PhD Study : Typography as Identity: the role of typography and lettering in society and culture

Summary

The explosion of graphic visual identity over the past century has seen new typographic applications and experiments, cross-disciplinary application onto textiles, engineered machines, streetscapes and signage, magazines, websites, mobile technologies, artefacts, and places being as much defined by their typographic elements as their purpose. The lettering of invention and re-invention exist in graphic statements in a more transitory way than other aspects of the designed environment and in many ways reflects more accurately the passage of time and is therefore linked to notions of taste, style, contemporariness, lifestyles.

There exists a rich typographic heritage across a broad array of applications and those typo/graphic interfaces create emotion, direct wayfinding, provide instruction, tell stories, and trigger cultures. Graphic design and typography have multiple facets and reflect multiple identities from the American Declaration of Independence to contemporary magazines and corporate branding set in the immediacy of global information and data transfers through the mobile technologies connecting cultures worldwide.

A particular focus of this project is the role and application of typefaces and lettering in society and culture – using visual and text-based academic research in order to develop a deeper understanding of typographic identity. This is an exciting opportunity to combine historical research and contemporary analysis alongside studio-based typographic experimentation. This PhD project is designed to draw out issues of identity, diversity, visual culture, graphic design, and design process as they relate to societies.

The successful candidate will take a key role in developing cutting-edge research in the graphic design/typography disciplines 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. We are looking for applicants who are keen to develop experimental typographic interventions in researching the contribution of typography to the spirit of the place.

This is particularly relevant to applicants interested in experimental typography, placemaking and wayfinding, visual culture of place, and those interested in the changing relationship between environments and typefaces. Day to day research will involve the generation and testing of new ideas which may involve the practices and technologies of other disciplines which may include fine and applied arts, craft, graphic design, media, film, photography and technology in their broadest sense.

The successful applicant will have access to 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. It is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of a research area at the cutting-edge of design cultures.

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.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• 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

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

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.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

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.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• 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. Further information on cost of living