Art and Design - PhD

Program Overview

The PhD in Art and Design at Birmingham City University offers self-directed research opportunities in various specialisms, supported by experienced supervisors. Graduates gain advanced research skills, contribute insights to the field, and pursue careers in academia, research, or professional practice in the creative industries. The program includes a mandatory research practice certificate, industry placement opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

A PhD in Art and Design at Birmingham City University offers a self-directed, independent study program supported by experienced supervisors. The program aims to develop research skills that support professional practice, research, and/or academic careers within the fields of art, design, and the creative industries. It enables both practice-led and/or entirely text-based PhD research to be developed to the highest level. The program provides opportunities to:

• Develop a deep understanding of a unique area of interest.
• Contribute world-leading insight to the academic specialisms in Art and Design at Birmingham City University.
• Spend time researching and developing a deep understanding of a unique area of interest.
• Contribute world-leading insight to the academic specialisms in Art and Design at Birmingham City University.
• 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.

Teaching:

• The program is supported by a team of supervisors who meet with students regularly to review progress, receive advice, and plan the next stages of their PhD research.
• The program includes a compulsory PGCert in Research Practice, which covers literature review and research methods specific to the faculty.
• The PGR Studio provides a space for postgraduate research students to enhance their community and student experience through workshops, training, social events, and other activities.

Careers:

• The PhD is recognized 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.
• Graduates often continue their research through post-doctoral fellowships and academic posts.
• Graduates have also gone on to successful professional careers in a diverse range of fields and roles, including artists, designers, architects, consultants, curators, writers, and managers.

Other:

• The program is open to international students.
• The program is offered full-time, part-time, and occasionally, part-time distance learning.
• The program is supported by the Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership, which offers funding and industry placement opportunities.
• The program is aligned with the following research clusters:
• Art Activisms
• Centre for Printing History and Culture (CPHC)
• Craft Cultures
• Dress in Context
• Material Encounters
• Urban Cultures
• The program 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.
• The program is housed in the Birmingham School of Art, Birmingham School of Jewellery, and the Parkside building.
• The program is located in the heart of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter and is just a five-minute walk from the new Library of Birmingham and Ikon Gallery.
• The program is part of the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media.
• The program is supported by the Doctoral Research College.
• The program is part of the Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
• The program is supported by the University House, 15 Bartholomew Row, Birmingham, B5 5JU, United Kingdom.
• The program is copyright © 2011-2024 Birmingham City University.

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. UK students Full Time 3-4 years £4,786 in 2024/25 Part Time 4-7 years £2,393 in 2024/25 International students Full Time 3-4 years £14,675 in 2024/25 Part Time 4-7 years £7,338 in 2024/25 Distance Learning 4-7 years £9,180 in 2024/25