Swansea College of Art – Doctor of Philosophy (Full-time) (PhD)
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is an internationally recognised qualification which affords students the opportunity to investigate a topic relevant to the Faculty’s areas of expertise under the supervision of a team of qualified academic staff.
The criterion which distinguishes the doctorate from other research degrees such as the MPhil is that the doctorate must produce an original contribution to knowledge in the field whereas an MPhil may consider and comment on existing knowledge.
At Swansea College of Art, we offer a wide range of M.Phil./PhD study across the wide fields of Art and Design. See our fees page for the cost of the courses.
We have an extensive list of academics holding doctorates and associated expertise that are able to supervise students engaged in research degree level work across all the major disciplines associated with a first class art school.
We are engaged in innovative pedagogy and research projects at the leading edge of knowledge across the arts and in design across the four schools that comprise Swansea College of Art:
- Design and Applied Arts
- Film and Digital Media
- Fine Art and Photography
- Visual Communication
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Prospective candidates submit a proposal for a research project.
Following approval, you are allocated a supervision team of two or three appropriate members of staff led by a Director of Studies. With this team you embark on an extended investigation into your topic, producing a written thesis.
There is also an option of practice-based research, which results in a shorter written thesis together with a substantial body of practical work. All research students have the opportunity to take part in research training events, and the University’s Summer School.
The Faculty’s areas of expertise include all aspects of the visual arts, design, photography, film and media. PhD work will often lead to publication and may lead to a career in academia.
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Ratings and Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Accommodation
Further information
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The benchmark entry requirement is a 2:1 or higher undergraduate degree. Mature students may apply with their portfolio and/or previous academic/industrial career taken into account.
There is also a procedure for the recognition of prior learning. International students will also have to prove proficiency in the English language to the required IELTS level 6.5.
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The PhD is assessed by the submission of a written thesis together with a body of practical work where appropriate, which is scrutinised through an oral examination, or viva, by two examiners, one external to the University.
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Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.
You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):
- Travel to and from campus
- Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
- Purchase of books or texts
- Gowns for graduation ceremonies
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.