Art and Design Research Degrees

Program Overview

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Art and Design Research Degrees

Create lasting solutions to real-world problems with ground-breaking research, utilising the expertise and facilities at our School of Art and Design

Course Overview

Why study an Art and Design Research Degree at Middlesex University?

As a research student at Middlesex you will be in a working atmosphere where creative practice and creative thinking is encouraged and will be working with and learning from high profile academics in curating, fine art, communication arts, architecture and design. You will have opportunities to gain work experience in curating, lecturing, events organisation and publishing with a range of organisations including the ICA, National Maritime Museum, Sir John Soane's Museum, Bloomsbury Publishing and Tate

Course Highlights

• A programme of University wide training, regular training events with the School of Media and Performing Arts, tailor made school research seminars and dedicated subject specific reading groups
• Support to attend conferences to present papers
• Access to workshops
• Base room in the new Grove
• Your own new laptop for the course of your studies
• Building with tea and coffee making facilities, lockers, PCs, telephones
• A vibrant group of over 40 research students who provide a supportive peer group

About Your Course

Course Content

We offer the following research degrees:

• MA by Research: We offer an MA by Research, which involves writing and researching a thesis. You'll need knowledge and understanding of existing research or scholarship in a chosen field – and its clear presentation in a dissertation. The taught elements of this course are integral to the degree and your progression will be dependent on satisfactory progress.
• MPhil and PhD: The difference between an MPhil and PhD, in essence, relates to the contribution you make to existing knowledge on the research topic that you've selected. A PhD contributes new knowledge beyond what's currently available. An MPhil contributes new understanding of existing knowledge, by way of a critical review or evaluation.
• ArtsM and ArtsD: We offer an ArtsM and ArtsD qualification, designed for practitioners of advanced standing to allow them to create a piece of work at the cutting edge of practice – with a text of up to 10,000 words for ArtsM level and 20,000 words for Arts D level.
• PhD by Public Works: The Doctor of Philosophy by Public Works, which allows a researcher who has made a significant contribution to knowledge through their own work to gain recognition by means of the award of PhD.

Teaching

How is an Art and Design Research Degree taught?

Academic support and guidance is constantly available, whether you work individually or as part of a team. There are regular research tutorials, plus seminars and meetings with research students, staff and guest speakers.

• Expert Supervision: Two supervisors are allocated to each research student. Projects sometimes have three supervisors – particularly if they're interdisciplinary or joint visual/textual projects.
• Collaborations with External Partners: If you're working in partnership with an external organisation, you may be jointly supervised by academics from Middlesex University and the collaborating partner.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• MA by Research: We normally require a second class honours degree 2:2 or above
• MPhil: We normally require a second class honours degree 2:2 or above
• PhD: You will need to first need to enrol onto the MPhil and then transfer to a PhD once you've made enough progress with your research. This is typically after 18-24 months
• ArtsM: We normally require a second class honours degree 2:2 or above or equivalent professional experience. You must also have current professional practice in the arts
• ArtsD: We normally require a Masters degree or equivalent professional experience and recognition

Eligibility

• UK and international students are eligible to apply for this course.

Interviews, Entrance Tests, Portfolios and Auditions

• Entry onto this course does not require an interview, portfolio or audition.

Fees and Funding

Fees

• UK Students Starting in January 2025:
  • MA by Research: £6,300 per year (full-time), £3,150 per year (part-time)
  • MPhil/PhD/ArtsM/ArtsD: £6,300 per year (full-time), £3,150 per year (part-time)
  • PhD by Public Works: £6,300 per year (full-time), £3,150 per year (part-time)
• International Students Starting in January 2025:
  • MA by Research: £15,700 per year (full-time), £7,850 per year (part-time)
  • MPhil/PhD/ArtsM/ArtsD: £15,700 per year (full-time), £7,850 per year (part-time)
  • PhD by Public Works: £15,700 per year (full-time), £7,850 per year (part-time)

Funding

• Funding or studentships for research degrees are limited, and most research degree students are expected to pay their own fees and subsistence costs.

Program Outline

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Art and Design Research Degrees at Middlesex University

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Degree Overview

This program is designed for individuals who wish to conduct original research in the field of art and design, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and creative practice. Through this program, students will:

• Develop independent research skills
• Enhance your critical thinking and analytical abilities
• Make a significant contribution to the field of art and design
• Gain experience in curating, lecturing, event organization, and publishing
The program offers various research pathways, including:
• MA by Research: This pathway focuses on conducting a written thesis, exploring a chosen research topic in detail.
• MPhil and PhD: This pathway allows students to delve deeper into research, leading to the creation of new knowledge and understanding within the field.
It offers two routes: text-based research or a mixed-mode approach incorporating both visual and textual elements.
• ArtsM and ArtsD: This pathway caters to experienced practitioners who wish to produce a groundbreaking work of art or design, accompanied by a written text analyzing and contextualizing the work.
• PhD by Public Works: This pathway recognizes individuals with significant contributions to knowledge through their existing work, awarding them a PhD based on their accomplishments.
The program provides students with:
• A supportive environment for creative exploration and research
• Access to expertise and facilities within the School of Art and Design
• Individual supervision from experienced academics
• Regular research seminars, training events, and workshops

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Outline

The program offers a flexible structure, allowing students to tailor their studies based on their research interests and chosen pathway. The core elements of the program include:

• Research Proposal Development: Students work with their supervisors to refine their research ideas and develop a comprehensive proposal.
• Literature Review: Students engage in a thorough review of existing literature relevant to their chosen research topic.
• Data Collection and Analysis: This involves gathering and analyzing data through various methods appropriate to the specific research project.
• Thesis Writing or Project Development: Students focus on writing their thesis or completing their creative project, depending on the chosen pathway.
• Presentation and Defense: Students present their research findings and defend their thesis or project to an academic panel.
The program can be completed full-time or part-time, with the duration varying depending on the chosen pathway.

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Assessment

Assessment methods vary depending on the chosen research pathway:

• MA by Research: Assessed through a written thesis and oral examination.
• MPhil and PhD: Assessed through a combination of written work (thesis or dissertation), presentations, and oral examinations.
• ArtsM and ArtsD: Assessed through a combination of the final creative work and a written text analyzing the work.
• PhD by Public Works: Assessed through a portfolio of existing work and a written context statement.

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Teaching

The program employs various teaching methods to support students' research journey:

• Individual Supervision: Students receive regular guidance and feedback from their supervisors, who are experts in their fields.
• Research Seminars: Students participate in seminars to discuss and debate research ideas and findings with peers and faculty members.
• Training Events: The program provides training opportunities to enhance research skills, such as academic writing, data analysis, and presentation skills.
• Workshops: Students have access to specialized workshops related to specific research methods, software, or creative techniques.
• Guest Speaker Events: The program invites renowned researchers and practitioners to share their expertise and experiences with students.

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Careers

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for various career paths in art and design, including:

• Academic Research:
• Pursue further research as a postdoctoral fellow or research associate at universities or research institutions.
• Secure a faculty position at a higher education institution.
• Creative Practice:
• Establish themselves as independent artists or designers, exhibiting and selling their work.
• Work as freelance artists or designers for various organizations and clients.
• Curatorial and Museum Studies:
• Pursue careers in curating exhibitions at museums, galleries, or cultural institutions.
• Work in museum administration or research.
• Arts Education:
• Become educators in art and design, teaching at universities, colleges, or art schools.
• Develop curriculum and educational programs for various institutions.
• Arts Management and Administration:
• Pursue leadership positions in arts organizations, managing operations, fundraising, and program development.
• Work as consultants for arts organizations and projects.
• The program fosters a collaborative learning environment, encouraging students to exchange ideas and learn from each other.

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| Course | Full-time | Part-time | |---|---|---| | MA by Research | £6,300 per year | £3,150 per year | | MPhil/ PhD/ ArtsM/ ArtsD | £6,300 per year | £3,150 per year | | PhD by Public Works | £6,300 per year | £3,150 per year | | MA by Research | £15,700 per year | £7,850 per year | | MPhil/ PhD/ ArtsM/ ArtsD | £15,700 per year | £7,850 per year | | PhD by Public Works | £15,700 per year | £7,850 per year |