Art, design, media and fashion

Advertised PhD research projects

1. Decide on a topic and create a proposal

   You can apply for a PhD in either design or fine art, depending on your research goals.

   Carefully consider the details of your chosen research topic, and how to ensure this meets the standards required for a higher degree. You'll need to demonstrate that you fully understand what a PhD entails before you submit your application.

   Your proposal should be 5-10 pages long, and include:

   • an indicative title
   • a short overview of your research, such as the key issues you want to investigate and why you wish to do so at Winchester School of Art
   • a literature review to show how your research fits into and adds to existing knowledge
   • a description of how your plan to undertake your research and the reasoning behind your chosen methodologies
   • a list of any specialist resources and training you'll need, such as additional languages, software and travel
   • a realistic timeline for completing your research degree
   • a list of references and sources

   If your research is practice-based, you must also include a folio of images and documentation of your previous work, with commentary.

2. Contact your potential supervisors

   It's a good idea to get in touch with potential supervisors to discuss the specifics of your project. You can find out more about their research interests by visiting their staff profiles.

   It's best to do this well ahead of the application deadline.

    

3. Gather your supporting documents

   You'll need to send us:

   • your research proposal
   • your academic transcript
   • details of 2 current academic referees, with their institutional email addresses
   • IELTS or TOEFL certificate if English is not your first language
   • a folio of images and documentation of previous work if your research is practice-based

4. Apply

   Ìì·¢ÓéÀÖÆåÅÆ_Ìì·¢ÓéÀÖAPP-¹ÙÍø|ÏÂÔØ PhDs start in September each year. You¡¯ll need to submit your application for September entry by 1 July of that year.

   If you require a visa to study with us, please apply as early as possible and allow plenty of time for visa applications.

   Apply now

    

You'll need to have a 2:1 honours undergraduate degree and a master of arts, or equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject. 

If you do not have a master's degree, we will consider your application if you can demonstrate extensive work experience in a related field.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

Research degrees have a minimum and maximum duration, known as the candidature. Your candidature ends when you submit your thesis.

Most candidatures are longer than the minimum period.