Art and Design Research (MPhil/PhD)
Conduct innovative art and design research that shapes creative practice, cultural understanding, and societal impact.
Key information
PhD
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Fees (UK / Overseas): Annual tuition fees apply and vary by student status and study mode.
See fees and funding
Start date: April 2026 / October 2026 / February 2027
Other research degree routes
MPhil:
A shorter research degree, often a pathway to PhD
PhD by Publication:
For researchers with an existing body of published work
Course summary
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Undertake independent, original research in Art and Design, supported by academics working at the leading edge of the field.
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Investigate themes such as histories and theories of art, design and visual culture, graphic and communication design, illustration and the art of the book, fashion and textiles, and photography.
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Choose the qualitative and practice-led research that fits your question, including historical research, semiotic analysis, user research, action research, iterative process and reflective practice.
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Produce a body of work you can publish and share, with the potential to influence practice, policy or innovation in your sector.
Find a supervisor
Why choose Art and Design at Portsmouth for research?
Specialist research facilities
Access facilities for practical and creative development in a wide range of production methods, including computer suites, a printmaking workshop, photographic facilities, digital fabric printing and laser cutting.
Expert support, every step
You’ll work closely with your supervisory team and have access to our Doctoral Development Programme, which offers training, workshops and events.
A connected research community
You’ll join a community of researchers across disciplines, with seminars and opportunities to collaborate; it’s a place where you can think deeply, get honest feedback and build networks that last beyond your research degree.
Research areas in Art and Design
Explore the work we're doing across the five areas of expertise in our Art and Design research. Including funded and self-proposed research opportunities.
View available PhD projects and see funded opportunities.
Histories and Theories of Art, Design, Visual and Material Culture
Our research locates the historical and contemporary production and consumption of art, design, visual and material culture in wider social, cultural, political and economic contexts.
Fashion, textiles and material futures
Our fashion, textiles and material futures research is addressing important issues around fashion and textile design and its associated industries.
Graphic and communication design
Our research is looking at the history of design, and ethnographic studies in relation to design, design usability, legibility studies, design knowledge, and epistemology.
Illustration, Drawing, Artists Books and Zines
Our research explores how self-publishing can allow a more diverse range of authors to communicate with an audience and investigates authorial illustration as an emerging genre.
Photography
We're using the photographic image in its expanded field as an investigative tool. Our research explores photography as a medium, and investigates how photographic practices shape individual subjectivity and modernity.
Research degree options in Art and Design
We offer several postgraduate research routes in Art and Design, including PhD, MPhil and PhD by Publication. Find out about our research degree opportunities below, including how to apply, entry requirements and funding your degree. You can apply for an existing project or propose your own research idea. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Available PhD and MPhil projects
You can apply for a pre-approved PhD or MPhil project, or develop your own research proposal.
There are currently no funded PhD projects available in this area — for more information on funding your own research project, visit our pages on funding your research degree.
If you already have a research idea, find a supervisor whose research interests match yours by searching our Find a PhD Supervisor page. Once you've identified someone suitable, contact them to discuss your idea.
PhD by Publication
A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree based on research you've already undertaken and had published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with us.
Eligible research outputs include peer-reviewed academic papers, complete books or chapters in anthologies, and other materials accepted for publication, exhibited or performed. You'll have to submit these materials for examination between 6–12 months after registering with us.
From October 2026, all PhD by Publications will be completed by distance learning. However, there is no expectation that any student applying for a start date before this should be on campus.
PhD by Practice
Within the School of Architecture, Art and Design, we also offer a PhD by Practice – a postgraduate research degree that's specifically designed to recognise your prior artistic practice.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate include an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered. All applicants are subject to interview.
If English is not your first language, you'll need English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Fees and funding
April 2026
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
(Including EU Scholarship)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £17,200 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £8,600 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: £5,006
- Members of staff: £2,000
All fees are subject to annual increase. If you are an EU student starting a programme in 2025/26 please visit this page.
October 2026 and February 2027
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,238 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,619 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £17,900 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £8,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students may be eligible to receive our EU Scholarship.
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £17,900 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £8,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: £5,238
- Members of staff: £2,100
Additional fees
Some PhD projects may include additional bench fees for equipment and other consumables. These will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.
Funding support
Government Postgraduate Loan
Eligible for MPhil full-time and part-time courses (UK/EU students).
Other funding options
For information on other sources of funding, visit our funding your postgraduate research degree page.
What do my tuition fees cover?
If you are self-funding your PhD, your tuition fees cover the full cost of your postgraduate research programme and access to a wide range of academic, professional and support services, including:
Research training and development
Bespoke training, professional development courses, seminars, workshops and researcher-led events delivered through The Doctoral College.
Research community and support
Access to our research environment, Research and Innovation services, and researcher networking (77% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent, REF 2021).
Facilities, equipment and resources
Libraries, laboratories, computer rooms, laptops, electronic journals, specialist software (Microsoft Office, SPSS and Adobe Creative Suite), funding guidance and LinkedIn Learning. Explore our facilities.
Student support services
Including academic, financial, careers and wellbeing support, including access to personal tutors. Read more on our guidance support.
Your PhD programme
Registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and viva administration.
Conference and development support
A contribution towards attending conferences or research-related development activities.
Students' Union membership
Giving you the right to vote in elections, join clubs and societies, and get free independent advice.
Graduation
Your graduation ceremony will recognise the significant contribution your research has made to your discipline.
Support and facilities
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Support from our Doctoral College, helping you become part of a thriving, collaborative research community
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Guidance from a dedicated supervisory team throughout your research degree
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Access to the Doctoral Development Programme, offering specialist training, workshops and research events to develop your skills as a researcher
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Access facilities for practical and creative development in a wide range of production methods.
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Use study areas for creative practice and academic study, dedicated computer suites with the latest software and digital printing, a printmaking workshop, photographic facilities, digital fabric printing and laser cutting.
What can a postgraduate research degree do for my career?
A postgraduate research degree develops advanced expertise and transferable skills valued across academia, industry and the public sector.
You’ll graduate with:
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Advanced research and analytical expertise
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Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
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Experience managing complex, independent projects
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Strong communication and presentation skills
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Leadership and research management capability
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Deep subject knowledge in your chosen field
How to apply
You can apply for a research degree in Art and Design by completing our online application form. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Not ready to apply just yet?
Get in touch
We're here to help. Feel free to ask us a question.
Come to an Open Evening
Why not come to our next open evening? Open evenings are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campus and get all the information you need.
- MPhil: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
- PhD: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
- PhD by Publication: 1 year part-time
We recommend you get in touch with the relevant subject area supervisor using our “Find a Supervisor” tool ahead of applying. You can discuss your research ideas with them and ensure we have supervisory expertise to support you.
Yes. You can apply with your own research proposal, or apply for one of our advertised funded projects.
Where next?
Find out more about Portsmouth's postgraduate opportunities and community.
Postgrad Research Degrees Webinar series
From applications to flexible study — get the insights you need to plan your research degree.
Find a PhD Supervisor
If you've already got your own research idea, start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match yours.
How to apply for postgraduate research
Read our guide on how to complete and submit your postgraduate research application. Take the next step in your academic career today.
