Art and Design Research, MPhil

Research in the School of Art & Design is dynamic and imaginative - we have an active and outward looking research culture, with a strong focus on art and design practice as a significant contributor to cultural enrichment, social dynamics and economic vitality.

Staff and postgraduate researchers undertake original investigations to discover fresh ideas, designs, performances and works of art that lead to new perceptions, products and processes.

More theoretically-based projects engage with a range of perspectives on art and design practice, drawing from cultural, perceptual, pedagogic and systems theory. In addition, a significant strand of activity is focused on the exploration of new technologies, innovating methods, materials and procedures.

Our work is of direct relevance to the needs and developments in the cultural sector and industry and commerce, and is supported by income from a range of bodies, including the AHRC, the Drapers Company, the EU and other national charities and public service agencies in the East Midlands and beyond.

What do you study?

Research in the School of Art and Design is organised through the activities of research groups:

• Fashion Management, Marketing and Communication
• Fashion, Textiles and Knitwear
• Graphic Design
• Narrative and Interactive Arts
• Photography
• Visual Arts

Smaller clusters of academics working within and across these teams include:

• 2D to 3D
• Audio, Visual and Performance
• Collections and Archives
• Pedagogic Research
• Smart Materials

Any questions?

Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 2301 / +44 (0)115 848 2177
Visit the School of Art and Design Research website

Course content

Carrying out research for a PhD or an MPhil requires different skills from undergraduate or even taught postgraduate study. You will work on your own research project, but we also emphasise the importance of regular meetings with your supervisory team. The team consists of a director of studies – who will usually have expertise in the subject area of your research, and will take primary responsibility for supervising your work and monitoring your progress – and at least one other supervisor, who will be selected for their complementary expertise, for example specialist expertise in relevant research methods.

Study for a research degree in art and design can include the investigation and creation of ideas, designs, performances and works of art that lead to new perceptions, products and processes.

Projects may explore practical or theoretical questions in the fields of art and design. Cultural, perceptual, pedagogic, and scientific or systems theory may provide the appropriate model of study, drawing from a broad range of perspectives. Whether logical positivism or post-structuralism, we encourage and support a range of single method and interdisciplinary approaches, and have extensive experience in supervising practice-based approaches.

Industry links

Opportunities are available to develop your research project with appropriate industrial partners, drawing upon our links with the creative and cultural industries at regional, national and international levels.