Research degrees
We offer MA by Research, MPhil and PhD degrees across the range of research areas within the Faculty. These broadly include:
- art, design and architecture, including landscape architecture;
- critical and historical studies;
- creative writing;
- curating contemporary art and design;
- design for health and sustainability;
- film and photography;
- illustration practice;
- museum and galleries studies archives;
- dance, drama and music;
- English literature and language;
- journalism, media and communications; and
- philosophy.
As a research student at Kingston University you will become part of a strong and ambitious postgraduate community. You will be fully supported by a rich programme of research training, including research workshops, seminars, guest lectures, symposia, and related activities organised through the research centres.
Currently we have over 250 postgraduate researchers across the Faculty. Several have successfully secured prestigious AHRC postgraduate studentships through TECHNE or LDoc, overseas government studentships, industry or employer sponsorship, or University or Kingston School of Art scholarships.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
A PhD usually takes three to four years of full-time study or four to six years part time. You will normally be expected to have a masters degree or a good honours degree or equivalent in a subject relevant to your proposed research programme.
The PhD thesis is typically about 40–80,000 words long or its equivalent for studio-based research. On completion it will be the subject of an oral examination in which you will show both how you have critically investigated your area of research and made an independent and original contribution to knowledge.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Typically an MPhil takes about two years full time or three/four years part time. An MPhil thesis is 20–40,000 words long or its equivalent for studio-based research and is the subject of an oral examination in which you will show how you have critically managed and investigated your area of research.
MA/MSc by Research
This flexible learning programme allows students to pursue an individual programme of research in any field, supported by research methods training, and taught modules as appropriate. The degree involves investigation and evaluation of an approved research project and the presentation of a dissertation of between 10,000 and 20,000 words or equivalent for studio based subjects. The award of MA or MSc by Research is at the same level as the MPhil, but carries half the credits (180).
The programme lasts one year full time or two years part time. To be eligible you will need a good honours degree in a related discipline. Applications will also be considered if you have no formal qualifications but can satisfy the admissions tutor of your motivation and ability to work at masters level.
How to apply
Kingston School of Art research degrees begin in either October or March. Application guidance documents are available for each subject:
| Subject area | PGR Area Coordinator |
|---|---|
| Design (Illustration Practice, Sustainable and Graphics) (PDF) | Ersi Ioannidou |
| Architecture, Landscape and Environment (PDF) | Christoph Lueder |
| Critical and Historical Studies (PDF) | Simon Brown |
| Contemporary Art (PDF) | Volker Eichelmann |
| Film and Photography (PDF) | Judy Price |
| Creative Writing (PDF) | Fred Botting |
| Dance (PDF) | Daniela Perazzo |
| English Language (PDF) | Fred Botting |
| English Literature (PDF) | Fred Botting |
| Journalism, Media and Publishing (PDF) | María Mencía |
| Music (PDF) | Daniela Perazzo |
| Philosophy (PDF) | Peter Osborne |
| Theatre and Performance (PDF) | Daniela Perazzo |
Further information
You can also download the Postgraduate Researcher Handbook (PDF) to find out more.
For further information on research within the Faculty and to find out more about research opportunities, contact the Research Student Coordinator on:
T: +44 (0)20 8417 4016
E: ksaresearch-enterprise@kingston.ac.uk
