Art and Sustainability / Design for Change

Apply and key information

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)

Summary

Belfast School of Art, established in 1849, is the only provision for Higher Education Art & Design in Northern Ireland, the oldest provider of design education on the island of Ireland and one of the oldest creative arts schools in the UK. We are home to a vibrant community of 60 PhD researchers across Art and Design, history, theory and practice.

We lead one of four AHRC funded Green Transition Ecosystems in the UK, manage an AHRC Impact Acceleration Account diverse research impact makes a profound contribution to creativity, culture, society, economy, health and wellbeing. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) our research was judges to be 83% world-leading or internationally excellent, including 100% of Research Impact and 100% Research Environment reaching this threshold.

We welcome PhD proposals that consider the role of Art and/or Design in providing agency or response to a changing world that must consider both human-centred and more-than-human contexts. This may be framed within a real-world or a pedagogic context. Applicants are assessed on their research proposals, expertise and evidence of practice (application materials and, if shortlisted, interview).

Belfast School of Art has extensive national and international networks. Our staff and PhD researchers have been awarded multiple Turner Prize, MAC International and Paul Hamlyn Foundation awards or recognised nationally by Innovate UK, Institute of Designers in Ireland and Times Higher Education. We provide an inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary environment for collaboration and can support solo or specialist practice researchers.

NOTE: For this applicant-led proposal to meet eligibility criteria, the applicant is expected to have made their own connections with our staff and have gained their agreement as prospective supervisors. Belfast School of Art will not facilitate supervisory arrangements. This studentship is for part-time mode only and may suit those in fractional employment (must be 0.5FTE or less).

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.

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)

These scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £9,500 (tbc) per annum for six years (subject to satisfactory academic performance). A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a UK National, or

Have settled status, or

Have pre-settled status, or

Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

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.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.