Design Culture and the Trail of Innovation

Summary

This project focuses on the development of design solutions and offers the successful candidate the opportunity to review, evaluate, and develop new perspectives on innovation, skills development, craft and technology. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals who can demonstrate an interest in the change agenda from local and international perspective, linking original research at Ulster with the impact of knowledge and technology transfer and the resultant change in working practices and knowledge advancement.

Applicants should be able to propose and undertake research initiating new ways of working whether in sustainable creative practice and the development of innovative design solutions that can bring real benefits to society. Good design can change behaviours and it is the change agenda that has created modal shifts in society – particularly as we move closer towards the third machine age. The interpretation can vary from art and design research practice to a more traditional academic thesis structure – dependent on the individual project proposal, the particular skillset of the applicant, and their methodology.

This is a cross-disciplinary design project with the opportunity to benefit from relevant co-supervision in a related discipline in other parts of the University. The successful candidate will take a key role in developing cutting-edge research in the design discipline with access to the latest international research through the library’s extensive academic resources and networks and through our collaborations with relevant industries. This is an internationally relevant project and links with other institutions and research centres will be supported and encouraged.

Day to day research will involve the generation and testing of new ideas, the introduction of new models, and testing of new prototypes within any one of the broad spectrum of disciplines in art, design, and engineering in their broadest sense. The successful applicant will have a dedicated desk space, full access to many world-wide academic research databases, an annual stipend and access to supplementary support funds as well as ongoing supervision support and further training through Ulster’s Doctoral College.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.