Animation has been regarded as the artform that brings static images, illustrations, and/or objects to life. Through this process, the animator transfers their performance to embody iconic animated characters on screen. Regardless of the impact achieved through these characters, the embodied performance features an imprint that is informed by the animator’s state of mind, culture, and identity. This research invites potential candidates to investigate the effectiveness of animation, specifically through character design and avatars, in recording and representing the collective memory of a specific period and context. This investigation could be key in identifying social/political/cultural identities, animation visual styles in specific regions, or even the collective experience during COVID-19 Lockdowns.
Candidates are welcome to approach this research from contemporary, historical, and experimental perspectives. This could include the examination of character designs or animations that emerged from a specific period and/or specific regions, to identify specific patterns original to the region or the time-period. While the research should present extensive theoretical consideration, practical elements and experimentations could be an interesting addition to the methodology.
Candidates are also encouraged to consider the incorporation of contemporary animation, Virtual Reality, and/or virtual production tools to enhance the potential outputs of the research.
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.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
The University offers the following levels of support:
The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:
These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.
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.
Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.
The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).
This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.
Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living
Submission deadline
Monday 28 February 2022
12:00AM
Interview Date
week commencing 11 April 2022
Preferred student start date
mid September 2022
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