Appendix 2: Research Degrees in Art and Design


  1. The MPhil/PhD regulations provide for candidates to submit an exhibition of original studio-based work in part fulfilment of the requirements for the degrees of MPhil or PhD. While such work should conform to the standard definition of research (see section 3 'Aims of the MPhil and PhD' and section 4 'Difference between the MPhil and PhD') the following paragraphs amplify the requirements for practice-based research in Art and Design.

  2. Candidates will submit one or more substantial original works. The outcome of their research should be exhibited in the professional manner expected of the discipline in the public domain.

  3. The research could take a variety of forms and the context of the research must be recognisable in the work submitted. The research methodology must be available at the exhibition for examination and should fully support the research outcome, tracing its evolution and taking on the forms necessary to do so. For example, drawings, photographs, audio, film, video, notes, written elements, book lists, references, collected items, interviews.

  4. The requirement for the written element of the submission will be determined according to the specific nature of each research project, and it would be inappropriate to stipulate a fixed relationship between the two. As guidance to intending candidates, the length of the written submission would normally be expected to be between 15,000 and 20,000 words. It would normally take the form of a critical commentary, outlining the research methodology and context, and linking the methodology to the outcome.

  5. University examination procedures will be followed.