A PhD in Art and Design will help you create opportunities to develop research skills that support professional practice, research and/or academic careers within the fields of art, design and the creative industries.  You will study in a world-class research environment which enables both practice-led and/or entirely text based PhD research to be developed to the highest level.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS COURSE?

A PhD enables you to follow a programme of self-directed, independent study, supported by experienced supervisors who are themselves experts in their area.  You will also be supported by the wider research community in Art and Design and you will have regular opportunities to attend research seminars, conferences and symposia.

Our PhD gives you the opportunity to spend time researching and developing a deep understanding of a unique area of interest whilst contributing world-leading insight to the academic specialisms in Art and Design at Birmingham City University.

WHY CHOOSE US?

• When you join us you will become a member of the thriving research culture in Art and Design at Birmingham City University across the Schools of Architecture and Design, Art, Fashion and Textiles, Jewellery and Visual Communication.
• You will study in a world-class research environment which enables both practice-led and/or entirely text based PhD research to be developed to the highest level. We support a range of thesis submissions, including a combination of written and practice elements as well as a traditional written thesis.
• Whether based in the contemporary Parkside building, or our historic School of Art and School of Jewellery buildings, our research students have access to dedicated workspace that acts as the hub of our PhD research activity. 
• You will be guided in your PhD research by a team of supervisors who you will meet on a regular basis to review your progress and plan your next steps.
• You will be encouraged to organise your research as a programme of professional and academic development tailored to your individual interests and career aspirations. For example, you can 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.
• On successful completion of your PhD research degree you will have either contributed new knowledge or extended existing theory and understanding of an area of interest and significance within the fields of art, design and the creative industries.

The value of a PhD to employability

The Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is recognised 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.

Our Art and Design PhD research degree will help you create opportunities to develop research skills that support your professional practice. We recognise that in our fields academic work is often combined with professional creative practice in portfolio careers.

After the PhD

Our PhD graduates often continue their research through post-doctoral fellowships and academic posts. Our graduates have also gone on to successful professional careers in a diverse range of fields and role including as artists, designers, architects, consultants, curators, writers and managers.

Placements

PhD researchers funded under the Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership have the opportunity to undertake industry placements as part of their research. For more information visit the Midlands4Cities website.

For those students not funded by Midlands4Cities, the PhD still allows you the opportunity to work with other institutions and companies as part of your research. You can discuss your options with your potential supervisors, if you feel a placement would benefit your research.

OpportUNIty

OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.

It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.