PhD Art and Design at Birmingham City University

Programme overview

A PhD in Art and Design will help you create opportunities to develop research skills that support professional practice, research and/or academic careers within the fields of art, design and the creative industries. You will study in a world-class research environment which enables both practice-led and/or entirely text based PhD research to be developed to the highest level. This course is eligible for PhD studentships via the Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Design and Media | Department: Architecture, Fashion and Textiles, Jewellery, Art and Design | Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time; 4-7 years distance learning | Study mode: full-time/online/part-time | Intake: September 2026, February 2027 | Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

A PhD enables you to follow a programme of self-directed, independent study, supported by experienced supervisors who are themselves experts in their area. You will also be supported by the wider research community in Art and Design and you will have regular opportunities to attend research seminars, conferences and symposia. Our PhD gives you the opportunity to spend time researching and developing a deep understanding of a unique area of interest whilst contributing world-leading insight to the academic specialisms in Art and Design at Birmingham City University.

Career pathways

The Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is recognised worldwide and is often an essential requirement for those wishing to follow an academic or research career in the fields of art, design and the creative industries. Our Art and Design PhD research degree will help you create opportunities to develop research skills that support your professional practice.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

To apply for our Art and Design PhD research degree you should have, or expect to be awarded, a Masters degree in a relevant subject area from a British or overseas university. Exceptional candidates without a Masters degree, but holding a first class Bachelors degree in a relevant subject area, may be considered. We also welcome enquiries from potential PhD researchers without formal academic qualifications but with appropriate levels of professional experience. If you intend to take a practice-led research approach to your PhD study, then you will expected to show your portfolio as part of the application process, normally at the formal interview stage. Please send us an initial PhD enquiry containing your brief PhD research proposal (max. 500 words), and/or any questions or queries you may have. We will review your initial enquiry to ensure your research proposal compliments one of our PhD research interests and if so we will ask you to make a full application. English Language Requirements for International Students. Valid Academic IELTS certificate with overall score of 7.0 with no band below 6.5 or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). full-time, 3-4 years; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

International applicants: GBP 15,420 a year (2026/27). full-time, 3-4 years; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

Intake: September 2026, February 2027

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time; 4-7 years distance learning

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