Program Overview

PHD Fine Art and Design

Course summary

Investigate a research topic of your choice during a period of supervised study and make an original contribution to knowledge in Fine Art or Design.

How you learn

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.

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.
• International students: Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,725 per year. There will be a final writing up fee of £500.

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)