Postgraduate research degrees: MPhil and PhD
Welcome to Research in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Technology
Image by Rachel White
I chose the University of Derby for a PhD in media studies because of the interdisciplinary approach of the institution towards postgraduate research programmes.
”PhD student in ADT
A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is one of the highest level academic awards in the world. It is a programme of sustained and detailed study in a specific area, requiring you to make an original contribution to knowledge and become an expert in your field.
In Arts, Design and Technology there are many opportunities for you to study for a research degree at PhD level in your chosen subject area.
A PhD offers many benefits including:
- A possible route into an academic post
- A route to a full time researcher role
- Personal satisfaction
- Extension of knowledge
- Professional career enhancement
- Flexible ways of learning
Traditional route or new route PhD?
A traditional route is a programme of research which normally takes between three to three and a half years full time study. You can choose to take it part time over a period of up to six years. The traditional route enables capable and qualified individuals to pursue an original research investigation into a chosen topic within a field of enquiry.
The new route is a programme of online taught modules to improve your research skills whilst you begin to consider and develop a research project guided by supervisors. It is designed to prepare you for research at the highest level. This route normally takes four years' full time study. You can choose to take it part time over a period of up to six years. This route will give you an MRes and a PhD if successful.
Theory/ Practice PhD
If you would like to do research involving the production of creative work or an invention (for examination) alongside a dissertation or thesis then it is possible to do a Theory/ Practice PhD. In this situation the balance between theory and practice is agreed by you and your director of studies. The practice element may comprise up to 80% of the total planned effort. Therefore the theory element should exceed 20%.
Theory and Practice Regulations (Word 53Kb) to be read alongside the Regulations for Traditional Route PhD.
Where do I do my research?
Students are associated with one of the Faculty's Research Centres or Groups.
- Identity, Conflict and Representation Research Centre
- Digital and Material Arts Research Center (D-MARC)
- Visual Communication Research Group
- Built Enviroment Research Group (BERG)
- Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering and Industrial Design Research Group (website in development)
- Creative Technologies Research Group (website in development)
- The Electrical, Electronic and Software Systems Research Group (website in development)
How do I apply?
Visit the University's Research website for more information
If you're interested in postgraduate research at MPhil/PhD level please contact:
- The University Research Office researchoffice@derby.ac.uk
- Professor Neil Campbell (Head of Research) n.campbell@derby.ac.uk
