Why you should join us

Our research degrees will help you advance or change your career, deepen your expertise, and expand your research and practical skills.

Work with influential experts

In art and design, we are second in the UK for the power of our research (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

Choose from our flexible pathways

Study your PhD, MPhil or MA by research on campus or as a distance learner.

Get personal and professional training

Benefit from development programmes tailored to research students.

Benefit from our industry links

We have close relationships with galleries, museums, digital archives and creative professionals.

Join a thriving research community

We’ve pioneered practice-led research degrees since 1968.

Be part of the School of Digital Arts (SODA)

We invested £35 million in creative media studios, facilities and expertise.

Our research areas

Discover our areas of expertise and browse our experts. We encourage you to discuss your research ideas with us – even if your topic is not listed.

  • Filmmaking (digital and analogue)
  • Photography (digital and analogue)
  • Digital and media art installation and curation
  • Popular media culture
  • Music and sound
  • Games art and design
  • Creative artificial intelligence (AI) and media
  • Sonic art
  • Extended reality (XR) and immersive experience design
  • User experience (UX) and design

Qualifications you can study

You can do a research degree on campus or remotely through distance learning. Choose from one of these programmes:

  • PhD — three years full-time,  six years part-time
  • MA by Research  — one year full-time, two years part-time

Find out about the research degrees we offer.

Start dates

Most of our postgraduate researchers enrol in October. You can also join us in January and April.

Application information

Entry Requirements

To apply, you’ll need a first or 2.1 honours degree, or an equivalent qualification.

International postgraduate researchers must have strong English language skills.

We welcome applicants from non-standard backgrounds. We’ll take subject knowledge, professional experience, publications, or other relevant achievements into consideration.

Find out more about our standard entry requirements.

How to apply for a research degree

Discover the key steps in the application process.

Scholarships, fees and funding