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MPhil/PhD Research Degrees

Overview

Research degrees are awarded in recognition of significant contributions to knowledge and scholarship produced through the development of original research through supervised, self-directed study.

Course information

Research Degree supervision is offered within or across both theoretical and practice-based programmes in art and architecture; design including fashion and textiles; film and animation; and performance; where AUB can provide appropriately qualified supervision.

The MPhil/PhD Award at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is validated by the University of the Arts London (UAL).

If you'd like to find out more, book a call with the Research team now.

Course outline

The format of study for a research degree (MPhil/PhD) is very different from a taught degree. As a research student, you will engage in a programme of independent research and/or practice based work. Following discussion with the Director of Studies you will be assigned one, or sometimes two, second supervisors with whom you will plan your programme of research and with whom you will have regular tutorials to support your study throughout your time as a student.

Your research may combine the practice, theory and /or history of your specialist area and you will be guided in your study to define clearly and persuasively what is original and innovative about your chosen topic and how best to present and disseminate your arguments and findings, whether this is substantially a written thesis or via a combination of practice (for example, exhibition, installation) and text-based critique.

Because of the individual nature of your study, your requirements (for example, for studio space or other specialist resources) will be discussed with your supervisor.

Students will register for full/part-time study, in the first instance for MPhil qualification and, following successful upgrade through Confirmation, for PhD.

The MPhil degree is awarded in recognition of a systematic, well documented and well argued study which demonstrates a degree of originality and critical awareness. It should also demonstrate a distinct contribution to scholarship. It is an award in its own right or, alternatively, it may be undertaken as preparation for a PhD.

The PhD is awarded in recognition of a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding. The thesis should contain material which is worthy of publication or public presentation. The doctorate must represent a more substantial individual achievement and demonstrate recognisably greater depth than an MPhil.

Research degree supervisors

Research Degree supervision is offered within or across both theoretical and practice-based programmes in fine art; architecture; design including textiles; film and animation; performance; photography; and creative technologies, where AUB can provide appropriately qualified supervision.

The MPhil/PhD Award at AUB is validated by the University of the Arts London (UAL).

If you've got a question for our research supervisors, get in touch with the Research Office by email or call +44 1202 363334

Find details of our research degree supervisors below:

Dr Willem de Bruijn Senior Lecturer – BA (Hons) Architecture and Postgraduate Course Tutor – MRes Arts

PhD, M.Sc., FHEA

Headshot for J Cole.
Dr James Cole Course Leader/Senior Lecturer

BA, MA, PGCAP, PhD

Email me jcole@aub.ac.uk
Dr Philip Jones Course Leader MA Graphic Design

PhD, MA, BA (Hons), FHEA

Email me pjones@aub.ac.uk
Dr David Lund Senior Lecturer – BA (Hons) Modelmaking and BA (Hons) Design

PhD, BA (Hons), FHEA, FRHistS

Email me dlund@aub.ac.uk
Dr Kevan Manwaring Programme Leader – MA Creative Writing (online)

PhD, MA, BA, FHEA

Dr Fran Norton Course Leader

PhD, MA, PGDip, BA (Hons), PGCert, FHEA

Dr Natalie Scott Lecturer in Creative Writing

PhD, MA, BA (Hons), PGCE, CAPF

Associate Professor Dominic Shepherd Course Leader – MA Painting and Art Subject leader Graduate School

MA, FHEA

Headshot for E Shercliff
Dr Emma Shercliff Associate Professor of Textiles and Participatory Making, Associate Director of the Graduate School (Research), Course Tutor (MRes Arts)

PhD, BA(Hons), FHEA

Dr Laurie Taylor Senior Lecturer - Photography (History and Theory)

PhD, PGCert, MA, BFA, FHEA

Dr Romana Turina Associate Professor – BA (Hons) Film Production

PhD, MA, PGCE, FHEA, SEDA

Professor Paul Ward Course Leader – MA Animation Production

BA, PGCE, MA, PhD

Email me pward@aub.ac.uk
Headshot for Prof. P Wenham-Clarke
Professor Paul Wenham-Clarke Postgraduate Course Leader – MA Photography

PhD, MA, FBIPP, FHEA

Dr Petronilla Whitfield Associate Professor in Voice and Acting 

PhD, MA, PGCE, Drama Dip, SFHEA

Dr Christian McLening Director of Research and Development

PhD, MA, BA, PGCE (HE), CTPD

Research students

Find out more about what our current research students are working on.

How to apply

The next deadline for entry to commence study in September 2025 is 30 May 2025.

Please note: Studentship and Bursary opportunities may have different deadlines.

Frequently asked questions

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