Photography PhD

A photography research degree offers you the opportunity to explore innovative practice as research through the production of an original body of work. You’ll develop your practice from a coherent research process – demonstrating a critical appreciation of the context of production and siting. You’ll draw upon and extend existing literature and practices, and you’ll show that the research makes an original contribution to knowledge. Alternatively, a PhD in Photography can be wholly historical or theoretical, conforming to the conventions of a traditional written theses.

PhD research enables photographers to progress their career by enabling their practice to develop, especially through the production of a large body of coherent work. PhD researchers also establish research capabilities and credentials. The final resulting work can be submitted for publication or exhibition to appropriate contexts. For others, the PhD represents an opportunity to commit to a passion or interest that is both personally meaningful, and results in a high-level qualification.

Researchers have opportunities to study, discuss or exhibit their work, engaging with colleagues from a range of areas via seminars, symposia and conferences both on-line and off-line: or travelling to meet with key figures from the photography area you wish to immerse yourself in. All research students have access to the amazing facilities and equipment at Hardwick Campus and are encouraged to make use of them in the production of their work.

Research areas

Areas of expertise:

• Landscape Photography
• Photography and ecology
• Documentary photography
• Photojournalism

Students who have completed their research include:

• Intuition, expertise and judgement in the capture and assessment of photographic images including digital photos and imaging
  Researcher Bob Ryan, Supervisors Prof. Barry Davies, Dr Julia Peck
• Indecisive Moments: an exploration of the photograph in relation to the temporal dimension of liminality
  Researcher Caroline Silverwood-Taylor, Supervisors Nat Goodden, Richard Salkeld

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