327 PhD programmes in Arts, Design & Architecture in United Kingdom

Theatre and Performance at University of Hull has a strong reputation for world-leading and internationally excellent research. 

This Conservation of Cultural Heritage programme at University of Lincoln is designed for students who have a passion to pursue a conservation or heritage-based research project defined by themselves, but with the support of an academic environment and supervisors.

Explore 21st century Art History at University of Plymouth and learn about this ever-expanding discipline, marked by interdisciplinary cross-overs, varied and competing methodologies, and a huge range of objects of study that can break through the boundaries of the traditional notion of ‘art’.

We are one of the country’s leading media departments, working across both theory and practice and with growing interest in the digital. This Media Arts programme is offered at Royal Holloway University of London. 

The Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies PhD at University of Leeds involves three years (five years if part-time) of independent research under the guidance and expertise of a supervisory team. 

Music students are invited to join one of the thriving research groups at the University of Lincoln and participate in its Critical Encounters Research Series, alongside academic staff and peers.

Invest your time and follow your passion to create original research with this Music by Distance Learning programme from University of Nottingham.

The Engineering Design theme at The Open University UK addresses all stages of the engineering design process and links the properties of the products with the processes by which they are designed.

The Doctoral Study, PhD course from The Glasgow School of Art has a distinctive specialist, practice-led research culture which is widely recognised internationally.

The Film Studies programme at University of Essex supports doctoral research in film studies across global cinemas, media forms, and interdisciplinary analytical approaches.

The Music programme from Guildhall School of Music & Drama is distinctive in that it is dedicated to the performing arts. Researchers pursue self-directed projects that connect creative practice with scholarly enquiry in an outstanding conservatoire with world-class facilities.  

Research in architecture seeks to redefine both the role of the architect and established practices, within a constantly changing social, cultural and environmental landscapes. The Architecture programme is offered at University of York.

This Social Anthropology with Visual Media programme at The University of Manchester is intended for those with a degree in social or cultural anthropology who wish to use visual media in the course of pursuing doctoral research. 

The Arts Management and Cultural Policy programme at The University of Manchester links together these interdisciplinary fields to support research into the organisation of the arts, creative and cultural practices and their relationship to broader society, power relations and governance.

The Art and Design programme offered by Anglia Ruskin University supports research across creative practice, visual communication, design, illustration, photography, and related disciplines, enabling candidates to develop original contributions to contemporary art and design research.

Theatre and Drama in the Department of Literature,Theatre Studies (Playwriting) at  University of Essex is led by a vibrant group of playwrights and theatre practitioners who all work professionally in the theatre industry alongside their University teaching.

This History of Artcourse from the University of Cambridge offers the opportunity for independent research under the supervision of an expert member of staff.

The structured Architecture - Research Opportunities programme at University of Lincoln enables students to develop the competencies required for their study and future career. Assessment is via the submission of a final thesis and, depending on the award, an accompanying written or oral testimony.

While studying for an MPhil or PhD in Art programme at University of Lincoln, students are expected to undertake independent research in an area of their choice, supervised and supported by a team of academics.

The Film Studies MPhil/PhD programme from The University of Exeter is  part of a vibrant research culture at Exeter. Staff and research students regularly present their research in the Centre for Research into Film Studies forum, which also hosts visiting speakers.