PhD Study : Unorthodox spatial methods in experimental visual art practice – hybridity between the moving image and the geographically embodied.

Summary

Focused upon the unorthodoxies of method founded within contemporary art practice and drawing from and addressing a specific art disciplinary context, this topic explores the uncertainties and opportunities around a generative and/or degenerative contribution to spatial discourses.  In particular this topic looks beyond the ‘objective’ lens to how hybrid and experimental processes between film, moving image or video strategies might augment, connect or juxtapose with post-conceptual forms of geographically embodied art practice in order to explore, subvert, undermine or expand spatial knowledges.

In a global geo-cultural context, the candidate’s research project should cross-pollinate academic disciplines such as human and physical geography (for example, post-Marxist, feminist, radical or anarchist geographies) with an experimental art practice that grounds the research in the experiential moment.

Outcomes could include artworks and a theoretical frame-working which allows for the generation of, or a reworking or unpicking of unorthodox methodologies within spatial art practices.

This PhD project should both academically consolidate and experimentally expand the practice and scholarly understandings of this area. Our interest, as supervisors, in this topic develop from our own spatial concerns as artists across a matrix of theoretical understandings including the, socio-political, cultural, physical, meta-physical and ‘pata-physical.

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

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

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