PhD in Arts – Oxford Brookes University

Institution providing the doctoral degree

Oxford Brookes University

Location

Oxford | England, United Kingdom

Name of PHD

PhD in Arts

Research Clusters

Fine Arts – Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Drawing, Decorative Art, Scenographic Art
Multimedia Arts, Audio-visual Techniques and Media Production
Film Studies
Design – Graphic Design; Industrial Design; Fashion Design; Textile Design…
History and Theory of Art + Cultural Heritage
Art Curating
Theory, Analysis and Musical Composition
Musicology and Musical Heritage
Ethnomusicology – Etno; Jazz; Pop; Rock…
Other fields

Duration

MPhil/PhD route
By far the most popular and common is the MPhil/PhD route. This entails students initially registering for the degree of MPhil/PhD, before transferring to full PhD status, should sufficient progress have been made with their work. Transfer to full PhD status normally happens after 18 months for full time students and after roughly 24-26 months for part time students.

Length of study: minimum of three years full time and four years part time.

PhD Direct
The alternative route toward obtaining a PhD is known as a PhD Direct in which the student registers directly to study for a PhD. Accordingly, the student does not need to undergo a formal transfer assessment and the minimum period of study is shorter compared to the MPhil/PhD route.

Length of study: minimum of two years full time and three years part time.

Research Degree involving Creative Work
You may undertake a programme of research in which your own creative work or practice forms the most significant part of the intellectual enquiry. They must be undertaken as part of a registered research programme. Length of study: minimum of three years full time and four years part time.

Public / Private institution

Public University

Financial terms of the PHD position

Self-funded PhD – you must provide both tuition and your own maintenance

It is important to know that many universities offer different funding options and public and private grants available to students who match the application criteria. Before applying, it is a good idea to check the institutions’ websites and inquire about the options available to you.

Many universities require applicants to pay fees such as matriculation or dissertation fees, even if they offer a fully funded programme with or without a stipend.

Fees:

https://www.brookes.ac.uk/courses/research/arts

Funding resources:

https://www.brookes.ac.uk/study/funding/postgraduate-doctoral-loans-for-home-students

https://www.brookes.ac.uk/study/funding

Final output

PHD:
Thesis: 80,000 – 100,000 words.

Research Degree involving Creative Work
Thesis: for a PhD,15,000 – 25,000 words.
for an MPhil, 8,000 – 10,000 words. The final assessment is by examination of your submitted thesis and a viva voce (oral examination).

How to apply

It is essential that you first check whether your specific research interests can be adequately supervised before submitting a full application. To do this please email the Research Administrator (hss-researchdegrees@brookes.ac.uk) your provisional research proposal. This should be 1500–2000 words in length and should include a title and a summary of the proposed subject area.

There is no specific format for research proposals but the following areas are usually covered:

introduction
evidence of background reading and knowledge/previous experience of research area
details of research methods proposed to carry out the project
the aims of the research project and any proposed hypotheses/outcomes
literature review
how your research project will make an original and independent contribution to knowledge.

If your area of research can potentially be supervised you will be encouraged to submit a full application via our online application system.

The Research Administrator will acknowledge receipt of your application by email. We strive to make a decision within one month of receiving your application. Please note, however, decisions may take longer during busier periods of the academic year.

Supporting documents

Please read through the list of supporting documentation must be uploaded along with your application or emailed separately.

Entry requirements

MPhil/PHD route

Entry requirement: the minimum entry requirement for the MPhil/PhD route is:

a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree
a relevant master’s qualification
or an equivalent qualification.

Applications from those holding qualifications other than the above will be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the work proposed.

PHD Direct

Entry requirement: This is the same as for the MPhil/PhD route, except that the student must demonstrate an exceptional level of preparedness and aptitude for PhD study, for instance in the form of an MPhil degree or an outstanding performance at Masters level in an area very closely aligned with the PhD.

Research Degree involving Creative Work

Entry requirement: a recent master’s degree in a discipline appropriate to the proposed research. The master’s needs to have included research training and a research project.

In exceptional cases, applicants who have a good honours degree (or equivalent) may apply if they have appropriate research or professional experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment.

Valid for all the options:

If you choose to study full-time you must be able to devote a minimum of 35 hours per week over a 44-week year to your research. You should not undertake more than 20 hours per week paid employment or other commitments (including a maximum of six hours per week teaching, demonstrating, or other paid work directly related to your research training).

If you choose to study part-time you must be able to devote a minimum of 15 hours per week over a 44-week year to the programme of research.

You must also meet our residence requirements.

English language requirements

Applicants whose main language is not English must meet the Faculty’s English language requirements. The minimum IELTS score required for entry to the research degree programme is 6.5–7 overall.

In addition, we require a minimum of 6.5 in each component of the test. We do not accept IELTS certificates that are over two years old.