PhD Design at University of Southampton

Programme overview

Winchester School of Art is recognised as an international centre for research in global art, design and media. Our researchers are engaged in creative and critical practices across a wide range of interests. We're proud to be a hub for creative projects and events, offering a venue for artists to collaborate, investigate, and bring their ideas to life. We're proud to offer a supportive and creative environment in which to carry out your work, and we encourage interdisciplinary engagement with other areas of research. Many of our PhD students have collaborated with colleagues in fields as diverse as archaeology, nanoscience, sound engineering, and the social and political sciences. Winchester School of Art hosts PhD programmes for both practice and non-practice Fine Art and Design research. You'll be supervised by at least 2 academic specialists, who will work with you to identify the research skills training you need, oversee your studies, and support your career development. You'll also have access to workshops, dedicated study areas and media facilities.

Faculty: Arts and Humanities | Department: Art, design, media and fashion | Duration: 2 to 4 years full-time; 4 to 7 years part-time | Study mode: full-time/part-time | Location: Southampton, England, United Kingdom

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

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. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum: overall score 6.5 writing 6.0 reading 6.0 speaking 6.0 listening 6.0 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.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). UK fee, full-time (also applies to Horizon Europe associated-country applicants). Part-time: UK £2,619, international £10,050 a year. Source

International applicants: GBP 20,100 a year (2026/27). International fee, full-time. Source

Duration: 2 to 4 years full-time; 4 to 7 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/apply

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