PhD Study : The relation of the virtual and the physical in visual arts

Summary

This topic will explore the relation between the physical and the virtual world in contemporary art and new manifestations of spatial art in this context. In contemporary art, spatial art and sculpture became an umbrella term that includes very different disciplines. The term sculpture is traditionally used for physical, material objects. Throughout the 20th century, artists reconsidered, redefined and reworked the very concept of three dimensional art profoundly. In the 21st century we find ourselves in a world fundamentally shaped and held together by digital networks and programmable media. What is the reaction of the art-world on new technologies and media? How do artists locate themselves within this continually evolving and shifting framework? How is spatial art changing at the moment? We are interested in new and unusual artistic approaches in contemporary art.

This project can be approached as a practical or theoretical based doctoral project. The project will be also suitable for an art theorist, or for a practitioner whose work requires or can substantially be enhanced by contextualization and theorization of the questions addressed. Through further PhD researcher(s) we wish to build and expand this expertise. While wishing to continue to further the creation of artwork, our hope is also that candidates will write and publish, possibly with their supervisor(s).

The researcher will join a vibrant PhD community in Art and Design. The supervisors are internationally recognized academics, with professional experience in art, performance, curation and cultural events. The supervisor team has good links with the many artist-run studio collectives and art spaces nationally and internationally. Supervisors are internationally respected, research-active practitioners with international networks.

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