MA or MSc by Research/MRes: at least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area
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.
You’ll be supported by staff whose specialisms include:
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
We actively encourage applications from students from a range of diverse backgrounds who demonstrate appropriate research experience and achievement
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
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
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
Here's an example of the types of modules you'll study (it's unlikely but the contents and structure of the course could change).
Module information is not available for this programme.
| Start date | Location | UCAS code |
Fee (UK) per year |
Fee (international) per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2021 | Distance Learning | — | £3,333 | £6,667 |
| Oct 2021 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | — | £3,333 | £6,667 |
| Feb 2022 | Distance Learning | — | £3,333 | £6,667 |
| Feb 2022 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | — | £3,333 | £6,667 |
| Oct 2022 | Distance Learning | — | — | — |
| Oct 2022 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | — | — | — |
| Feb 2023 | Distance Learning | — | — | — |
| Feb 2023 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | — | — | — |
You’ll be encouraged to take your work outside the immediate context of the School of Arts and the university. You can travel to interview or meet with key figures from the sector you’d like to work in, or to attend networking events relevant to your career goals.
During your studies we’ll encourage you to dedicate time and effort into developing your network of contacts – as well as aiming to present your work in public and academic spaces as your work evolves.
Challenge your own practice and ideas in a community of practitioners and academics – with a deep commitment to discourse and exchange around their subject and field(s) of knowledge.
The School of Arts can help you with opportunities to present conference papers and participate in seminars, public exhibitions and other forms of critical exchange – all as part of your research process.
We’re dedicated to PaR (Practice as Research) and Design Thinking principles that move the work of the designer from the 20th Century artisan who responds to stimulus into the 21st Century design creative where your actions are at the centre of cultural change.
Be visionary in specialist studios with the latest industry technology, collaborate with other artists and designers as well as media and technology students, and be inspired by practising professionals to develop your own authentic voice.
“My supervisors have provided invaluable leadership to carry me through my PhD, not with praise and cajoling remarks, but instead, through honest evaluation and their confidence that I have the wherewithal to carry out the work.”
Shelley Campbell, research student
