Skip to content
University of Gloucestershire
Postgraduate research

Photography

PhD

Course options

Choose a study option:
Choose a start date:
Study type
Part Time
Course length
6 Years
Campus
Distance Learning (UoG delivery)
UCAS Code
N/A

Course overview

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.

Get Photography PhD course updates and hear more about studying with us.

Keep me updated

Entry requirements

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

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

    • 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.

    • 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.

Fees and costs

You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.

Start date Course code Fee (UK)
Fee per year
Fee (international)
Fee per year
October 2024 £3,400 £8,525
February 2025 £3,400 £8,525
October 2025 TBC TBC
February 2026 TBC TBC
October 2026 TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

Careers

Our postgraduate research students cultivate a diverse set of skills that are highly valued in the UK and internationally, preparing them for successful careers within academia and beyond.

As a postgraduate research student at UoG, you’ll develop and refine a range of skills across research, academic practice, project management and critical analysis to equip you for your future. Whether it’s contributing to ground-breaking academic research or applying problem-solving skills in the workplace, we’ll ensure you’re ready to take on your next challenge.

This versatility opens doors to opportunities across various sectors, from education and research institutions to commercial organisations and NGOs, where you’ll have the confidence to apply your researcher skills and develop innovative solutions to meet your ambitions.

Can't see your research area listed?

With research submitted in each of our research areas judged to be internationally excellent according to the results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), our research supervisors have a broad range of specialisms across a diverse range of subjects.

Get in touch to find out how we can support your research interests by emailing [email protected].

A group of students sitting down chatting and smiling

Develop your ideas

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.

Student examining photos

Present your research

The School of Creatives 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.

Smiling student sitting at a table

Join our community

You’ll benefit from personal support with renowned Artists, Photographers, and design professionals offering expert supervision.

Photography student in a dark studio with lighting on a product

Keep Me Updated

Fill in the form below and we'll be in touch with Photography PhD updates, upcoming events and everything you need to know about university life.