contexts.  Some doctoral projects are developed in collaboration with respected national and international organisations.  Recent partners include Sheffield Museums, S1 Artspace, Site Gallery, Bishops House, The Foundling Museum, The William Morris Gallery, the V&A, Freetown Christiania, the British Museum and English Heritage.

Future careers

A PhD in fine art and design prepares you for a career in

• fine art practice
• design management
• making or manufacturing
• company-employed design
• independent design practice
• retail/marketing
• design research
• art research

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for international design companies and consultancies, in museums research, as research assistants, and in leadership, lectureship and research positions at other universities.

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

City Campus map | City Campus tour  

Howard Street Sheffield S1 1WB

Adsetts library

Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

Equipment and facilities

The university has exceptional fine art, design and media practice facilities, equipment and technical support, and screening facilities at 'The Void' film lecture theatre, which boasts cinema-standard 4K digital projection and two 40-year-old Westrex 7000 35mm projectors.  PhD students have access to studio and exhibition space at S1 Artspace .

Two libraries provide 24-hour access, and a dedicated library research support team offer expert advice and training on all aspects of information and publishing

Doctoral researchers in the Culture and Creativity Research Institute have dedicated office space to work in, which we also use to host our community writing sessions.

We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities in the last five years, to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our student

Entry requirements

All students, additional information for eu/international students.

You need to provide evidence of:

• A relevant undergraduate degree qualification (2.1 or above)
• A relevant masters level qualification (Merit or above). Note that studentship applicants must have all degree results in hand before applying.

To apply, you must submit a fully complete online application, including:

• A 1,500-word research proposal
• Information about exhibitions/creative projects and concise creative practice documentation, portfolio or website link/s, either uploaded to the application as separate document/s, or include in your personal statement.
• Degree certificates.
• Module transcripts.
• Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study.
• Sponsorship letter (if applicable).

All suitable candidates are invited to an interview and asked to give a short presentation about your proposed research. You will be asked questions about the project proposal and your interest in PhD level study. You are encouraged to find out more about our areas of research interest and expertise before applying. Potential supervisors can be identified through the research centre website linked above or by contacting the postgraduate research tutor for advice.

International Students (additional information)

If you are an international student (including non-UK European) see International Entry Requirements for guidance on entry requirements for your country.

All international applicants are required to show evidence (current within the last two years) of English language ability before embarking on a PhD. For this course, it must be at a minimum level of IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in all skill components (or equivalent). For more information about the different English language qualifications we accept, see English Language Qualifications . We also accept successful completion (within the last two years) of a UK degree course taught in English.

If evidence of English Language ability is not supplied at application, an offer of PhD study would be conditional on provision of such evidence.

Students who are based overseas may be able to study for a PhD by Distance Learning, subject to establishing a satisfactory distance learning agreement, as part of the application process.

If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.

For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.

Fees and funding

Home students, international students.

Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students starting full-time study in 2024/25 is £4,786 per year. An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities. Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.

If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions  under student fees regulations.

Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting full-time study in 2024/25 is £17,205 per year. There will be a final writing up fee of £500. An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities. Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.

Doctoral student loans

Up to £25,700 available to help you while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Additional course costs

This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations .

How do I apply?

You apply for this course via our online application form.

• Apply for February 2025
• Apply for May 2025
• Apply for October 2024

You can also use the application form above to apply for future years of entry.

Not ready to apply just yet?

Why not come to our next open day? Open days are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campuses and get all the information you need. Alternatively, feel free to ask us a question.

Why choose us?

We are Gold rated in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for the outstanding quality of our teaching and student outcomes

Accommodation

We guarantee to find you an affordable place to live that’s close to campus and comes with all bills included

95% of our UK graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating (2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey)

Where next?

Find out more about Sheffield Hallam's postgraduate opportunities and community.

Come to an open day

You can chat to teaching and admissions staff, view our facilities and learn more about your funding options.

Sign up for updates

Receive emails about postgraduate study, including application reminders and alerts for open days.

Information for international students

Information for international students including entry requirements by country and funding.

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In 2024 UEL celebrates a Year of Science

• All results

Fine Art Prof Doc

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The Professional Doctorate in Fine Art has been running at UEL for over 20 years. It is designed for artists working across a range of media and methodologies who wish to make their practice the basis for doctoral study. 

Unlike a PhD, an exhibition of artworks replaces the thesis as the main evidence of research, supported by a 15,000 - 20,000-word written report.  The programme is designed for artists from the UK and abroad and is undertaken 3 years full-time and 5 years part-time. 

Students are engaged in any of the forms of contemporary art, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, film, installation, photography, text-based and digital work.  They arrive with a creative practice to be analysed and developed rather than a research question or a project to be carried out. Work-in-progress seminars are the backbone of the programme, building critical, creative and presentational skills and peer support. 

Along with twice-yearly exhibitions within and outside of the University, students are given the support to develop their creative practice, professional practice and theoretical research to a doctoral standard. 

• Book for an open day
• Apply for accommodation
• Order a prospectus
• Make an enquiry Close

This course is in Clearing

Call our Clearing number today to apply through Clearing. Our call centre is open between 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday

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Course options

• September 2024

Professional Doctorate

Entry requirements, academic requirements, accepted qualifications.

Master of Arts Degree (MA) in Fine Art or a related discipline, an established creative and professional practice and excellent knowledge of contemporary art.

International Qualifications

We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit our International page for full details.

English Language requirements

Overall IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening (or recognised equivalent). If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English course.

The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 10-week pre-sessional course.

Portfolio requirements

A portfolio is required and should be relevant to this course. It should include a wide range of work that shows your creativity, technical competence and understanding of the subject area.

Refer to our Portfolio page for further information.

An interview is required with a member of the academic teaching team.

Further information will be provide on receipt of an application.

Mature applicants and those without formal qualifications

As an inclusive university, we recognise those who have been out of education for some time may not have the formal qualifications usually required. We welcome applications from those who can demonstrate their enthusiasm and commitment to study and have the relevant life/work experience that equips them to succeed on the course. We will assess this from the information provided in your application or may request additional information such as a CV or attendance at an interview. Please note that some courses require applicants to meet the entry requirements outlined.

Admissions policy / Terms of Admittance

We are committed to fair admissions and access by recruiting students regardless of their social, cultural or economic background. Our admissions policy sets out the principles and procedures we use to admit new students for all courses offered by the university and its partners.

Further advice and guidance

You can speak to a member of our Applicant Enquiries team on +44 (0)20 8223 3333, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Alternatively, you can visit our Information, Advice and Guidance centre.

Prof Doc Fine Art

Prof doc fine art, home applicant, full time.

• Home Applicant
• Full time, 3 years
• 6020 per year Pound 6020 per year

Prof Doc Fine Art, home applicant, part time

• Part time, 5 years
• 3010 per year Pound 3010 per year

Prof Doc Fine Art, international applicant, full time

• International Applicant
• 16100 per year Pound 16100 per year

Prof Doc Fine Art, international applicant, part time

• 8050 per year Pound 8050 per year

Fees, funding and additional costs

EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course from September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fee regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA .

Tuition fees are subject to annual change. Fees for future years will be published in due course.

Home students

Postgraduate loans scheme.

£10,280 to fund your Masters Programme under the Postgraduate Loans (PGL) scheme

Postgraduate Loans (PGL)

The Postgraduate Loan (PGL) provide non-means-tested loans of up to £10,906 to taught and research masters students.  It will be paid to students as a contribution towards tuition fees, living costs and other course costs. Applications are made directly through  Student Finance England  

Eligibility

Whether you qualify depends on: •    if you've studied a postgraduate course before •    your course •    your age •    your nationality or residency status

Full eligibility can be found on the Government's Postgraduate Loan webpage .

Please take a look at the  Postgraduate Loans  for an overview of the new funding.

Postgraduate Scholarship

Apply for a 50 per cent discount on your tuition fees! You can get a 50 per cent discount on course fees through a UEL Postgraduate Scholarship. The scholarship is open to full-time and part-time UK and EU students of taught postgraduate courses. *Exclusions apply.

Find out more about full eligibility criteria and how to apply .

Terms and conditions apply.

Our scholarships and bursaries can help you

How we can help you

Did you know that with a postgraduate qualification, you can expect to earn more than someone who only holds an undergraduate degree?

If you want to build new skills, change career paths, or further your career prospects, a postgraduate degree can help you. Our range of scholarships and bursaries will make financing your education that much easier. Below is some of the funding available to support you in your studies:

• Alumni Discount   - up to 15% fee waiver *exclusions apply. Please see the Alumni Discount page  for information.
• Early Payment Discount  - 5% fee waiver
• Asylum Seekers scholarship   - 100% fee waiver
• Civic Engagement - £1,000
• Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
• Sport Scholarships   - Up to £6,000

How to pay your fees

There are a number of ways you can pay your fees to UEL

• Online payment facilities
• By telephone
• In person at our Docklands or Stratford campus
• Bank transfer

Full information on making payments can be found  on our Finance page .

If you wish to discuss payments to the University, please contact our Income Team on 020 8223 2974 or you can email  [email protected]

Ideas for funding your postgraduate study

Below are some ideas on how to fund your postgraduate study:

•     Apply for a  Postgraduate Loan  
•     Take advantage of  UEL scholarships and bursaries
•     Ask your employer to sponsor your study
•     Study part-time so you can work at the same time (applicable to courses that have a part-time mode)
•     Look at  UK Research and Innovation funding options

The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you're a student at the University of East London. We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement. Live chat: Click the live chat icon in the bottom left of the screen Phone: 020 8223 4444

International students

Living costs for international students.

As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, textbooks, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start - a total of £11,385 - in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money.

* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA page for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.

How to pay your fees - international students

Deposits and paying by instalments International students are required to pay a  deposit  before being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions on our Make a Payment page . After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fee policy.

Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements. Email:  [email protected]

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to, or be required to, buy your own copy of key textbooks.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences.

Free WiFi is available on each of our campuses.

In the majority of cases, coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Travel costs are not included but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses and halls of residence.

For this course, you will be:

• involved in processes of making, as a means of exploration, experimentation, and understanding your practice, by using a diverse range of media and materials
• required to purchase your own copy of books, for required reading
• required to produce physical artefacts for assessment 
• able to participate in optional study visits and/or field trips

However, over and above this you may incur extra costs associated with your studies, which you will need to plan for. 

To help you budget, the information below indicates what activities and materials are not covered by your tuition fees:

• personal laptops and other personal devices 
• personal copies of books 
• optional study visits and field trips (and any associated visa costs)
• printing costs
• your own chosen materials and equipment
• costs of participating in external events, exhibitions, performances etc.

The costs vary every year and with every student, according to the intentions for the type of work they wish to do. Attainment at assessment is not dependent upon the costs of materials chosen.

Learn about applying

Important information about your application, uk full-time starting sept.

How to apply Apply directly to UEL by clicking on the apply button. For further information read our  Guide to Applying . When to apply Places on many courses are limited and allocated on a first-come first-served basis. We advise you to apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of receiving an offer. Advice and guidance Our  Information, Advice and Guidance team  provide impartial advice on courses, entry requirements, pre-entry and access programmes in person and via the telephone. +44 (0)20 8223 4354 Already applied? You can track the progress of your application by contacting our Applicant Engagement team on +44 (0)20 8223 3333 (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm). Read our  guide to applying  for further information. Need help? Contact our Applicant Engagement team (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm) +44 (0)20 8223 3333

UK Part-time starting Sept

How to apply Apply directly to UEL by clicking on the apply button. For further information read our  Guide to Applying . When to apply Places on many courses are limited and allocated on a first-come first-served basis. We advise you to apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of receiving an offer. Advice and guidance Our  Information, Advice and Guidance team  provide impartial advice on courses, entry requirements, pre-entry and access programmes in person and via the telephone. +44 (0)20 8223 4354 Already applied? You can track the progress of your application by contacting our Applicant Engagement team on +44 (0)20 8223 3333 (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm). Read our  guide to applying  for further information. Need help? Contact our applicant engagement team (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm) +44 (0)20 8223 3333

International Full-time starting Sept

Submitting your application please read and consider the entry and visa requirements for this course before you submit your application. for more information please visit our  international student advice pages .  .

How to Apply We accept direct applications for international students. The easiest way to apply is directly to UEL by clicking on the red apply button. Please be sure to  watch our videos  on the application process.

When to Apply Please ensure that you refer to the international admissions deadline . We advise you to apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of receiving an offer.

International students who reside overseas Please ensure that you have read and considered the entry requirements for this course before you submit your application. Our enquiries team can provide advice if you are unsure if you are qualified for entry or have any other questions. Please be sure to read about the  Tier 4 visa requirements .

Advice and guidance Our  Information, Advice and Guidance team  provide impartial advice on courses, entry requirements, pre-entry and access programmes in person and via the telephone.

+44 (0)20 8223 4354 Need help? Contact our applicant engagement team (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm)

+44 (0)20 8223 3333

About our foundation years

Our Foundation Year courses are perfect for you if you... 

• are returning to education after a long time, or you don't have the qualifications for direct entry into our degree programmes
• are thinking of re-training and would like an introduction to the area
• are an international student wanting an additional year to adapt to the UK academic system
• are still evaluating which degree pathway at UEL is the right one for you

Please note: Foundation years can only be studied full-time. However, you can transfer to part-time delivery once you have completed your foundation year. Please apply to the full-time option if you wish to study in this way.

What makes this course different

Industry experts

You will study on an increasingly prestigious course under the supervision of some of the country leading fine artists and theorists including Michael Pinsky, Debra Benita Shaw and Karen Raney.

Career prospects

Our doctorate has helped develop the work of internationally acclaimed artists such as Max Hattler, the renowned audio-visual artist and animator.

Work exposure

You will have excellent opportunities to exhibit your work and take advantage of our close relationships with many galleries and our regular engagement with professional venues and practices.

Course modules

Research methodologies and professional development core module.

NOTE: Modules are subject to change. For those studying part time courses the modules may vary.

Download course specification

PDF, 131.1kb

What we're researching

We have maintained an international reputation for artistic innovation and research excellence, due in large part to the work of our high-profile art practitioners and researchers in related fields.

Reader Michael Pinsky is a British artist whose international projects have created innovative and challenging works in galleries and public spaces. He has undertaken many residencies that explore issues which shape and influence the use of our public realm.

Taking the combined roles of artist, urban planner, activist, researcher, and resident, he starts residencies and commissions without a specified agenda, working with local people and resources, allowing the physical, social and political environment to define his working methodology. His work has been shown at TATE Britain; Museum of Contemporary Art, Chengdu; Saatchi Gallery; Victoria and Albert Museum; Institute for Contemporary Art, London; La Villette, Paris; BALTIC, Gateshead; Centre for Contemporary Art, Glasgow; Modern Art Oxford, Milton Keynes Gallery, Cornerhouse, Manchester; Liverpool Biennial, Centre de Création Contemporaine, Tours; Armory Center of the Arts, Los Angeles and the Rotterdam International Architectural Biennial. His most recent solo exhibition was at Somerset House, London.

DFA Programme Leader Karen Raney is an academic, former editor, painter and writer whose novel  All the Water in the World  was published in the US and UK, translated into five languages, and was shortlisted for a Costa Book Award 2020. She was the winner of the 2017 Pat Kavanagh Literary Prize. From 2000-2015 she was editor of Engage Journal of International Visual Art and Gallery Education. Her academic research includes theories of creativity, contemporary art, gallery education, fictional representations of death, and art practice as research.

Debra Benita Shaw is a Reader in Cultural Theory and co-director of the Centre for Cultural Studies Research. She is known internationally as a critical posthumanist interested in urban studies, feminism and science fiction criticism, and has gained considerable recognition in the fields of architecture and critical geography. Her textbook,  Technoculture: The Key Concepts  (2009) is used in science and technology studies courses around the world and she is regularly invited to address symposia on approaches to urban change, posthuman theory and literary criticism. With Jeremy Gilbert, she organises the yearly seminar series Culture, Power & Politics. Senior lecturer Antigoni Memou is the author of  Photography and Social Movements  (2013). She has published in the academic journals Third Text, Photographies, Philosophy of Photography and Ephemera and has presented her research at numerous international academic conferences.

Her research includes the history and theory of photography; the politics of contemporary art; digital image and social media; visual activism and tactical media; art institutions and issues in contemporary display; Latin American photographic practices; the impact of globalisation on art, photography and culture; cultural and critical theory; cross-disciplinary approaches to art history.

Making a difference

UEL is one of the UK's leading modern research universities. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 92 per cent of UEL's overall research was rated as world-leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised.

Your future career

The Doctorate in Fine Art (DFA) leads to employment outcomes by requiring students to engage with the art industry of galleries, critics, publications, and artist-run spaces outside of the University. 

The 60-credit taught module in year 1 includes seminars in art writing and publication, funding and exhibiting.

Many doctoral students are already in employment as academics, teachers, curators or artists, and the DFA often leads to an extension of their professional roles or to new employment. 

Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal .

The course had an immensely positive impact on my art practice and professional outlook. It provided me with critical context and support, which led to the creation of a new body of work, progressing from short film towards installation-based works including multi-screen setups and a water screen. The Doctorate has helped me steer my entire artistic practice towards a more considered, grounded, and unified expression, a solid foundation on which to build in years to come."

world-renowned animator, Doctorate in Fine Art at UEL

How we support your career ambitions

We offer dedicated careers support, and further opportunities to thrive, such as volunteering and industry networking. Our courses are created in collaboration with employers and industry to ensure they accurately reflect the real-life practices of your future career and provide you with the essential skills needed. You can focus on building interpersonal skills through group work and benefit from our investment in the latest cutting-edge technologies and facilities.

Career Zone

Our dedicated and award-winning team provide you with careers and employability resources, including:

• Online jobs board for internships, placements, graduate opportunities, flexible part-time work.
• Mentoring programmes for insight with industry experts 
• 1-2-1 career coaching services 
• Careers workshops and employer events 
• Learning pathways to gain new skills and industry insight

Mental Wealth programme

Our Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth programme which issues you with a Careers Passport to track the skills you’ve mastered. Some of these are externally validated by corporations like Amazon and Microsoft.

We are careers first

Our teaching methods and geographical location put us right up top

• Enterprise and entrepreneurship support 
• We are ranked 6th for graduate start-ups 
• Networking and visits to leading organisations 
• Support in starting a new business, freelancing and self-employment 
• London on our doorstep

What you'll learn

The Professional Doctorate in Fine Art is practice-based and industry-facing, attracting mid-career artists and artist-academics.  The DFA aligns with the institutional vision to bridge the divide between industry and academia.  Its success as the UK's longest-running and largest DFA is evidence of the viability and relevance of its model. The academic rationale for the DFA stems from debate since the 1990s about the status of art practice as research.  Practice is put at the centre of doctoral study, fed by research into contemporary art and theory, and professional exhibiting and curating. 

Employability outcomes are strong, with graduates progressing to be artists or artist-academics in the UK and internationally.  The DFA also serves as professional development for qualified UEL staff who wish to develop their art practice and critical analysis and enrich their teaching. 

The re-validation of this programme proposes a simplified modular structure that more closely represents the Doctorate as it has been refined over many years.  Removal of level 7 modules and making all credits D-level (8) is essential both to accurately reflect the level of study being undertaken and to ensure that students are eligible for new government postgraduate loans.   

The DFA leads the way in UEL in creative practice doctorates and will inform and share resources and teaching with other doctorates undergoing validation - Performing Arts, Film, Fashion, Creative Writing in ACI, and Art and Architecture in ACE. 

How you'll learn

This programme is the UK's longest-running Professional Doctorate in Fine Art and is equivalent to a PhD. The full-time model is three years, part-time is five years.  The doctoral programme has three strands - creative practice, professional practice and theoretical research - and it is designed to follow, within academic parameters, the organic, foraging, unpredictable nature of art practice. 

This distinguishes it from the more academic fine art PhDs. For our students, the proposal is not a project outline to be carried out, but a starting point from which their work can, and does, move in unforeseen directions.  Students are supervised by the programme team and by dedicated supervisors drawn from art and design and related areas, who have relevant research and expertise.

Guided independent study 

After writing and registering their proposal, students work with allocated supervisors, and a core staff team provides continuity and integration. A strong group dynamic and exhibition culture are central to the programme. Work in progress is aired through regular seminars attended by all year groups. Interim shows take place each year, with critics, curators and artists from outside the university invited in to critique the work.  Students are encouraged to seek out and curate their own external exhibitions. 

Academic support 

Our academic support team provides help in a range of areas - including learning and disability support 

Dedicated personal tutor

As a researcher, your personal tutors are the programme team and two, or sometimes three, doctoral supervisors.

Six work-in-progress seminars are scheduled per semester, with individual tutorials and feedback sessions in addition.  The first semester of the programme is devoted to writing the doctoral proposal, supported by the programme team.  All students exhibit their work at the yearly showcase exhibition.

Your timetable 

A detailed timetable is given out to incoming students prior to the start of the term and is explained fully during induction.  Thursday is the day when DFA seminars and proposal tutorials take place.  Supervision can be arranged individually on other days.

Class sizes

There are between 20 and 30 researchers on the Doctorate Fine Art across all years.  Work-in-progress seminars are attended by all year groups.  Supervisory tutorials are individual.

How you will be assessed

Annual written reviews serve as an ongoing record of doctoral work and research, and are the basis on which students pass and progress to the next year of the programme, through an annual review panel decision. The doctorate itself is awarded on the basis of the written report that accompanies the viva voce examination, and the final major showcase of work.

Detailed feedback is given, verbally and in writing, on drafts of proposals, reviews and reports.  Feedback on creative practice is continuous through the supervision process.

Campus and facilities

Our campus and the surrounding area.

Our waterfront campus in the historic Royal Docks provides a modern, well-equipped learning environment.

Join us and you'll be able to make the most of our facilities including contemporary lecture theatres and seminar rooms, art studios and exhibition spaces, audio and visual labs and a multimedia production centre.

Features include our 24/7 Docklands library, our £21m SportsDock centre, a campus shop and bookstore, the Children's Garden Nursery, cafés, eateries, a late bar, plus Student Union facilities, including a student lounge.   The University of East London is one of the few London universities to provide on-campus accommodation. Our Docklands Campus Student Village houses close to 1,200 students from around the world. We are well connected to central London and London City Airport is just across the water. We also run a free bus service that connects Docklands with Stratford campuses.

Who teaches this course

This course is delivered by School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering

The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.

Karen J Raney

Dr Debra Benita Shaw

Dr Antigoni Memou

Dr Michael Pinsky

Christian Groothuizen

Dr Keith Winter

Dr Sharone Lifschitz

Dr Garry Doherty

Related courses

This course is part of the Visual Arts subject area.

MA Fine Art

Elevate your artistic vision with a Master's in Fine Art at University of East London. Unleash your creativity through our advanced fine art program.

MA Filmmaking

Master the art of filmmaking at the University of East London. Elevate your skills with our specialised master's programme in filmmaking.

Architecture, Computing and Engineering MPhil PhD

ACE has strong research expertise in urban sustainability, cyber-security and big data studies. We're world leaders in environmental protection studies.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Modal

Terms of Admittance to the University of East London

The Terms of Admittance govern your contractual relationship with the University of East London ("UEL"). A contract between you, the Student, and us, UEL, is entered into once you accept an offer of a place on a programme at UEL and this contract is subject to consumer protection legislation. You are entitled to cancel this contract within 14 days of enrolment onto your programme.

1) Student enrolment

Enrolment at UEL is the process whereby you officially become a UEL student. The enrolment process requires you to:

• Ensure that we are holding the correct personal details for you
• Agree to abide by our regulations and policies
• Pay your tuition fees/confirm who is paying your tuition fees

You are expected to enrol by the first day of your academic year (click on "Discover") which will be notified to you in your enrolment instructions. Failure to enrol by the deadline contained in our Fees Policy (for most students by the end of the second week of teaching) may lead to the cancellation of student status and all rights attached to that status, including attendance and use of UEL's facilities. If you do not complete the formal process of enrolment but, by your actions, are deemed to be undertaking activities compatible with the status of an enrolled student, UEL will formally enrol you and charge the relevant tuition fee. Such activities would include attendance in classes, use of online learning materials, submission of work and frequent use of a student ID card to gain access to university buildings and facilities. Late enrolment charges may be applied if you do not complete your enrolment by the relevant deadline.

2) Tuition fees

Your tuition fee is determined by:

• the programme you are studying;
• if you are studying full or part-time;
• whether you are a UK/EU or International student; and when you started your studies with us.

We will tell you the tuition fee that you are due to pay when we send you an offer as well as confirm any additional costs that will be incurred, such as bench fees or exceptional overseas study trips. Unregulated tuition fees (where the UK government has not set a maximum fee to be charged) are generally charged annually and may increase each year you are on the programme. Any annual increase will be limited to a maximum of 5% of the previous year's fee. Regulated tuition fees (where the UK government has set a maximum fee to be charged) may also be subject to an annual increase. Any annual increase will be in line with the increase determined by the UK government. You will be notified of any increases in tuition fees at re-enrolment in the programme. Further information on tuition fees and payment options is contained in our Fees Policy .

3) Student ID Cards

To produce an ID card, we need a recent photograph of you that is not obscured and is a true likeness. We will either ask you to send us/upload a photograph in advance of enrolment or take one of you at the point of enrolment. The photograph will be held on our student records system for identification purposes by administrative, academic and security/reception staff. By accepting these Terms of Admittance you are confirming that you agree to your photograph being used in this way. If you object to your photograph being used in this way please contact the University Secretary via email at gov&[email protected] . You are required to provide proof of your identity at initial enrolment and prior to the issue of your UEL student ID card. This is usually a full and valid passport but instead of this you may bring two of the following:

• A (full or provisional) driving licence showing current address
• An international driving licence
• An original birth certificate (in English)
• A debit or credit card (one only)
• A benefit book or benefit award letter (dated within the last 3 months)
• An Armed Forces Identity card
• A police warrant card

You are required to carry and display your student ID card whilst on UEL premises and must keep it safe so that it is not misused by others.

4) Proof of qualifications

You are required to produce evidence of having satisfied the entry requirements for your programme. Such evidence must be in the form of the original certificates or certified notification of results from the examining body. All qualifications must be in English or supported by an official certified translation. If you fail to provide evidence of having satisfied the requirements for the programme you are liable to be withdrawn from the programme.

5) Non-academic entry requirements

You may need to demonstrate that you have met non-academic entry requirements prior to enrolment by providing additional information to UEL. For example, if you:-

• are under 18 years of age at the time of initial enrolment,
• are applying to a programme that requires health clearance for study as stated in the programme specification,
• have declared a relevant criminal conviction,
• will be studying a programme that involves contact with children and/or vulnerable adults or leads to membership in a professional body that deals with children and/or vulnerable adults.

You will not be permitted to enrol and any offer will be withdrawn if UEL deems that you are unsuitable for study following assessment of this additional information in line with published policies. These policies will be provided to you when the additional information is requested.

6) Criminal convictions

UEL has a responsibility to safeguard staff, students and the wider community. You are required to inform UEL of any relevant criminal convictions you have and provide further information relating to these as requested. This includes any relevant criminal convictions received whilst studying at UEL. UEL will assess all information received in line with published policies and may remove you from a programme if the conviction makes you unsuitable for study in UEL's opinion. Failure to declare a relevant criminal conviction or provide further information about you may result in expulsion from UEL.

7) Providing false information to UEL

If you are discovered to have falsified or misrepresented information presented to UEL at application, enrolment or during your studies, you may be expelled from UEL.

8) Continued enrolment and student status

You are expected to abide by all UEL policies and regulations, both those in force at the time of first and subsequent enrolment and as later revised and published from time to time. UEL reserves the right to make reasonable changes to its policies and regulations and any substantial amendments will be brought to your attention. You are also required to take personal responsibility for your studies; this includes undertaking all studies in support of your programme as prescribed by UEL. Key policies include: Manual of General Regulations This describes the general regulatory framework of UEL and gives information about how UEL confers its degrees, diplomas and certificates. It includes important information about academic performance requirements for continued study. Engagement Attendance Policy This outlines UEL's expectations of students in relation to attendance on and engagement with taught programmes. These students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and engage fully with learning materials and resources provided to them - failure to do so may result in withdrawal from module(s) and/or the programme. Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Degrees The purpose of this code is to provide a framework for the successful organisation and implementation of good practice in all matters relating to postgraduate research degrees at UEL. It aims to ensure that all students are effectively supported and supervised so that the full scope and potential of their research is realised; that their thesis is submitted within regulatory periods and that they complete their programme with a suitable and sufficient portfolio of research and employment-related skills and competencies. Health and Safety Policy This describes the structures and processes by which UEL protects the health and safety of its staff, students and visitors. It confirms that students will receive sufficient information, instruction and induction in relation to health and safety. All students should take reasonable care of their health and safety. They must abide by UEL’s rules and regulations and cooperate with supervisors to enable them to fulfil their obligations. Students must not interfere intentionally, or recklessly misuse anything provided for health and safety. UEL has consulted with its students and staff and has adopted a No Smoking Policy to safeguard the health and well-being of its community. Students are required to comply with this policy which restricts smoking to designated shelters and prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes within any UEL building or near building entrances. For further information on our Healthy Campus initiatives and support please visit the Health and Safety pages . Student Disciplinary Regulations and Procedures (incorporating the student code of conduct) This code is more than a list of things that we should and should not do: it reminds us that we should always consider how our behaviour affects others. The code applies:

• to all students;
• at all sites throughout our estate, and;
• when we represent UEL on business beyond our campus, both in real (face-to-face) and virtual environments.

And outlines expectations of students:

• verbal and physical behaviour should always be polite and respectful;
• behaviour should not impair the engagement, learning or participation of others;
• anti-social behaviour by individuals and groups will not be tolerated.

9) Changes to scheduled programmes

UEL will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the programme of study that you have accepted will conform to the programme specification published on our website and will ensure that the necessary resources required to enable you to meet the required learning outcomes and pass the relevant assessments are available. In order to ensure that our programmes are current and relevant, they are subject to regular review. From time to time, to ensure the maintenance of academic standards and/or compliance with professional body requirements, it may be necessary to amend a module or make adjustments to programme content. Major changes to programmes that in the reasonable opinion of UEL, will have a significant impact on students will involve consultation with students already enrolled on the programme when the changes are proposed. Once any changes are confirmed, UEL will notify all students and applicants of the changes. When UEL reasonably considers that the change may only impact one or more cohorts on the relevant programme, UEL may decide to only consult with the relevant cohort. In the event that we discontinue a programme, we will normally permit existing students to complete the programme within the typical duration of study. In these circumstances, UEL will use reasonable endeavours to continue the programme for existing students without making major changes. If this is not possible, we will support students in changing to another UEL programme on which a place is available, and for which the student is suitably qualified, or assist with transfer to another HEI to complete the programme elsewhere.

10) Changes to these terms

We may change these terms from time to time where, in UEL's opinion, it will assist in the proper delivery of any programme of study or in order to:- (a) Comply with any changes in relevant laws and regulatory requirements; (b) Implement legal advice, national guidance or good practice; (c) Provide for new or improved delivery of any programme of study; (d) Reflect market practice; (e) In our opinion make them clearer or more favourable to you; (f) Rectify any error or mistake; or (g) Incorporate existing arrangements or practices. No variation or amendment to these Terms of Admittance may be made without our prior written agreement. In the event that we agree to transfer you to an alternative programme of study, the transfer will be considered to be a variation to the Terms of Admittance, which shall otherwise remain in full force and existence. If we revise the Terms of Admittance, we will publish the amended Terms of Admittance by such means as we consider reasonably appropriate. We will use reasonable endeavours to give you notice of any changes before they take effect.

11) Data Protection

UEL is committed to adhering to its obligations under the Data Protection Act 2018 and will act as a Data Controller when it processes your personal data. You can find our registration to the Data controller register on ico.org.uk . UEL processes your personal data to fulfil its contractual and legal obligations to students. Personal data that we process about you includes:

• Your contact details and other information submitted during the application and enrolment processes;
• Details of courses, modules, timetables and room bookings, assessment marks and examinations related to your study;
• Financial and personal information collected for the purposes of administering fees and charges, loans, grants, scholarships and hardship funds;
• Photographs, and video recordings for the purpose of recording lectures, student assessments and examinations and for the purposes of university promotion that is in our legitimate interest but still fair to you;
• Information about your engagement with the University such as attendance data and use of electronic services such as Moodle, Civitas and YourTutor;
• Contact details for next of kin to be used in an emergency;
• Details of those with looked-after status or those who have left the care system for the provision of support;
• Information related to the prevention and detection of crime and the safety and security of staff and students, including, but not limited to, CCTV recording and data relating to breaches of University regulations;

This is not an exhaustive list, for further information please refer to our fair processing notice pages on uel.ac.uk. In all of its data processing activities, UEL is committed to ensuring that the personal data it collects stores and uses will be processed in line with the data protection principles which can be summarised as:

• Being processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner;
• Collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes;
• Adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary;
• Accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date;
• Kept in a form which permits identification of data subjects for no longer than is necessary;
• Processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of the personal information;
• Be accountable for, and be able to demonstrate compliance with, the six principles above.

Student Responsibilities You must ensure that:

• All personal data provided to UEL is accurate and up-to-date. You must ensure that changes of address etc. are notified to the Student Hub.
• Students who use UEL's computing facilities may process personal data as part of their studies. If the processing of personal data takes place, students must take responsibility for that processing activity to ensure that it is in line with the data protection principles above.
• Students who are undertaking research projects using personal data must ensure that:
• The research subject is informed of the nature of the research and is given a copy of UEL's Fair Processing Notice and this Data Protection Policy.

12) Legal basis for use of data

By agreeing to these Terms of Admittance and enrolling at UEL, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of a contract for the use of your personal data relating to your enrolment, and if appropriate, registration and ongoing participation in a programme of study. Your personal or special category data will be collected, processed, published and used by UEL, its online learning and teaching services and/or its partners and agents in ways which support the effective management of UEL and your programme of study, to allow for the delivery of bursary schemes and to support improvements to student experience and progression, and are consistent with: The terms of the Data Protection Act 2018; Any notification submitted to the Information Commissioner in accordance with this legislation; and compliance with any other relevant legislation. You have fundamental rights associated with how organisations use your personal data. Further information on data protection and use of your personal data can be found in our Data Protection Policy and on uel.ac.uk.

13) Intellectual property

You are entitled to the intellectual property rights created during your time studying at UEL that would belong to you under the applicable law. There are some programmes where the assignment of certain types of intellectual property to UEL is appropriate. UEL will require the assignment to it of intellectual property rights relating to postgraduate research that is part of an ongoing research programme. Where the nature of the research programme means that some assignment of intellectual property rights to UEL is appropriate, we will take what steps that we can to ensure that your interests are protected. UEL will take reasonable endeavours to ensure:-

• the scope of the assignment is narrow, and is restricted to what is necessary, for example, to protect UEL’s legitimate interests in the intellectual property created as party to a research programme;
• the application of the assignment is clearly defined so that it is clear to you in which circumstances the assignment will apply;
• where the assignment of the intellectual property is appropriate in the circumstances, we will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the rights of the parties are evenly balanced (for example, your work being acknowledged in a publication and, where appropriate, subject to an appropriate revenue sharing scheme)
• where UEL claims ownership of intellectual property rights in relation to a taught programme of study, such treatment of those rights will be made clear in the published information relating to that programme.

14) How we communicate with you

UEL will communicate with you via a variety of channels, including postal letters, e-mail, SMS text messages and online notices. To enable this, we request that you provide us with your e-mail address, postal address, and contact telephone number when you first enrol. Throughout your studies, it is important that you keep your contact details up to date. You can view and edit this information by logging into our student portal, UEL Direct at https://uel.ac.uk/Direct . We will create a UEL e-mail account for you after you enrol. Your e-mail address will be your student number, prefixed with a ‘u’ and followed by ‘@uel.ac.uk’ – e.g.: [email protected]. UEL will use this e-mail address to communicate with you and it is important that you regularly check and manage this mailbox for important updates and information. You can access your email account, plus information about our services, news and events by logging into our Intranet, intranet.uel.ac.uk. At the login screen, enter your email address (as above) and password. Your default UEL password will be your date of birth, formulated as DD-MMM-YY, e.g. 31-jan-84. Your UEL email account and associated UEL IT accounts will be deleted not more than 6 months after you graduate or withdraw from your programme of study (if earlier).  

15) University of East London Students' Union

The University of East London Students' Union (UELSU) represents students at UEL. By enrolling at UEL you are automatically granted membership of both UELSU and the National Union of Students (NUS). If you wish to opt out from this membership, please inform UELSU in writing at either [email protected]  or by writing to Chief Executive, UELSU, University of East London, Docklands Campus, 4-6 University Way, London E16 2RD. UELSU provides a range of services and support to students and can provide advice and representation on any matter affecting the contract between you and UEL. For further information on this support, please visit www.uelunion.org

16) Students studying at partner institutions

If you are undertaking a programme of study at a partner institution you will need to generally abide by the above terms and also those of the partner institution. Further information and support in understanding these terms is available from the Academic Partnership Office -  [email protected] .

17) International students - additional responsibilities

All international students must also comply with UK Visa and Immigration requirements. All international students are required to hold a valid visa which permits study in the UK or hold a Tier 4 visa/have applied for a Tier 4 visa with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies issued by UEL. Students who are being sponsored under a Tier 4 student visa must also understand and comply with the responsibilities of their student visa and cooperate with UEL in fulfilling our Tier 4 duties .

18) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UEL is committed to working together to build a learning community founded on equality of opportunity – a learning community which celebrates the rich diversity of our student and staff populations and one in which discriminatory behaviour is challenged and not tolerated within our community. Within the spirit of respecting difference, our equality and diversity policies promise fair treatment and equality of opportunity for all regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, disability or religion/belief (or lack of). In pursuing this aim, we want our community to value and to be at ease with its own diversity and to reflect the needs of the wider community within which we operate. For further information on this inclusive approach to education please visit our Student Policies page .

19) Complaints

We welcome feedback on our programmes and services and facilitate this in a variety of ways, including programme committees, module evaluation forms and surveys. However, if you are dissatisfied with a particular service or programme or the manner in which it has been delivered, you must let the person responsible for that service know as we will always try to resolve matters at the earliest opportunity via informal conciliation. If you are unsure who to approach, please e-mail The Hub who will be able to direct your concerns appropriately. If you remain dissatisfied with a service or programme, or the manner in which it is delivered, you should refer to our formal complaints procedure to have the matter formally addressed. In addition, once you have enrolled on your programme, you will also have access to the Advice and Information Service offered by UELSU. This access is not available to students studying at partner institutions.

20) Cancellation

If you wish to cancel this contract within 14 days of enrolment in your programme, you must do so in writing. Any fees that you have paid will be refunded – please see the Fees Policy for further information on obtaining a refund.

21) Further guidance

If any of the information in these Terms of Admittance or related policies is unclear or if you have any questions, please contact The Hub for guidance on +44 (0) 208 223 4444 .

22) Right to advice

This is a consumer contract and you are able to obtain independent advice in relation to its terms and conditions from UELSU as well as your local Citizens Advice Bureau.  

23) General

Neither you nor UEL will be liable for failure to perform their obligations under these Terms of Admittance if such failure arises from unforeseeable events, circumstances or causes outside of that party's reasonable control. Examples of such events include, but are not limited to, war, terrorism, industrial disputes, natural disasters, fire and national emergencies. Only you and UEL are parties to these Terms of Admittance. No other person shall have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of these Terms of Admittance. Failure or delay by you or UEL to exercise any right or remedy provided under this contract shall not constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy, nor shall it prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy. No single or partial exercise of such right or remedy shall prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy. These Terms of Admittance are governed by the law of England and Wales and you and UEL agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

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Slade School of Fine Art

Mphil/phd admissions.

The Slade School of Fine Art has one application round per year for the MPhil/PhD.

We support researchers from a wide range of backgrounds, here in the UK and internationally, and strongly encourage applicants from ethnic minority backgrounds and other under-represented groups. Applications are considered by a team of academic staff in Autumn for entry the following year. Applications will be evaluated based on the quality of the artistic practice, research proposal and written submission along with the potential for the research to be supported within the research context of Slade/UCL, which includes a potential supervisory match.

If your application for the Slade MPhil/PhD is successful, you will then be invited to apply for any scholarships available through UCL and LAHP. For further information, see our  fees and funding section for information about tuition fees, funding, scholarships and bursaries.

Admissions: General Information

Due to the number of applicants, we are unable to advise on proposals before you submit your application. We are also unable to discuss who to nominate as a supervisor. However, you may add names of potential supervisors to your application form and, if shortlisted, we will also suggest possible supervisors. Please look at the Slade website for staff research profiles .

Application deadline

Deadlines for applications for 2025-26 are as follows:

• Application portal opens via UCL Application Portal – 2 September 2024  
• Applications deadline: Monday 14 October, 17.00 BST
• Interviews: Monday 18 November – Friday 22 November 2024 (inclusive) 

Entrance requirements

For entry requirements see the UCL MPhil/PhD prospectus page .

English Language requirement

All students whose first language is not English must reach a satisfactory level of proficiency in English language before starting their studies at the Slade. See the UCL MPhil/PhD prospectus page for language requirement.

Successful applicants normally register in September.

Potential Supervisors

You are not expected to approach potential supervisors in advance of making the application to undertake research. However, it is strongly advised that applicants read our staff members’ profiles before your application is submitted. If there is a member of staff with whom you would particularly like to work, you may name them on the application form. Supervision by a specific tutor cannot be guaranteed at the application stage

Slade tutors’ profiles and research interests are listed on our people pages . 

Secondary supervision across disciplines is also possible.  See the Find an Expert page to look for scholars and specialists from a range of departments at UCL. If there is a member of staff with whom you would particularly like to work, you may name them on the application form.

For admission enquiries please email the Slade PGR Administrator, ( [email protected] ).

Please note that, due to the number of applicants, we are unable to advise on proposals before you submit your application or to discuss who to nominate as a supervisor.

Application Procedure

There are two steps involved in the application procedure, including:

• Step 1 Completing the Online Application, including  Key Supporting Materials for the Online Application
• Step 2 Submitting a Portfolio of Practice

Step 1: Completing the Online Application

All applicants for MPhil/PhD must first complete UCL’s online application, including:

• Section 1: Programme Details  This involves signalling the programme for which you intend to apply and indicating proposed supervisors.
• Section 2: Personal Details Including name and contact details.
• Section 3: Education History This involves uploading electronic transcripts of all previous degrees and evidencing a language proficiency test, if applicable.
• Section 4: Employment This involves outlining your employment history. You are also expected to attach your CV as a separate document, as per below.
• S ection 5: Other Details This includes information about financing your studies and other information helpful for the admissions process.
• Section 6: Supporting Statement This should be a Personal Statement sent as a separate attachment, see below.
• Section 7: Referees References are an important part of the application and it is your responsibility to ensure that your referees upload their references promptly so that the entrance examiners have them when they review your application.  When you have completed the online form and entered contact emails for your referees, they will be contacted automatically giving them instructions on how to upload their references. All applications must include two references that must be uploaded by your referees. It is recommended that you complete the online application in advance of the deadline to give your referees time to complete their references.
• Section 8: Declaration Confirmation of information in application.

Key Supporting Materials for Online Application

As part of your on-line application, you must upload 4 x key supporting materials, details of which are fully outlined below.

• Research Proposal
• Writing Sample
• Personal Statement

Applications that do not submit the necessary supporting materials as part of the online application – or do not have this in the correct format – will not be considered.

1. Research proposal (maximum 1500 words) This should be a single document that must include the following:

• Title of research project
• Project summary (maximum 300 words) – offer a concise description of the project.
• Key words – list five or six key words relating to your research project.
• Thesis option – indicate whether you are applying for Practice-led Thesis, Practice-related Thesis, Written Thesis
• Potential supervisors  – note any potential supervisors for your project. (Note that you should NOT contact potential supervisors prior to submitting your application.)

• Project description , which must comprise the following sections, not necessarily in this order:

i. Significance and originality – identify your research context or broad field of study, your intervention into this and how your research will contribute to art and to this broad context in a unique way. ii. Underpinning ideas – discuss the ideas that underpin the project, including any problems or deep concerns that you seek to address. iii. Aims and research questions – list the questions driving the project and what your research aims to do. iv. Methodology – consider how you will pursue your research, including the role of your practice as research; if appropriate, outline the relationship between your practice and the written component. v. Research design – – describe how you will structure your research and anticipate the form that the final thesis will take, including any plans for the completion of artworks and writing; if appropriate, include chapter breakdowns.
 vi. Sources – include a list of relevant sources.

2.  Writing sample All applicants must include a sample of writing as part of your application. The sample of writing to be included depends on your thesis option:

• Practice-led Thesis: a short piece of academic writing of up to 2,000 words, which may be a short piece of writing addressing or contextualising your practice.
• Practice-related Thesis: a substantial piece of academic writing of around 8,000-10,000 words.
• Written Thesis: a substantial piece of academic writing of around 8,000-10,000.

3. Personal statement (maximum 1000 words) All applicants should include a personal statement that must include the following:

• Personal biography  – short biographical statement (100-150 words).
• Professional/Practitioner Experience  –  describe your background and interests leading up to the PhD.
• Practice  – describe your practice and how this relates to your research.
• Investment – account for your personal investment in this project and why you believe the work needs to be done.
• Capacity  – indicate your capacity to undertake a long-term research project and your willingness/ability to contribute fully to the research environment at the Slade, UCL and beyond .

4. CV All applicants must upload a copy of your CV.

Step 2: Submitting a Portfolio of Practice

If you are applying to take the practice-led or practice-related MPhil/PhD you must also submit a portfolio of up to fifteen images. Further details, and a link to the Slade’s online portfolio submission, will be sent to you once you have submitted the UCL MPhil/PhD application. Applications that do not submit the necessary portfolio– or do not have this in the correct format – will not be considered.

Practice portfolio (up to 15 images of work + related material, as appropriate) There should be only ONE image of work per page, with each image no larger than 5MB. For each image, you must indicate the following attributes:

• Date the work was made
• Materials used to produce the original piece
• Dimensions of original work in centimetres (cm) (e.g. for a painting, dimensions of 30 x 50cm)
• Short description (up to 150 words)

In addition:

• Applicants with time-based or performance elements to your work may include a URL link to a showreel (or upload a short video no larger than 450MB) with a maximum duration time of five minutes.
• All applicants are encouraged to include a URL link to a short video featuring pages from sketchbooks (or upload a short video no larger than 450MB) with a maximum duration time of 5 minutes.

Once you have submitted the application, you will receive an email from UCL inviting you to submit your portfolio. Please allow up to a week for this email to arrive.

Once you receive the portfolio submission request:

• Complete the first Microsoft Form. This will trigger a OneDrive folder to be created for you.
• You will receive an email with the link to your unique folder. Please read the instructions within the folder carefully and submit your portfolio.
• Complete the second Microsoft Form. This will close your folder and submit the portfolio to the Slade.
• Do not submit more than one portfolio.
• Candidates are instructed that videos should be no larger than 450mb each. The system will not process videos over 500mb.

Please leave yourself plenty of time to familiarise yourself with the instructions to upload your portfolio, if you choose to upload on 2 October, and if there are any errors you will not receive a notification informing you of this, as we will be receiving a high volume of portfolios and will not be able to contact you. It is strongly advised that you read/check the instructions carefully before starting to upload your portfolio . Please note, if you do not follow any of the steps/instructions when uploading your portfolio we will not able to process your application.

For applications for entry in September 2025, there is no portfolio handling fee.

MPhil/PhD Fine Art Applications

Shortlisting and interviews.

The PGR Admissions Tutor, Head of the Doctoral Programme and a small team of senior Slade staff meet to consider all applications and shortlist candidates.

Applications will be evaluated based on the quality of the artistic practice, research proposal and written submission along with the potential for the research to be supported within the research context of Slade/UCL, which includes a potential supervisory match.

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by a panel including the proposed supervisory team.

MPhil/PhD related admissions

MPhil/PhD Fine Art

The Slade School of Fine Art is an art school with an international outlook, part of UCL, London's global university. The Slade offers a thought-provoking and creative environment in which...

MPhil/PhD research

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MPhil/PhD FAQs

Fees and funding

Find out about fees funding, scholarships, prizes and bursaries.

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Fine Art MPhil, PhD

The internationally significant research profile of our staff and our excellent facilities provide a stimulating environment for practical or theoretical research.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

• September 2025
• January 2026

Our Fine Art/Art History research degrees at Newcastle involve:

• studio-based practice and research in Fine Art,
• research in Art History.

You'll engage in independent practice and research, with research support from our academic supervisor team. This team can also include academic supervisors from other areas of the university when appropriate.

To complete a practice-led based PhD, you'll produce a body of creative practice, together with a written text between 20,000 and 40,000 words.

A solely text-based Fine Art or Art History PhD would entail a thesis of between 80,000 - 100,000 words.

Both forms of the PhD should show evidence of originality and be suitable for publication.

All our staff are practicing artists and art historians. We offer supervision in a wide range of contemporary art practices:

• digital cultures
• art history

As a PhD student you'll also be allocated office or studio space.

We'll support you to produce work and research that makes an important contribution to your field of practice, including:

• digital, sound and time-based art
• performance
• photography
• printmaking
• installation
• film/moving image/video
• art writing

We encourage you to take advantage of the research and practice expertise of our fine art staff. Please ensure your research proposal is compatible with our expertise by reviewing our academic staff research interests

At the School of Arts and Cultures  you can collaborate with theorists and practitioners from disciplines including:

• digital media
• museum and heritage studies
• media and cultural studies
• film practice

You'll benefit from the resources and opportunities available through the  Institute for Creative Arts Practice . You'll also have access to the expertise within  Culture Lab . This is a multi-user digital media facility that supports interdisciplinary research at the interface of art, digital cultures, computing, humanities and science.

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

Qualifications explained.

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.

How you'll learn

The Fine Art MPhil can be practice-led or theoretical, with a final text submission of no more than 40,000 words, or an equivalent combination of studio practice and text. You are expected to complete your submission within two years full-time or four years part time.

The Fine Art PhD can be practice-led or solely text-based. The final submission for a practice-led PhD is a combination of an exhibition of creative work made over the period of study and a thesis. The thesis would typically be between 20,000 and 40,000 words. A text based PhD is submitted as a thesis of 80,000 words. The submission is expected to take place between three or four years of study full time, or six years part time.

For both research degrees you'll be supported by a supervisory team, comprising at least two members of staff with expertise in your area. Your supervisory team can include expertise from across a wide range of disciplines within the School and University, as appropriate.

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Design or creative project

The creative project will be in the form of an exhibition

Our mission is to help you:

• stay healthy, positive and feeling well
• overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
• get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
• carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
• understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

• research and professional skills
• careers support
• health and safety
• public engagement
• academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

Your development

You'll be encouraged to attend and make presentations at our regular fine art postgraduate seminars. These sessions aim to enhance research skills and encourage intellectual and practical exchange between you and our academic staff and visiting artists. You can also engage with research across the University to increase your awareness of cross-disciplinary potential and impact potential of your own research.

Fine art staff will encourage and support you to present at national and international conferences. You'll also be able to maintain and develop your professional career through exhibiting, networking and other activities.

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) researcher development programme 

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:

• perform better as a researcher
• boost your career prospects
• broaden your impact

Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.

You’ll cover:

• techniques for effective research
• methods for better collaborative working
• essential professional standards and requirements

Your researcher development programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Find out more about the Researcher Education and Development programme

Doctoral training and partnerships

There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:

• Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
• Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:

• they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
• you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
• they’re often interdisciplinary
• your PhD may be funded

If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.

The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:

• Northern Bridge Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

School of Arts and Cultures

Our School is in the top five of all UK art schools. We're concerned with the education and training of artists, together with the associated discourses around the practice, exhibition, history and theory of art.

We're home to a wide variety of courses from music, media and cultural studies, digital media, and museum, gallery and heritage studies. We can offer you exciting possibilities for:

• collaboration
• interdisciplinary practice

Learn more about the facilities available to you

Based in the heart of the city centre campus, the  is consistently rated in the top five of all UK art schools.

We're specifically concerned with the education and training of artists, together with the associated discourses around the practice, exhibition, history and theory of art.

We're part of the School of Arts and Cultures, which is home to a wide variety of courses including:

• museum, gallery and heritage studies

There is the potential for interdisciplinary practice, research and engagement within the School of Arts and Cultures, and through university centres such as:

• the  Culture Lab
• the  Institute for Creative Arts Practice

We provide dedicated and well-resourced workshops (all with full technical support) and student studios. We offer:

• purpose-built painting, sculpture, printmaking and digital media studios
• 24/7 access to the studios
• Wood, Metal, Casting, Digital, and Ceramics workshops

Our facilities also include:

• designated gallery and project spaces
• seminar rooms
• large lecture theatre

All students have the use of the award-winning  Peter Robinson Library  and computer clusters around the University.

We're based in the same building as the  Hatton Gallery . This is one of the largest exhibition spaces in North East England. It accommodates both student shows and large touring exhibitions. The  Hatton's permanent collection  consists of works of art from five centuries and includes the Elterwater Merzbarn construction by Kurt Schwitters.

Find out more about our facilities

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year), home fees for research degree students.

For 2024-25 entry, we have aligned our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee was confirmed in Spring 2024 by UKRI.

For 2025-26 entry, we will be aligning our standard  Home research fees  with those set by  UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee will be confirmed in Spring 2025 by UKRI.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB) Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

• How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

• Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Dr Ed Juler Lecturer in Art History School of Arts and Cultures Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 7377 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

Keep updated

We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.

Receive regular updates by email

Chat to a student

Chat online with current students with our Unibuddy platform.

Social Media 

Get involved with the School of Arts and Cultures social media. 

• How You'll Learn
• Your Development
• Your Future
• Quality and Ranking
• Fees and Funding
• Entry Requirements
• Open days & events

Clearing is now open. Call to find your place: 01604 214808 .

What are you looking for?

• Fine Art MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published works
• Courses by subject

Postgraduate PG PhD

MPhil: Full Time 12 months - 3 years or Part Time 30 months - 5 years PhD: Full Time 2 years - 4 years or Part Time 3 years - 6 years PhD by Published Works: Part Time 1 year - 2 years

October and March

Updated 10/09/2024

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK/EU STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

[email protected] 0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

[email protected] 44 (0)1604 892134

The University of Northampton offers a choice of study within this Fine Art MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published Works, which includes Practiced Based in the Arts. The MPhil/PhD Fine Art is a research project, which may involve your already-established practice or may require the development of new modes of practice specific to the project. The programme offers an excellent route to expand your knowledge and research skills. We offer a supportive, stimulating, and creative environment in which to develop your doctoral research. We welcome applications from graduates in Fine Art or a similar discipline, with a wide range of backgrounds, here in the UK and internationally.

Find out more about the Research Centre for Art and Design .

• Social and participatory art practices
• Photographic and moving image practices
• Artist’s Book and Photobook practices
• Advance to the highest quality of research in Fine Art that demonstrates ambition, breadth of vision and creativity
• Enable you to further your aspirations as a practicing artist
• Encourage your practice, art and writing, to make an original contribution to knowledge, and to further understanding through the processes of research
• Access to a diversity of research outputs including the visual and verbal (exhibitions, events, performances, collaborations, publications, conferences)
• Affirm the importance of Fine Art research whilst also exploring the possibilities of inter-disciplinary research with other departments and faculties at UON
• Opportunity to contribute to the research culture of the Research Centre for Art and Design and the wider UON community and to exchange ways of working, thinking, doing and being
• Encouraged sharing of research with national and international research institutions and the wider publics

Entry Requirements

We expect all applicants to have a good first degree at 2.1 or 1:1 Honours degree from a UK university (or equivalent), and usually to have a Masters degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent research experience).

We accept a wide range of international qualifications and require applicants to be suitably proficient in spoken and written English.

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. These applications are considered on an individual basis.

All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.

All students whose first language is not English must reach a satisfactory level of proficiency in English language before starting their studies at the University of Northampton.

You will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of  7.0 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.5  to study this programme.  Applications with IELTS lower than 5.5 in all components will not be considered.

Various English language qualifications are acceptable.

All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:

• successful interview by the University
• suitable Research Supervision Support

For Additional information on how to apply to study with us, how to find a potential Supervisor and what documents are required as part of the application process, please see our How to Apply page .

More detailed information about research degrees is available on our Postgraduate Research information page .

Upcoming Open Days

Open Days give you the best experience and insight to courses, people and facilities that interest you. Make your choice easier and come meet us.

Course Content

The Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology at the University of Northampton is committed to supporting and developing art research of the highest quality in the areas of Fine Art, Painting, Drawing and art practices across disciplines.

We welcome proposals for research in any area of fine art.  We give priority to those with proposals for research within the areas of interest of our staff.

This Fine Art PhD programme is a way for you to develop your specialism and improve your technical skills.

While developing and setting up research projects, you will initially receive general, discipline based and project specific training so that you can go on to conduct your research work effectively and independently. When you finish this course, you will be able to find research and development roles within the industry or progress into an academic career or enter business at a managerial level.

Every research student has a supervisory team, and you will be supervised throughout your project by artists and theorists who are specialists in their areas of research, who are experienced at supervising PhD level projects and who will advise you on what additional activities you need to complete to achieve your goals. The exact structure of your supervision will be determined by the nature of your project and through discussion with your supervisory team; however, it is expected that you will maintain regular contact with your supervisors throughout the research project.

Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

You will need to submit the following documents with your application:

• a 1000 word research proposal – please view the guidance notes on how to write a proposal for a research degree
• two references
• photocopies or scans of your undergraduate degree certificate and transcript
• photocopies or scans of your Masters certificate and transcript
• evidence of English language ability (where English is not the first language)
• change of name document if your application and certificates are in different names
• Passport, if you are applying for off-site study
• a document of 750 – 1000 words demonstrating a case for the published works as a coherent programme of research, making an original contribution to the present state of knowledge
• a statement of the review processes of journals (or equivalent) in which the work has been published
• a copy of the first page of each of the works
• statements from co-authors on the extent of your contribution to the research where appropriate

Fees and Funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees

Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) practice based in the Arts, Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

• UK – Full Time: £5,500
• UK – Part Time: £2,775
• International – Full Time: £15,950
• International – Part Time: £7,450

Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by Means of Published Works

• UK – Part Time: £3,500
• International – Part Time: £7,650
• UK – Full Time: £5,340
• UK – Part Time: £2,695
• International – Full Time: £15,480
• International – Part Time: £7,245
• UK – Part Time: £3,400
• International – Part Time: £7,460

2023/24 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

Professor in the History of Radicalism & Extremism Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Paul Jackson

Professor of Art and the Public Sphere Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Andrew Hewitt

Senior Lecturer - Painting Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Michael Evans

Senior Lecturer in Photography Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Careers and Employability

Successful defence of the final thesis will provide the researcher with the highest qualification that any UK university can award and offer an excellent opportunity to move into higher management positions within the industry. Our students have progressed to a wide range of areas. Many have continued to develop their practice as an artist whilst some have moved into academic research related to their topic. Others have gone on to take up roles in cultural organisations, teaching and the creative industries.

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MPhil/PhD Art

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

Professor Michael Newman as admissions tutor will be holding two online pre-application briefing sessions for applicants to the programme. He will give an overview of the application process, indicate available funding options, and will be able to answer queries. The sessions will take place on:

• Wednesday 24 July, 3pm–4pm
• Wednesday 18 September, 3pm–4pm

If you are interested in attending, please  email Professor Newman to register and he will send you the meeting link.

We support innovative art research in fine art, curating, art writing and across disciplines.

• The MPhil/PhD Art is a 3-4 year (full-time) or 6-8 year (part-time) research project, the pursuit of which may involve your already established practice or may require the development of new modes of practice specific to the project.
• Research degrees in this department have two elements: the research work that you carry out individually under supervision, and a programme of seminars and installations that bring you into dialogue with other research students and a wider community inside and outside Goldsmiths.
• We welcome proposals for research in any area of fine art, curating and art writing. We give priority to those with proposals for research within the areas of interest of  our staff .

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Programme Director Dr Edgar Schmitz or pre-application adviser, Professor Michael Newman .

3-4 years full-time or 6-8 years part-time

Home - full-time: £4786 Home - part-time: £2393 International - full-time: £24400

You'll research

Programme pathways.

Within the overarching programme of MPhil/PhD in Art, there are three different pathways for undertaking doctoral research:

Pathway 1: Thesis by Practice (with written critical account of research)

The thesis comprises a substantial body of studio practice, curatorial practice and/or art writing practice, presented as an integrated whole. This is accompanied by a considered form of documentation, as appropriate to the project, and a written component of approximately 20,000-40,000 words for PhD (10,000-20,000 words for MPhil) offering a critical account of the research. Read the programme specification for more information.

Pathway 2: Thesis by Practice and Written Dissertation 

The thesis comprises a body of studio practice, curatorial practice and/or art writing practice and a written dissertation of 40,000-80,000 words for PhD (20,000-40,000 for MPhil), presented together as an integrated whole. The thesis will be accompanied by a considered form of documentation, as appropriate to the project. Read the programme specification for more information.

Pathway 3: Thesis by Written Dissertation

The thesis comprises a written dissertation of 80,000-100,000 words for PhD (40,000-50,000 words for MPhil), presented as an integrated whole. Read the programme specification for more information.

Research students will start on one of these three pathways when they apply and may change to a different option only up until the time of Upgrade.

Supervision

Every research student has a supervisory team consisting of a Primary Supervisor and a Second Supervisor. As we encourage and support interdisciplinary research, many of our research students have Second Supervisors in another Department.

The exact structure of your supervision will be determined by the nature of your project and through discussion with your supervisory team. However, it is expected that you will maintain regular contact with your supervisors throughout the research project

Facilities and support

The Department of Art has 11 specialist art practice areas providing support for a wide variety of processes that complement and extend traditional disciplines, such as metalwork, casting, woodwork, ceramics, textiles, print, photography, 3D printing, graphics, video editing, animation and 3D modelling. Find out more about the art practice areas .

Full-time students have access to studio space and all MPhil/PhD students may make use of bookable spaces subject to availability, and we encourage regularly exhibiting practice-based work. A programme of installations acts as a means of public engagement with research projects.

Research degrees are supported by further courses and professional development provided by the  Graduate School . 

The Department of Art has 11 specialist art practice areas including casting (above), metal, constructed textiles, and fine art print.

The large textiles print and dye art practice area.

Programme activities

Induction week.

A series of events and activities for all incoming MPhil/PhD research students at Goldsmiths is organised by the Graduate School as part of Induction Week. The Department of Art hosts a specific induction session for all incoming art research students, who are also invited to attend a day of public presentations by current research students.

Research Presentation Seminars

The intention of the Research Presentation Seminars is to probe and develop your research project as it progresses through various stages. In this respect, the seminars can be formative and generative, open to questions, debates and problems, or they can be presentations of preliminary outputs or findings.

Academic Practice Workshops

Each of these workshops is dedicated to a key element of research and/or professional practice. Our training is responsive to the current concerns of postgraduate research in fine art, curating and art writing.

Subjects covered in previous years are indicative of the scope of these workshops:

• The relationship of a ‘question’ to a research project – for example, can we understand practice as a mode of responding to questions?
• The role of ethics in research
• The relevance of interdisciplinary or ‘inventive’ methods for research
• How to explore validity and sufficiency in practice-based research
• The communication of research and the Contextual Review as part of doctoral research
• Heterogeneity in research outputs – for example, the affordances of the exhibition, the website, the book, etc
• Documentation and the importance of sequence, narrative, detail, speculation
• The generation of publics in research dissemination

Installations

If you are a research student on one of the practice options, you are required to install your practice by means of a public-facing exhibition at least twice during your time on the programme. The installation is an opportunity to make public the practice component of the research in relation to the overarching claims and written components of your thesis, to test their boundaries, or to investigate how to productively disregard such categorisations.

Spring Review Sessions

Scheduled in Term 3, the Spring Review Sessions are an opportunity to monitor progress and support research students at formative stages throughout the project.

Postgraduate Talks Series

The Art Department Postgraduate Talks Series is geared toward the MFA and MPhil/PhD cohorts. The series is informed by and informs ongoing discussions within the PhD research environment.

Contemporary Artist Talks

The Contemporary Artist Talks series runs throughout the year, showcasing prominent national and international artists.

Student research projects and work

Find out more about the work above by exploring the research projects of some of our students:

• Clémentine Bedos
• Sophie Williamson

You can also explore the work of other current MPhil and PhD students and that of our past research students .

Our researchers have been successful in many fields including galleries, museums, education, the media, the music business and academia. Many have continued to be successful, practising artists long after graduating, and have won major prizes and exhibited around the world.

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: £24400

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/ahrc doctoral studentships .

Fully-funded studentships are available to research students via the CHASE Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). Find out more more about the CHASE/AHRC Doctoral Studentship competition . 

Generation Delta Studentships 

Fully-funded studentships are available to research students via the Generation Delta studentship scheme. Find out more more about the Generation Delta Studentship competition .

ESRC/SENSS Doctoral Studentships

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

Goldsmiths scholarships and studentships

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

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.

Paying your fees

Find out about paying your tuition fees .

Entry requirements

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

• A 2:1 or 1:1 honours degree (or equivalent)
• Usually a Masters degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent research experience)

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  6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0  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.

Across the three recruitment strands, we recommend you follow these steps for the application process:

Check staff research interests

Firstly you should check our staff research interests to see if the Department of Art is the right one for you and whether a member of staff matches your research interests. You should then contact appropriate staff members who you think match your area of research to enquire whether or not they are interested in supervising your research. The University of London requires that students have two supervisors and we prefer applicants to have identified two supervisors in advance.

If you are unable to do this, please indicate an appropriate supervisor from the Department’s staff list. Nominating supervisors indicates that you have a good grasp of your research and helps us to direct your application to appropriate members of staff and in determining a good match between your research and the Department.

Please note that some staff may not be available if they have reached a maximum number of MPhil/PhD students.

Develop and write a research proposal

Next you should start to develop a research proposal and determine which pathway is right for your project.

The proposal should describe the programme of enquiry and investigation you anticipate pursuing with us. We recognise that your research direction is likely to change and become more detailed as you progress, so the proposal should be considered a starting point. Nonetheless, 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.

The research proposal should be no more than 3,000 words, and must include all the following information:

• Title of project – Be as clear and concise as you can (we know this is provisional)
• Keywords – Three or four words relating to your project
• Thesis option – Indicate whether you will be applying for Thesis by Practice, Thesis by Practice and Written Dissertation, or Thesis by Dissertation
• Names of intended supervisors
• Background and research questions – You should identify the broad field of study, your intervention into this, and how your proposal will offer an original contribution. Identify any deep concern or problem driving your research and why it is important to pursue this. Typically, applicants highlight the research questions by way of three or four bullet points.
• Role of writing and research methods – You should indicate how the written component of your chosen pathway will enable you to address your research questions. Please state why the chosen pathway is suitable for this project and what research methods you will use.
• Stages of research and schedule – This should include an indicative timetable for the completion of artworks, exhibitions, written works, etc.
• References – Include a list of works cited, in a standard format such as Harvard, listing any books and articles to which you refer in the proposal as well as other sources, such as artworks. This is indicative, not exhaustive.

In addition, if you are applying for practice-based pathways you must include:

• Approach to practice-led research – You should describe how you understand the ways in which the methods/forms of your current practice function as research, and how the planned methods/forms will function to answer your research questions (no more than 700 words)

Read our general advice on writing a research proposal .

Write a personal statement

In addition to your research proposal, you will be asked to submit a personal statement at the time of your application. This should be no more than 1,500 words. The personal statement must include all of the following information:

• Brief biography – A short biographical statement
• Research background – Identify how your professional or other experience has prepared you for this research
• Motivations and capacity – Provide a brief statement about your motivations for embarking on an MPhil/PhD, and your capacity to undertake a long-term research project

Read our general  advice on writing a personal statement .

Make a formal application

If the member(s) of staff you have contacted is interested in supervising you then the next step is to make a formal application via the Goldsmiths online application system . On your application, you should name the supervisors who have indicated their willingness to supervise you.

You should upload the following materials under 'Other documents':

• Research proposal (3,000 words) – including your approach to practice-led research , if required
• Personal statement (1,500 words)
• Writing sample (2,000-5,000 words) – A sample of academic writing, such as an essay, an extract from your MA dissertation, or a piece of published writing
• Practice portfolio – If your research involves practice, you should include examples of your recent work in an appropriately documented form; we would prefer an annotated portfolio in the form of a PDF (10 pages maximum)
• CV – A full CV, which includes the classes of your educational degrees
• Transcript – 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)

Once you submit your application it goes to Goldsmiths' central Admissions Office and is subsequently sent out to the Department of Art’s admissions group for a first-pass review before it gets sent to the nominated supervisors.

We will email you a decision as to whether or not you have been selected for interview or if you have been accepted or rejected. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive, we are not able to offer feedback on unsuccessful applications.

Find out more about applying for a postgraduate research degree .

Dr Edgar Schmitz

Reader in Fine Art

Edgar Schmitz works on developing modes of withdrawal, (in)animacy, and the materialities of the choreographic.

Professor Michael Newman

Professor of Art Writing

Michael is Professor of art writing and has curated exhibitions in Toronto, New York, Edinburgh and London.

We have a dedicated team of staff who work on the PhD Programme, including Dr Edgar Schmitz and Professor Michael Newman, above.

All members of staff in the Department of Art are available to supervise PhDs. Please see our staff page for more information about individual staff and their research interests.

Other involvement

Members of staff in the Department of Art as well as from other departments at Goldsmiths are involved in many of the programme activities. External guests are also invited to participate, including running the Skills Workshops.

Throughout the course of your research, it may be possible to have ‘ad-hoc tutorials’ with members of Goldsmiths staff and external artists and academics in order to key into particular expertise and support your research.

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Similar programmes.

MFA Fine Art

Our MFA programme aims to strengthen your motivation, self-reflection and ambition as an emerging artist. We do this by subjecting art-making to intense critical scrutiny.

MFA Curating

The MFA Curating at Goldsmiths is designed for students who wish to take up the challenge of artistic, social and critical curating with a contemporary approach to the subject. It also helps students to develop their professional practice.

MA Artists' Film & Moving Image

This 12-month, intensively taught practice-based Masters is aimed at artists and graduates working within the field of artists’ film and moving image who wish to develop their practice and professional networks with the support of Goldsmiths' Art Department and its uniquely high concentration of accomplished artist filmmakers.

MA Art & Ecology

This is a 15-month studio-based postgraduate programme for emerging artists who want to engage in meaningful and transformative ways with the most pressing ecological questions of our time.

• Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
• School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies
• Research degrees

Practice-based research degrees (PhD/MPhil)

If you want to pursue your chosen area of research through practice, we offer supervision for fine art practice-led PhD and MPhil degrees.

You will produce a body of work which demonstrates an original contribution to knowledge and scholarship. This will comprise a substantial creative practice that you will produce during your degree, which displays critical understanding and is worthy of public presentation or publication.

You will also produce a written submission, through which you will explore your research questions(s) and will indicate how the research is embodied in your practice.

Entry requirements

To undertake a practice-led research degree with us, you will need a Masters degree in Fine Art (or an equivalent qualification or level of experience) and wish to pursue a supervised programme of independent research in which theoretical and historical enquiry underpins practice-based research.

Final submission

Your final submission can take the form of an exhibition or performance (for example) that is appropriate to your research.

You will also create an accompanying text of 15,000 to 50,000 words, which will represent the theoretical component of the PhD and will provide both the historical context and a critical commentary.

A permanent record of your exhibition and the preceding works and theoretical reflections must meet the University's library and archiving requirements.

For a practice-led MPhil degree, you will submit up to 50,000 words, resulting from a period of supervised research.

Fees and funding

We offer a number of funding opportunities for postgraduate researchers. 

How to apply

As part of the application process, you will be required to submit with the online applications form:

• a research proposal with a provisional bibliography;
• an online portfolio of work;
• two academic references;
• transcripts;
• proof of English language ability (if applicable);
• a CV and degree certificates.

More information is available on our ‘ how to apply ’ section.

Further information

If you have any questions about our practice-led research degrees, contact [email protected].

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Research ( full-time, part-time)

January, April, September

Distance-learning supervision available on this course.

This programme is located in Cambridge School of Art. Find out more about our research .

For application deadlines  visit our how to apply page .

Our research degree will allow you to explore your own interests in fine art - from history of art to painting and printmaking - supported by the expertise of our staff at Cambridge School of Art.

Full description

Informed by your particular discipline, you’ll critically contextualise your work, clarifying both theoretical and practical research-based enquiries, and producing distinctive contributions to the research field.

You’ll be allocated two supervisors, with additional staff members available if necessary. Our supervisors are experienced in most areas of contemporary fine art, including recent issues in painting and the expanded field of contemporary practice; objects, installation and the virtual; interdisciplinary work with sound and video; performance art practices and their relationship to liveness and documentation; the interdisciplinary nature of printmaking; and landscape, mapping and ambulatory practices.

At Cambridge School of Art, you’ll be part of a vibrant and growing community of researchers at PhD level . We provide various research forums that accentuate the discursive and interdisciplinary nature of research, including the Fine Art Research Unit (FARU), which holds regular seminars and informal presentations for postgraduate and research students, and the StoryLab Research Institute .

At our FARU sessions you can present your work-in-progress, as well as hearing staff-led papers and engaging in discussions on our current research and related topics. You’ll benefit from our strong links with institutions in the UK and abroad, including Kettle's Yard , Cambridge Arts Picturehouse and the Cambridgeshire Film Consortium ; Tate Britain , Tate Modern , Camberwell College of Arts and Central St Martins in London; ERBA Valence and ENSA Bourges , France. You’ll also have access to many exhibition and conference opportunities.

Completion times MPhil: full-time 1-3 years, part-time 2-4 years.

PhD via progression from MPhil, including that period: full-time 2.5-5 years, part-time 3.5-6 years.

PhD: full-time 2-4 years, part-time 3-6 years.

For further guidance on the duration of research degrees please refer to the Research Degrees Regulations .

PhD project opportunities

in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences

Fine Art Research Unit

World-leading research at ARU

StoryLab Research Institute

Cambridge School of Art research

Supervision and support

You’ll be supervised and supported by staff who have published and exhibited nationally and internationally. Our publications include: La Peinure Presque Abstraite (Arles, 2009); Rob Holyhead Paintings (Riding House, 2009), Ashgate Research Companion to Experimental Music (2009); Reconstructing the Old House catalogue (2009); and Environmental Apocalypse in Science and Art (Routledge, 2013). Our exhibitions include Rob Holyhead, Karsten Schubert, London; David Ryan in De la Warr Pavilion, Bexhill (2010); 'Crossing Abstraction', Kunstraum Bethianen, Berlin (2009); and Benet Spencer in Reconstructing the Old House, Nunnery Gallery, London (2009).

Our staff’s expertise includes:

Veronique Chance : photography, video and print media and intermedial/performative approaches to these, through shared language and the deployment of technology.

Elena Cologni : research as art practice methodologies, participatory and dialogic approaches in art, site responsive practices, eco feminism and female environmental art practices, interdisciplinary approaches through art in relation to cognition, place attachment, processes of memorisation, care ethics and well-being.

Robert Holyhead : recent abstract painting; relationship of painting to exhibition practices and installation.

Dr Nina Lübbren : nineteenth-century and early-twentieth-century art, art and the fantastic, Bollywood cinema, visual narratives.

Martin Salisbury : children's book illustration, painting for exhibition, the study of theory and practice in illustration.

Benet Spencer : contemporary attitudes in painting; relation of painting to architectural practices.

Where you'll research

Your department and faculty.

At Cambridge School of Art, we combine the traditions of our past with the possibilities afforded by the latest technologies.

Using our expertise and connections in Cambridge and beyond, we nurture creativity through experimentation and risk-taking to empower the makers and creators of the future.

Our academics excel at both practice and theory, making a real impact in their chosen fields, whether they are curating exhibitions, designing book covers or photographing communities in Africa. They are also regularly published in catalogues, books, journals and conference papers, their research classed as being of ‘international standing’, with some elements ‘world-leading’, in the most recent Research Excellence Framework.

• Visit your department

Where can I study?

Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

Explore our Cambridge campus

Specialist facilities

You’ll have the chance to work in our printmaking and sculpture workshops, photography dark rooms, life drawing studio, and computer suites for video production and digital imaging, as well as four Mac suites with Adobe Creative Suite software and high-quality 27-inch monitors.

You’ll also have access to the world-famous University of Cambridge Library as well as our own campus library resources, and local art galleries like Kettle's Yard . And you’ll be able to use our Faculty’s PhD room, where all our doctoral students can meet up to work and take an active part in our postgraduate student community.

Fees & funding

Course fees, uk students, 2024/25 (per year).

£4,786

UK students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year)

£2,392

International students, 2024/25 (per year)

£15,900

International students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year)

£7,950

In some cases extra costs known as bench fees will be charged for a postgraduate research degree. These are to cover additional/exceptional costs directly related to a specific research project.

Some examples of these costs are (the list is not exhaustive): equipment hire, access costs to specialist equipment/workshops, volunteer expenses, specialist tissue/cell culture, specialist reagents or materials, specialist software, access to specialist databases, data collection costs, specialist media, recording or digital storage needs.

We charge bench fees in bands. They may apply for every year of your course. These bands are the same for full- and part-time students.

If you have to pay bench fees this will be made clear at your interview, and stated in your offer letter.

For 2024/25 the bench fee bands are:

£1,200

• £2,200
• £4,500
• £8,900

PhD by Published Work

Initial registration: £1,500 Full registration: £4,500

Writing up fees 2024/25

How do i pay my fees.

You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in instalments – though you won't need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees .

For advice on the Doctoral Loan and other sources of funding, including ARU scholarships, visit our finance guide for postgraduate researchers .

You might also find The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding helpful.

ARU research

ARU's academic excellence was recognised in 2021, as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise which assesses the quality of academic research. Sixteen areas of our work were classed as generating world-leading research . The results showed that we're making a significant impact on the societies we live in.

We’ll provide you with many opportunities for career development and training, and encourage you to get involved with external activities like exhibiting, curating, conference organisation and giving papers.

All your subject-specific studies will be enhanced and supported by our University-wide training sessions, where you’ll gain important research expertise in areas like ethics, presentations, intellectual property and digital scholarship.

In conjunction with University research support, you can request specific support for writing-up, conference papers, general research methods and other research skills if you need it.

Contact details

If you're interested in finding out more about research study opportunities in this area, please email [email protected] .

MPhil or PhD with progression from MPhil: You’ll need a Bachelors degree or  equivalent with first or upper second class honours, in a related subject area.

PhD: You’ll need a Masters degree or equivalent  in a related subject area.

Please note we consider candidates for PhD with progression from MPhil in the first instance. If you want to be considered for direct entry to the PhD route then this can be discussed at interview if you are shortlisted. Please note you’ll also need to provide academic justification for this request.

You'll be required to submit a portfolio of your practical work to date as part of your application.

If English is not your first language, you'll require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test). If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.

Important additional notes

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the programme as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Contact our postgraduate research degree team  for more information about studying a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate at ARU.

You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your research programme.

Suggested courses that may interest you

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Doctorate in Fine Art

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School of study	School of Creative Arts

Normally a postgraduate degree in a relevant subject, IELTS 6.5 minimum for non-native English speakers.

To apply, we ask you to develop a project proposal of 1000 words which outlines your research. This should demonstrate knowledge of existing practice and literature related to your field of interest, an indication of research questions, some thought about research methods and how your own project will make an original contribution to the wider field of practice and research. You will need to identify the broad subject area of your research, and the professional context in which your questions or issues arise and describe who is interested in these questions and who may benefit from your research.  

For advice on writing your proposal for entry, please see our  latest proposal writing guidelines .

About the course

The Doctorate in Fine Art (DFA) is aimed at practicing artists and art educators working in various Art & Design disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Photography, film and video art
• Performance art
• Applied arts
• Digital media art

The DFA is a structured doctorate that can be undertaken part-time using a combination of online and on-campus research activities and supervision. This allows candidates to study in their home countries and to attend at the University only once per year. Candidates can also choose to attend for blocks of full-time study at the University, thereby shortening the overall duration of their studies, and playing an active role in the university’s research community.

The course philosophy is that practice and research cannot be separated. Candidates will be expected to continue with their art practice and to bring this to bear upon the research questions in the professional doctorate. The research output will include a written thesis alongside an exhibited body of art practice.

The programme offers expert supervision for your personal projects, and leads to high level innovative practice and a sound understanding of the artist as researcher. Students will have access to fully equipped workshops and technical support, and will have opportunities to engage with established research communities while they are on campus. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Teaching methods

The course begins with a series of online study and research skills, which provide a thorough grounding in the philosophical and theoretical issues surrounding notions of so-called practice-based research and the relationship between academic and professional values. At the end of Year 1 when this Phase has been successfully completed, the candidate then undertakes an individual supervised research project in his or her own professional discipline. During this second Phase there are online study materials and structured learning experiences that guide the candidate towards the presentation of a comprehensive outline of the doctoral research. Once the second Phase has been successfully completed (normally during Year 3), the candidate focuses on the production of a written thesis and accompanying artefacts that communicate the content of the research project. Throughout the whole programme we expect both practice and theoretical research to be completely integrated.

Course experts

Dr Alana Jelinek Find out more about Dr Alana Jelinek

Professor Grace Lees-Maffei Find out more about Professor Grace Lees-Maffei

Dr Laura Mee Find out more about Dr Laura Mee

Dr Pat Simpson Find out more about Dr Pat Simpson

Rob Godman Find out more about Rob Godman

Ms Samantha Jury Find out more about Ms Samantha Jury

Dr Silvio Carta Director of the Professional Doctorates in Fine Arts (DFA) and Design (DDes)

Professor Simeon Nelson Find out more about Professor Simeon Nelson

Dr Steven Adams Find out more about Dr Steven Adams

Professor Timothy Blinko Find out more about Professor Timothy Blinko

What’s next for my career?

• Outcomes include both written thesis and artworks.
• Part-time doctorate that can be undertaken by candidates based overseas via a virtual research environment, with attendance on campus once a year.
• Directly addresses the international debate concerning the nature of research in creative areas.
• Equips candidates with a range of conceptual and practical skills.
• Structured assignments providing a thorough grounding in practice-led research and the relationship between academic and professional values individual supervised research in the candidate’s own area of professional expertise.
• Individual supervised research in the candidate’s own area of professional expertise.
• Leads to an internationally recognised UK doctorate in Fine Art.

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
01/09/2025	31/07/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus
01/09/2025	31/07/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus

Course fees

• Research degree fees for UK and EU students
• Research degree fees for international students

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You are viewing this course for September start 2024

Qualification

Course duration.

The School of Art at Aberystwyth University offers a three-year PhD in either Fine Art or Art History. 

The courses are designed for students who seek to undertake sustained study to generate original research in a specified field.

The teaching of art at Aberystwyth is now in its 90th year and our splendidly restored Edwardian building celebrates its centenary. The School is well equipped with large studios, print workshops, darkrooms, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, a MacSuite, galleries, archive room and Museum. 

Set in its own grounds, this Edwardian listed building was completely refurbished in 1993 and adapted to meet the needs of today’s fine art education, while retaining many of its original features. As such, it is an elegant symbol of our aim to marry tradition with contemporaneity.

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements MA Art History, or equivalent, and submission of a satisfactory portfolio.

English Language Requirements IELTS 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent

Other Requirements Applicants should submit a full research proposal at the point of application

Fees and Finance

Use the postgraduate Funding and Scholarship Calculator to find possible funding opportunities.

Course Overview

Areas of study

We offer a stimulating environment for postgraduate study and research in both fine art and art history. We are committed to art as an intellectual pursuit and a professional discipline; one which requires training, skill and practice as well as individual creativity. Students are chosen for their appropriateness to the professional and research interest of staff, and much of the tuition is by means of regular individual tutorials. Students are assigned to a supervisor and a particular area of study in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Book Illustration, Photography or Art History.

Art History Research Areas

• European art and visual culture since 1700, especially British and French
• Art in Wales
• History of printmaking, book illustration or photography
• Curating and collecting practices
• Ephemera as documents of everyday life
• Narrative and narratology.

Fine Art Research Areas

• Book Illustration
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Interdisciplinary practice (video, sound, installation and site-specific performance).

About this course

Duration of the PhD programmes

For PhD, duration is three years full-time or five years if taken part-time. For the three-year scheme candidates have a further two years in which to submit, and for the five-year scheme, a further four years in which to submit.

Modules September start - 2024

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Module Name	Module Code	Credit Value
	PGM0210	10
	PGM0410	10

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Teaching & Learning

Your study will advance through individual tutorials with a supervisor with whom you negotiate an action plan and a programme of independent research. The PhD is assessed by informed peer consensus on the project. You will be required to articulate a defence of your thesis with regard to its scope, depth and relevance in a viva voce.

Art History

The PhD in Art History is undertaken by a 100,000 word dissertation. The topics available for research supervision are listed under Areas of Study. The dissertation is intended for students who wish to pursue a protracted and sustained study of Art History with a view to producing original research in a specified area. You and your supervisor will determine a pattern for study, the submission of written work, and tutorials. Study is undertaken through supervision in the context of one-to-one tutorials, research seminars, supported study in research, writing, and oral delivery, independent study, and essays or projects.

 The PhD in Fine Art recognises and awards intellectual endeavour in fine art practice comparable to that demonstrated through the PhD in Art History. It represents an independent and original contribution to knowledge of, and a permanent record of creative work in, Fine Art. The mode of study comprises: a substantial creative product (Exhibition and Supporting Work) set in a relevant theoretical, historical, critical and visual context; a written component (Dissertation = 30,000–40,000 words and Catalogue = 2,500–5,000 words) of equal importance to the body of creative work, recording and demonstrating a critical, historical, and diagnostic grasp of appropriate research methods and outcomes of the process and product. The PhD in Fine Art is assessed by an informed peer consensus on the mastery of the subject, of analytical breadth and depth, together with the communication of this mastery within the contribution and its defence in appropriate forms.

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Art and creative practices PhD

The University of Brighton is a creative and intellectually vibrant focus for a PhD in art and creative practices.

The School of Art and Media in Brighton has a long history of internationally-recognised work, has been a pioneer of practice-based and inter-disciplinary methods, and joins with other disciplinary areas to offer expert supervision.  

Past successes in PhD in Art and Creative Practices at the University of Brighton include PhDs in the areas of fine art, illustration, graphic design, visual communication, photography and film, digital and interactive arts, 3D design and craft, fashion and textiles, design and communication, drawing on the staff of different schools and sharing a creative vision and ethos that permeates the whole university.

Apply to 'Arts' on our PhD portal

Apply with us for funding through the AHRC Techne Doctoral Training Partnership

Key information

As an Art and Creative Practices PhD student, you will benefit from

• a supervisory team comprising 2-3 members of academic staff. Depending on your research specialism you may also have an additional external supervisor from another school, research institution, or industry
• access to and induction to research approaches from a variety of related fields, including social science, environmental science, media, design and the humanities
• access to a range of electronic resources via the university’s Online Library, as well as to the physical book and journal collections housed within the university libraries
• a range of colleagues using arts practices for research investigation, including a regular presentation day of research in these fields
• various spaces and facilities for exhibition and public engagement.

Academic environment

Our research and enterprise has, at its heart, an engagement with making and critical thinking that brings together creative inquiry, experimentation with material, process and technology with theory and critical writing. It provides new ways of understanding creative processes that offer insights into cultural and human emotion, thought and action.

Research activities within Art and Creative Practices include the production of innovative artefacts, both digital and physical, design, craft, inclusive practices, exhibitions, installation and performance, as well as creative writing, published texts, books and journal articles. Characterised by a blend of scholarship, knowledge exchange, traditional and cutting-edge practices, our research has been influential in collaborative developments with diverse communities and partners locally, nationally and internationally. It is our belief that knowledge generated through the development of creative and critical practice enhances and shapes every aspect of our contemporary culture and future lives.

We promote research excellence and support individual and collaborative research initiatives that through productive enterprise networks help to enhance society’s understanding of human culture and creativity. 

We welcome applications for PhD study in which practice plays a central role, as well as those applications that bring elements of practice into a more traditional thesis submission. As a research student, you will part of a community of learning with active participation in a range of intellectual and social events. All PhD students working on arts-based topics are integrated into the university’s wider research culture and we will provide you with opportunities to present ‘work in progress’ and network with other researchers.

Research themes in Art and Creative Practices

Researchers within the School of Art and Media are engaged in arts practice work across a wide range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary areas and, along with specialists in the history and theory of art, design, literature, creative writing and autoethnography from the School of Humanities and Social Science, and wider engagement with schools specialising across the sciences, we encourage interdisciplinary projects and cross-disciplinary engagements. Our particular areas of specialism currently include:

• artistic engagements with environment, memory, narrative,
• arts practices and science, health and wellbeing
• research into, through and with drawing
• inclusive arts practice and social contexts
• interactive digital arts and audience engagement
• networked media arts practices and interventions
• mediated performances, visions and the role of the body as site
• politics of representation, curatorship and exhibition making
• creative writing and autoethnography

Explore our Centres of Research and Enterprise Excellence:

• Centre for Arts and Wellbeing
• Centre for Design History

Some of our supervisory staff 

Gavin ambrose.

My supervisory interests lie in the development of new approaches to Graphic Design pedagogy. I have expertise in typography, printing, editorial design and graphic systems and conventions. I'm especially interested in the emergence of new approaches to the landscape of contemporary Graphic Design practice and how the role of the Graphic Design has shifted towards a bricoleur approach to contempory communication. Graphic Design is a pervasive subject that is integrated in our daily lives, but arguably the subject of little critical enquiry. An emerging research community and unified research clustering is beginning to address this shortfall, and Doctorate Level study will help to further this body of knowledge.

I am interested in supervising on enquries into:

• Graphic Design practice, both as an act of creation but also as a force for change;

• The changing topography of the Graphic Design landscape, and the changes to the 'role' of the graphic Designer as a contemporary communicator and creator;

• Shifts in typographic practice and relationships of Graphic Design to the broader influences of social and economic factors including globalisation and homogenisation;

• The role of communication as an emerging research practice;

• Self regulation and ‘rule’ or convention generation with in the industry;

• The role of ‘play’ and ‘failure’ in design Graphic Design practice, and in particular how these actions are navigated and understood by learners and educators;

• The emergence of alternative, less formal approaches to education and the role of the ‘Art School’ in this developing landscape.

Dr Martin Bouette

My work investigates the role of entrepreneurship in the development of creative careers as a business owner and researcher. This has included investigating the gap between education and employment for creative practitioners as well as exploring models of learning to support entrepreneurial development.

Current and recent PhD students:

Claire Dawson - An exploration for clothing reuse in the circular economy (2023 -  present)

Martin Irorere -  Sustainability in making material innovation in textiles, for the circular model in the fashion industry (2021 - 2023) 

Erika Wong – Art World Hegemony and Access: Competing Perspectives on the Value of The Creative Class (2016 – 2020) Brighton University

Veerapong Klangpremjit – Interactive Packaging Development (2014 – 2020) University for the Creative Arts

Akapan Thienthaworn – Design Management in UK and Thai SMEs (2011 – 2019) University for the Creative Arts (completed)

Amy Cunningham

My supervisory interests include fine art, video, multi-media installation, sound, voice, performance, site-specific art and cultural histories of technology.

Dr Jules Findley

Postgraduate supervision in Textiles, Fashion, Fashion Communication, Drawing, encompassing embodied materiality, my work in handmade paper and practice-based, installation art. More recently,  substantial research as co-investigator with an AHRC project in sustainabile materials in Fashion and Textiles. I am interested in waste in the Fashion, Textiles, Accessories and Leather industries, together with materials, circular economy, reuse and repurposing.  

Recent PhD supervision:

University of Brighton - Claire Dawson - Research Title: 'Clothing Reuse in the Circular Econonmy: An exploration of the challenges and opportuniteis for UK high street fashion brands' - [March 2023 - July 2029]

University of Brighton - Martin Irorere - Research Title: 'Closing the Fashion Sustainability Gap through textile Recycling: Evaluation of UK Gen-Z consumer attitudes, knowledge, and acceptance of textile recycling'. - [March 2021 - July 2026]

Anglia Ruskin University - Amanda Lavis - Research Title: 'Woven Language: A practice-based research investigation Exploring the Textile Praxis in Children's Book Illustration' [March 2021 - expected completion 2025]

External PhD Viva examination experience, University of Chester October 2020 - Georgina Spry -  'A New Felt Presence: Making and Learning as part of a Community of Women Feltmakers' 

Doctoral student supervision and examination

Meaningfully Engaged? Exploring the particpatory arts practices of adults with profound and multiplul learning disabilities (PMLD)  PhD Thesis by Melaneia Warwick completed in 2018

External examiner, Royal Holloway, Janyne Lloyd, PhD thesis title The Role of Reminiscence Arts in the Lives of Care Home Residents Living with Dementia 2016

Dr Charlotte Gould

My PhD supervisory interests are in Digital Media Arts and Visual Communication. My specific research interests cover interactive storytelling, augmented reality, digital and tangible media,  open interaction, play, participation, immersive environments, virtual reality and 360 video, audience agency and sustainability.

Dr Ole Hagen

In addition to fine art practice, I'm interested in consciousness studies, philosophy of mind, ontology and religious stuies such as Buddhist philosophy. My own PhD covered continental thought, such as phenomenology, poststructuralism, Derrida and Deleuze, but also philosophy of science.

Dr Asa Johannesson

I am interested in supervising PhD and MRes students in the following areas: feminist photographic practices and theories, queer methodologies, queer photographic practices and theories, queer activism and representation, new materialism, posthumanism, photography and ontology, non-dialectical contemporary philosophy, process-led photographic research. 

Dr Helen Johnson

Helen supervises PhD and MD students with an interest in arts-based interventions in healthcare, education and wellbeing, and/or the use of creative, arts-based research methods.  She is interested in talking to doctoral applicants who are interested in researching creativity and the arts, with foci including: art therapy; arts interventions for health and wellbeing, including invisible chronic and contested conditions; social prescribing; creativity and the lived experience of dementia; arts education; spoken word and poetry slam; art worlds/communities; arts inclusivity; everyday creativity; and the artistic process.   She is also interested in supervising students who wish to work with creative, arts-based and/or participatory methods, including: poetic inquiry; autoethnography; photo voice; photo elicitation; collaborative poetics; and participatory action research.  Helen currently supervises four doctoral candidates, who are researching: the lived experiences of women with borderline personality disorder (including creative coping strategies); neurologic music therapy with young people with juvenile dementia; black people's experiences of intimacy and psychosis; and decolonial praxis in museum learning.  She has previously supervised and examined work covering topics that include: perceptions of frailty in the undergraduate medical curriculum; the impact of austerity policies on homeless people; spoken word with young offenders in a Macedonian prison; the performance and perception of authenticity in contemporary UK spoken word poetry; and NHS staff experiences of work. 

Dr Uschi Klein

Dr Uschi Klein is interested in supervising PhDs in the broad areas of photographic histories and practices, visual and material culture, resistance politics, cultural memory and marginalised communities. She is especially but not exclusively interested in supervising research projects that focus on the lived experience of Eastern European totalitarian systems.

Dr Jayne Lloyd

Jayne is interested supervising practice-based PhD research into collaborative or participatory arts practices with marginalised groups, arts in health and social care settings, arts-research and arts practices located in both gallery and community settings.

Dr Philippa Lyon

My main supervisory interests are in the understanding and applications of drawing in clinical settings, the use of drawing as a tool of learning, approaches to arts/health research, the relationship between drawing and writing and creative/visual research methods.

I am currently supervising:

Vanessa Marr (PhD, School of Art and Media) with Jessica Moriarty;  

Caehryn Tinker (PhD, School of Art and Media) with Heidi von Kurthy and Kay Aranda;

James Murray (PhD, School of Art and Media) with Gavin Fry and Duncan Bullen;

Lindsay Sekulowicz (AHRC Collaborative Doctorate, School of Humanities and Social Science) with Claire Wintle at Brighton, William Milliken and Mark Nesbitt at Kew Gardens and Luciana Martins at Birkbeck;

Muna Al-Jawad (PhD by Publication) with Jayne Lloyd;

Duncan Bullen (PhD by Publication).

I worked for a 3 year period as a learning mentor for a PhD student in the School of Art and Media. They completed successfully in February 2024.

I have supervised 4 PhD students to completion: Dr Simon Bliss, Jewellery, Silver and the Applied and Decorative Arts in the Culture of Modernism, 2019; Dr Gavin Fry, Male textile artists in 1980s Britain: a practice based inquiry into their reasons for using this medium, 2018; Dr Curie Scott, Elucidating perceptions of ageing through participatory drawing: a phenomenographic approach, 2018; Dr Sarah Haybittle, Correspondence, trace and the landscape of narrative: a visual, verbal and literary dialectic, 2015.

I have been an independent chair for two PhD examinations (Andrew Cross and Ada Hao) and have examined seven PhDs: Mingyi Wang, University of Brighton, 2023 (internal examiner); Jane Shepard, University of Brighton, 2022 (internal examiner); Melissa Cheung, University of Sydney, Australia, 2019 (external examiner); Louisa Buck, University of Brighton, 2018 (internal examiner); Samantha Lynch, University of Brighton, 2018 (internal examiner); Mike Sadd, University of Brighton, August 2015 (internal examiner); Tanja Golja, University of Technology Sydney, Australia, January 2012 (external examiner).

I've acted as internal examiner for three MRes students: Claire Scanlon, 2019; Diana Brighouse, 2015; and Mark Lander, 2014.

I have also been an independent reader for MPhil/PhD transfers and Annual Progression Review reader for 5 students.

Dr Simon McEnnis

Dr McEnnis is interested in postgraduate supervision in journalism and media studies. He is particularly keen on projects that explore professional and citizen journalism, digital and social media practice, blogging and influencer culture, media analysis, sports journalism or sports media. 

Roderick Mills

My supervisory interests cover the emerging areas of Illustration as an expanded field of practice including GIFs, animation, and the burgeoning self-publishing scene, through to traditional forms of graphic storytelling. I am interested in enquiries into situated illustration, both in terms of site specific work and ethnographic approaches, to how illustrators can use technology to go beyond the printed page. The importance of drawing as means of enquiry is another interest alongside performative aspects of live transcriptions and the use of workshops to engage with communities.

Dr Jessica Moriarty

One of my key passions is working with PhD students on creative practice, autoethnography and creative writing pedagogy. I have supported doctoral students working on transdisciplinary projects and work that seeks to challenge conventional academic discourse. At the moment, I am honoured to be working with students who are looking at queering the colonial, creativity and Bronte, Santiago de Cuba as moving archive, diverse narratives from Brexit, feminist romance, autoethnographic arts-based work, stories from care, autoethno-drag, identity and hybridity in fiction, and queer bodies in performance.

Xavier Ribas

Xavier Ribas is interested in developing postgraduate research in the following areas: contested sites and histories, legacies of colonialism, border territories, geographies of extraction, environmentalism, climate justice, art and activism. 

Dr Naomi Salaman

Contemporary art 

Contemporary art and feminist perspectives

The history of vision

The Art School; art education; art theory.

Prof Paul Sermon

My research and supervisory interests cover Fine Art, Digital Media, Performance and Visual Communications related subjects. Since joining the University of Brighton in 2013 I have taken on six PhD students as their lead supervisor, with completions in May 2016, March 2018 and April 2019. These PhD students have been undertaking practice-based research in a range of specific areas such as digital storytelling, interactive media, virtual reality and networked performance art. In my role as a PhD supervisor and Postgraduate Research Coordinator in the School of Art I bring our PhD students together through collaborative workshops, symposia and exhibitions, such as the group PhD show ‘Digital Encounters’ for the British Science Festival, Brighton in September 2017. I have had six PhD completions as lead supervisor to date, as well as two external completions and I continue to gain PhD Viva experience, with over thirteen PhD external examiner appointments.

For further supervisory staff including cross-disciplinary options, please visit research staff on our research website.  

Making an application

You will apply to the University of Brighton through our online application portal. When you do, you will require a research proposal, references, a personal statement and a record of your education.

You will be asked whether you have discussed your research proposal and your suitability for doctoral study with a member of the University of Brighton staff. We recommend that all applications are made with the collaboration of at least one potential supervisor. Approaches to potential supervisors can be made directly through the details available online. If you are unsure, please do contact the Doctoral College for advice.

Please visit our How to apply for a PhD page for detailed information.

Sign in to our online application portal to begin.

Fees and funding

 Funding

Undertaking research study will require university fees as well as support for your research activities and plans for subsistence during full or part-time study.

Funding sources include self-funding, funding by an employer or industrial partners; there are competitive funding opportunities available in most disciplines through, for example, our own university studentships or national (UK) research councils. International students may have options from either their home-based research funding organisations or may be eligible for some UK funds.

Learn more about the funding opportunities available to you.

Tuition fees academic year 2024–25

Standard fees are listed below, but may vary depending on subject area. Some subject areas may charge bench fees/consumables; this will be decided as part of any offer made. Fees for UK and international/EU students on full-time and part-time courses are likely to incur a small inflation rise each year of a research programme.

MPhil/PhD

	£4,786	£2,393
	£15,900	N/A
	£14,500	N/A

PhD by Publication

N/A	£2,393

Contact Brighton Doctoral College

To contact the Doctoral College at the University of Brighton we request an email in the first instance. Please visit our contact the Brighton Doctoral College page .

For supervisory contact, please see individual profile pages.

Clearing 2024

There’s still time to apply – Call us on 01902 323 232!  Find out more.

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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

Location	Mode	Fee	Year
	Full-time	£4596 per year	2022-23
	Full-time	£4712 per year	2023-24
	Full-time	£4786 per year	2024-25
	Part-time Distance Learning	£4596 per year	2022-23
	Part-time Distance Learning	£4712 per year	2023-24
	Part-time Distance Learning	£4712 per year	2023-24
	Part-time Distance Learning	£4786 per year	2024-25
	Part-time Distance Learning	£ per year	2024-25
	Part-time	£2298 per year	2022-23
	Part-time	£2356 per year	2023-24
	Part-time	£ per year	2024-25
	Part-time	£2393 per year	2024-25
	Full-time	£14450 per year	2022-23
	Full-time	£15450 per year	2023-24
	Full-time	£15950 per year	2024-25
	Part-time Distance Learning	£14450 per year	2022-23
	Part-time Distance Learning	£15450 per year	2023-24
	Part-time Distance Learning	£15450 per year	2023-24
	Part-time Distance Learning	£15950 per year	2024-25
	Part-time Distance Learning	£ per year	2024-25

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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Related courses, your recently viewed courses recently viewed.

Location	Study mode	Duration	Start date
University: City Campus	Full-time	4 years	Variable start date
University: City Campus	Part-time	8 years	Variable start date

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: 24 November 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

Why study a phd.

Are you keen to contribute innovative ideas to your field? Looking to solve problems, discover something new, and make a difference to society?

We have a vibrant research community here at Birmingham City University, with many talented postgraduate researchers developing and exchanging knowledge across their fields.

Conducting a PhD will allow you to develop cutting-edge research in your area of interest, with the support of your research supervisor and fellow research community.

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 Architecture, Fashion, Textiles and 3D Design, and creative degrees. 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.

• E: Contact the Doctoral Research College

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From the industrially oriented to the highly speculative

Key details.

• Full-time or part-time study

School or Centre

• School of Design

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.

As a research student in the School of Design, you may be designing an innovative object or system.

The School of Design is home to internationally significant research, much of which is practice-based. The teaching and research areas of the School – Design Products, Fashion, Global Innovation Design, Innovation Designing Engineering, Healthcare Design, Robotics, Service Design and Textiles – represent a wide range of approaches to design research.

Research topics range from those which are strongly user-focused – such as designing new medical innovations or citizen science through to those which are more experimental – such as designing trust in AI systems or multi-species design. We particularly encourage applications in our strategic design research plan areas including: The future of making; Manufacture and materials; Systems and design; Design for safety; Design for health; Intelligent machines; Data capture and creation; Design science and Design resilience.

Programme details

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

Applications will open in autumn for September 2025 entry. If you would like to make a late application for 2024/5, some programmes may still have spaces so please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.

Register your interest to be the first to know when applications for 2025 entry open. 

Catch the replays from our latest online Open Day.

Browse our current and recent research students

Oki Naganode at the V&A Museum

Julia Lohamnn

Life below water inc rubbish kisser

Kintsugi applied to 20 products

• Nazli Terzoglu

Why does soft matter? Steam powered silicon structure

• Amy Winters

Xenodesign - Towards Transversal Engagement in Design

Johanna Schmeer

Professor Ashley Hall

Postgraduate Research Lead

Ashley is Professor of Design Innovation, Postgraduate Research Lead in the school of design at the Royal College of Art and Head of Programme for the MRes Healthcare Design delivered with Imperial College.

The School of Design is based across our Battersea and Kensington sites.

Students have access to the College’s workshops, with traditional facilities for woodworking, metalworking, plastics and resins, including bookable bench spaces. Computer-driven subtractive milling equipment is available, as well as additive rapid prototyping.

Work in Progress Exhibition

Design Research PhD exhibition

Innovation Mapping

Aesthetic analysis

Research-seminar: strategy vs. mindset self mapping

Our alumni form an international network of creative individuals who have shaped and continue to shape the world. Click on each name to find out more.

• Tibor Balint
• Katie Gaudion
• Gyorgyi Galik
• Carmen Hijosa
• Florian Krautli
• Roland Lamb
• Julia Lohman
• Hideki Yoshimoto

Student and alumni stories

Meet the RCA PhD graduate bridging the technological foundations of AI with its social implications

Research Biennale 2023

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 Arts & Humanities
• School of Communication
• Computer Science Research Centre
• 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.

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 is a showcase of your work as an artist or designer and can be made up of images, videos or writing examples. Your portfolio helps us to better understand your application 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

Please submit a portfolio with no more than 10 projects that illustrate your practices and capabilities supporting your research proposal (20MB PDF max). These can be drawn from a wide range of project types as some applications may come from diverse disciplines. When submitting group projects please describe your own role clearly.

Video requirements

You'll also need to submit a brief video recording 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 to know about your background and motivation for applying for a research degree in the design school: your expectations of the programme and supervision; how it will help develop your future interests and goals; research expertise area that you require; and the key capabilities, insights and experiences that you bring to the programme. Please also give a very brief ‘elevator pitch’ summary of your research proposal.

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 2025 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.

The RCA scholarship programme is growing, with hundreds of financial awards planned for the 2025/6 academic year.

For more information and examples of financial awards offered in 2024/25, visit the Scholarships & awards webpage.

You must hold an offer to study on an RCA programme in order to make a scholarship application in Spring 2025. A selection of RCA merit scholarships will also be awarded with programme offers. 

We strongly recommend that you apply for your programme as early as possible to stand the best chance of receiving a scholarship. You do not apply directly for individual awards; instead, you will be invited to apply once you have received an offer.

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

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Innovation Design Engineering

Innovation through synergy between creativity, science and technology to create value for society.

The Fashion MA programme asks for a disruptive critical approach, leading to new aesthetics and responses about the practice and industry of fashion.

We have 21 fine art PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

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United Kingdom

Institution

All Institutions

All PhD Types

All Funding

fine art PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

Research degrees in the school of fine art, history of art and cultural studies, 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.

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.

Reframing Critical and Socially Engaged Arts Practices from a Creative Health / Health Humanities Perspective

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.

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

PhD Opportunities in Art, Media Arts and Design

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.

History of Art - Postgraduate Research Opportunities

Awaiting funding decision/possible external funding.

This programme is waiting to confirm funding from a university or external source. This may depend on attracting suitable students and applications are welcome. Please see the programme details for more information.

PhD in Art, Design and Media

The PhD opportunities on this programme do not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

PhD Research Programme

PhD 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.

Research Degrees at UCA

Doctorate by design in landscape architecture, social sciences research programme.

Social Sciences 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.

Multiview image capture for accurate geometry and appearance reconstruction of historical textiles

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.

Probing the star-forming ISM with fine structure lines

Bioprinting gradient scaffolds for osteochondral tissue engineering using cell instructive microparticles, the next generation of irradiation and corrosion resistant steels for fusion reactor, competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Biotechnological synthesis of nanocatalysts from industrial wastewaters

Bioinspired nanomaterials based miniaturised soft robots for high precision regiospecific drug delivery to malignant tumours, altered microrna profiles for the detection of new and recurrent thyroid malignancies, generative ai in energy forecasting.

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Course type

Qualification, university name, postgraduate fine art.

205 degrees at 81 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

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

Related subjects:

• Art Curation
• Art History
• Art History and Criticism
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• Visual Arts

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

MA Fine Art

Norwich university of the arts.

A supportive environment that encourages artistic innovation, exploration and debate awaits you on our MA Fine Art Master’s degree Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree: £9,600 per year (UK)
• 2 years Part time degree: £5,950 per year (UK)

History of Art and Architecture Graduate Certificate

Birkbeck, university of london.

The Graduate Certificate in History of Art and Architecture is an intensive conversion course designed for students with a first degree Read more...

• 1 year Part time evening degree: £3,600 per year (UK)

Conservation of Fine Art (Easel Paintings) MA

Northumbria university, newcastle.

The MA Conservation of Fine Art programme (Easel Paintings) will provide you all the knowledge and skills necessary for a career as an art Read more...

• 2 years Full time degree: £19,750 per year (UK)

MFA Fine Art

Nottingham trent university.

This course allows you to develop your artistic practice whilst engaging professionally with the rich and vibrant arts community in Read more...

• 2 years Full time degree: £7,750 per year (UK)

Archaeology and Ancient History PhD, Mphil - Material Culture Studies

University of leicester.

The School of Archaeology and Ancient History offers supervision for the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - full-time and Read more...

• 4 years Distance without attendance degree: £5,913 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

MA Fine Art - Farnham

University for the creative arts.

Fine Art at UCA Are you ready to question, be critical, be curious and be enthusiastic about testing the boundaries of what constitutes Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree: £10,500 per year (UK)

History of Art MA

Ucl (university college london).

The History of Art MA at UCL draws on the world-leading research and teaching expertise within the department, and is designed to enable Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree: £15,100 per year (UK)
• 2 years Part time degree: £7,550 per year (UK)

Fine Art PhD

Anglia ruskin university.

Our research degree will allow you to explore your own interests in fine art - from history of art to painting and printmaking - 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)

MA History of Art and Archaeology

Soas university of london.

The MA History of Art and Archaeology programme is a unique opportunity to study the History of Art and Archaeology of Asia, Africa and the Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree: £12,220 per year (UK)
• 2 years Part time day degree: £6,110 per year (UK)
• 3 years Part time day degree: £4,075 per year (UK)

Arts University Bournemouth

MA Fine Art offers a distinct focus and reassessment of autobiography and the familiar, through differing understandings of creativity. Read more...

• 45 weeks Full time degree: £9,000 per year (UK)
• 90 weeks Part time degree: £4,500 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...

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

Fine Art MA

University of gloucestershire.

What is Fine Art MA The MA in Fine Art offers an exciting opportunity for students to expand and deepen their knowledge and practice. Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree: £8,075 per year (UK)
• 2 years Part time degree: £8,075 per year (UK)

Bristol, University of the West of England

Students meet regularly at leading contemporary art centre Spike Island and benefit from mature critical discussions, access to artists' Read more...

• 12 months Full time degree: £9,000 per year (UK)

Middlesex University

The MA Fine Art at Middlesex offers artists time and resources to explore and develop their artistic practice within a flexible Read more...

• 2 years Part time degree: £5,250 per year (UK)

University of Hertfordshire

Fine Art has a proud heritage going all the way back to the founding of the St Albans School of Art in 1880 Perfect for students with Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree: £9,450 per year (UK)
• 2 years Part time degree: £4,740 per year (UK)

Prof Doc Fine Art

University of east london.

The Professional Doctorate in Fine Art has been running at UEL for over 20 years. It is designed for artists working across a range of Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,020 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £3,010 per year (UK)

MPhil Art History and Theory

University of essex.

For our MPhil in Art History and Theory, we offer supervision across a range of fields and have a long tradition of postgraduate training Read more...

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

Art History: Technical Art History, Making and Meaning MLitt

University of glasgow.

The masters focuses on the act of making and everything that encompasses materials, techniques, intentions, context and concept. You will Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree: £11,130 per year (UK)

Fine Art MPhil, PhD

Newcastle university.

The internationally significant research profile of our staff and our excellent facilities provide a stimulating environment for practical Read more...

• 36 months Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 72 months Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Art History MPhil

University of nottingham.

Take the time to create your own original research in art history and visual culture. At Nottingham you'll receive • expert supervision Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree: £5,100 per year (UK)
• 2 years Part time degree

1-20 of 205 courses

Course type:

• Distance learning

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Universities:.

• University of Warwick
• Brighton and Sussex Medical School
• University of Wales Trinity Saint David
• Falmouth University
• Arts University Plymouth
• Liverpool John Moores University
• Cardiff Metropolitan University
• University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
• Kingston University
• University of Huddersfield
• Warburg Institute, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• University of Suffolk
• University of Plymouth
• University of Buckingham
• University of Sussex
• University of Aberdeen
• The University of Edinburgh
• University of Brighton
• Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London
• Ulster University

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