Program Overview

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PHD Fine Art and Design

Course summary

Undertake doctoral research on a programme specialising in practice-led approaches, with outstanding student satisfaction ratings. Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become an independent and effective researcher. Benefit from excellent workshop, studio, and creative media centre facilities. Study within the exciting research environment of the Art, Design and Media Research Centre, Lab4Living or Design Futures, delivering critical insight and world-leading impact.

How you learn

You will work with a supervisory team with expertise in your chosen research area who will help you to define and plan your research programme, agree associated training requirements, and provide direction while supporting you to develop as an independent researcher. You will join a dynamic community of postgraduate researchers and have opportunities to share your work at SHU and beyond.

You learn through:

• independent study
• project supervision
• active research, making and exhibition (as appropriate)
• practice-led research workshops and live projects
• researcher development training events
• presenting your research at conferences and seminars
• participation in lively debate and discussion with your peers
• writing and defending a practice-led doctoral thesis

Future careers

A PhD in fine art and design prepares you for a career in:

• design
• fine art practice
• curation
• design management
• making or manufacturing
• company-employed design
• independent design practice
• education
• retail/marketing
• design research
• art research
• academia

Equipment and facilities

The university has exceptional fine art, design and media practice facilities, equipment and technical support, and screening facilities at 'The Void' film lecture theatre, which boasts cinema-standard 4K digital projection and two 40-year-old Westrex mm projectors. PhD students have access to studio and exhibition space at S1 Artspace.

Two libraries provide 24-hour access, and a dedicated library research support team offer expert advice and training on all aspects of information and publishing

Doctoral researchers in the Culture and Creativity Research Institute have dedicated office space to work in, which we also use to host our community writing sessions.

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

Entry requirements

• A relevant undergraduate degree qualification (2.1 or above)
• A relevant masters level qualification (Merit or above). Note that studentship applicants must have all degree results in hand before applying.

To apply, you must submit a fully complete online application, including:

• A 1,500-word research proposal
• Information about exhibitions/creative projects and concise creative practice documentation, portfolio or website link/s, either uploaded to the application as separate document/s, or include in your personal statement.
• Degree certificates.
• Module transcripts.
• Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study.
• Sponsorship letter (if applicable).

Fees and funding

• Home students: Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students will be aligned to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fees which have not yet been confirmed for 2025/26. For an indication of the tuition fees, please view the 2024/25 course page. An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities.
• International students: Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting part-time study in 2025/26 is £8,865 per year. (Note that this course is not suitable for students requiring a Tier 4 visa). An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities.

Doctoral student loans

Up to £25,700 available to help you while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for Sheffield Creative Industries Institute (PDF, 268.6KB)