A design research degree offers you the opportunity and time to explore innovative research practice through original, critical works. You’ll have the choice to work on your own design, or with staff on international and external projects in collaborative research in our ongoing practice-based projects.

You’ll make research connections that allow you to explore new concepts and meanings in design. For doctoral study, there’s a key need for design to offer experimentation within environmental, social and sustainable futures in the subject and your discipline.

We understand your research may change as you make new connections and as relevant modes of thought and action become important to you through the course of your research. We’ll work with you as you find the appropriate practice for pursuing your research and related form for consolidating and disseminating your findings.

RESEARCH AREAS

You’ll be supported by staff whose specialisms include:

• sustainable technology
• the relationship between music and landscape
• alternative methods of representation
• augmented aurality and digital tools for sound representation
• biophilic design for improving health and wellbeing
• digital and traditional
• the theory and practice of illustration in advertising and design
• representational drawing and painting techniques
• the atelier system
• colour theory.

This research contributes to the research priority area Being Human: Past, Present and Future and Creative Practice as Research.

• MA or MSc by Research/MRes

  • At least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area

• PhD

  • A master’s degree or equivalent in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic.

• Applications from a range of diverse backgrounds

  • We actively encourage applications from students from a range of diverse backgrounds who demonstrate appropriate research experience and achievement.

• Research methods training

  • Candidates who do not possess a master’s degree that includes research methods training at an advanced level are required to complete research methods training

• Interview requirements MA/Mres Art/Design related subjects

  • All applicants will be interviewed to ascertain experience, aptitude and current level of innovation, creativity and critical thinking. The interview will also be an opportunity to identify an appropriate supervisory team

• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 writing, 5.5 all other components)

  • EU and international students need IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component) or equivalent.

• Research proposal

  • Please provide a copy of your research proposal. This should be 1,000 words (excluding references and appendices) following the structure outlined in this research proposal guide.

    Please note; we’re unable to process applications without a proposal for the School’s consideration. Not supplying one will delay the processing of applications.