Research degrees in the School of Design

Our PhD course will allow you to become an expert in a specialist area and gain high-quality research training in Design. Your PhD can be taken full-time (three years standard, four years maximum) or part-time (five years standard, seven years maximum). We also offer a PhD by online learning. 

Structure 

Your research will be guided by supervisors with whom you'll have regular meetings throughout your PhD. Your supervisors will help you put in place an initial plan, provide guidance on your progress, discuss your findings, and set out your plans for the next stage of research. During your first year you'll work on a plan for your PhD project as well as a bibliography and will also develop a detailed research proposal with a literature review. This work will be submitted to a panel of examiners who will assess it and provide you with feedback and advice on the progress of your research to help ensure you are fully prepared for the next stage of your doctoral degree. 

The further years are mostly spent focus on writing your thesis which is examined by two academics (one external to the University). You'll discuss and defend your findings in a formal oral examination called a viva which is a way to further expand on your research and demonstrate your expertise in your chosen area of study.

Areas of supervision

Currently the areas of research support by the School of Design for PhD students are:

•   Archiving and Design History

•   Art Practice as Research

•   Colour and Imaging

•   Experience Design

•   Textile and Fashion Design

•   Textiles Technology

•   Visual Communication

These broad categories are reflective of the interdisciplinary nature of the School and we can usually support research in the area you are interested in. 

Funding

We have a range of funding available to support you in funding your postgraduate study. You can find out more about the full range of funding opportunities currently available through our scholarships database.

Fees

Our postgraduate research fees are set independently and reviewed on an annual basis. For the latest information, visit the University’s PhD fees website.

PhD by online learning 

We offer a PhD by online learning which is available to UK, EU and international applicants, allowing you gain an advanced degree from anywhere with internet access. You can study at the time and place that best suits you, and our part time options lets you study alongside work and other commitments.

For further information, please contact Dr Pammi Sinha, Head of the Graduate School. 

Pre-sessional English

You can improve your academic English level to the standard needed to study a postgraduate research degree by taking one of the following pre-sessional courses:

• 6-weeks: Language for postgraduate researchers
• 10-weeks: Language for postgraduate researchers

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, you can find out more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

The School of Design offers research degrees at both masters and PhD level. The interdisciplinary nature of our School means that we are able to offer supervision in specialisms across the field of design and technology from art and graphic communications to fashion and textiles.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 

MA/MSc by Research (MAR/MSR)

Funded research opportunities