PhD Study : Design in Industry: Opportunities and Constraints of Contemporary Design Practice

Apply and key information  

Summary

As a largely unregulated profession, industry-based design processes and practices are often developed through ongoing self-developed technical and professional skills acquisition, tacit knowledge and via a sometimes complex system of social and professional networks. Predominantly occurring across the creative industry sectors of graphic design, advertising design, and interactive/user experience design an initial body of doctoral research has been conducted into how these sectors interact with other industries and government.

This research projects is designed to further investigate the role of networks and working practices across these disciplines. Taking cognizance of previous writings on design processes from for example: Jones, Potter, and Lawson this research project looks at how designers think within the constraints of budget, chargeable hours, client expectations, and the limit and range of opportunities afforded by time, risk appetite, resources, networks, and skills.

As an often unrepresented and unrecognised body of professionals this research project will investigate the key drivers and deterrents in order to more fully understand issues of designer confidence, the nature and role of design networks, competitive behaviours, and skills development. There will be a requirement to undertake interviews, surveys, and questionnaires with relevant stakeholders and support will be given to develop competencies in these areas.

The focus will be within the context of Northern Ireland’s creative industries sector with potential outputs including a barometer of creative industries activity, the development of a body of knowledge about how professional practice works in both freelance and company-based scenarios, and the design of new practice models supported by the use of detailed case studies.

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.

  • 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

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Friday 7 February 2020
12:00AM

Interview Date
Either week commencing 9 or 16 March 2020

Preferred student start date
mid September 2020

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Professor Ian Montgomery

Other supervisors