PhD Study : Typography as Identity in Ireland: The Role of Typography and Lettering in Defining Places and Cultures

Summary

The explosion of graphic visual identity over the past century has seen streetscapes, suburbs, and rural places being as much defined by their typographic elements as their buildings and landscapes. The lettering of invention and re-invention exist in graphic statements in a more transitory way than other aspects of the designed environment. There is a rich lettering heritage of historical, vintage, and contemporary statements and identities which in themselves form a dynamic graphic process that is as representative as the styles of cars on our roads or the clothes on our bodies. Typeface design has multiple facets and reflects multiple identities.

A particular focus of this project is the role and application of typefaces and lettering in the identity of Ireland as an island – 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.

Referring to historical and contemporary academic research by for example; Gray, Baines, Lindley, amongst others this doctoral project is designed to draw out issues of identity, diversity, visual culture, graphic design, and design process.

We are looking for students 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.

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