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Research

Transformative art and design research addressing global challenges.

Chelsea College of Arts research leads the conversation across several different subjects and disciplines including:

  • archives and collections
  • black art and modernism
  • circular and sustainable design
  • communication design
  • creative health and wellbeing
  • curation and museology
  • decolonisation
  • design histories, mapping and visualisation
  • design+STEM collaborative research
  • textile design and material practices
  • transnational art practice.
Piñayarn product - textile made from pineapple leaf fibres.
Piñayarn project: textile made from pineapple leaf fibres.

Our research community

Research staff

We have a well established community of researchers with deep expertise in their chosen fields of art and design.

Our staff

Our ethos

As a College we encourage cross and transdisciplinary thinking. Our work pushes boundaries and is not afraid to ask challenging questions to effect change.

Our culture

Chelsea College of Arts is home to UAL’s Research Centre for Transnational Art, Identity and Nation (TrAIN), the Innovation Lab and Decolonising Arts Institute. We also play host to Iniva. These together with our PhD students create a vigorous and supportive research environment.

Partners

Our strategic partnership with The Welding Institute (TWI) aims to expand the field of design+STEM research. We have staff fellowships at the Horniman Museum and British School at Rome. We also work with the British School at Athens to provide residency opportunities for our PhD students.

Research degree proposals

Chelsea College of Arts is interested in PhD research proposals relating to the following areas:

  • Interdisciplinary research on interior spatial design.
  • Practice-led and textual research on curation, archives and collections.
  • Practice-led and textual research on design in its' social contexts.
  • Practice-led textile design and material practices research.
  • Research into sustainability and circular economy in art and design practice.
  • Research on moving image in the context of art and design practice.
  • Research within the field of fine art painting.
  • Transdisciplinary research into design+STEM collaboration.

You can read the title and thesis summary of completed PhD or MPhil degrees on UAL Research Online.

Research degrees

  • Tile being 3D printed.
    Adrian Friend - 3D printed V&A tile.

    Research degree funding

    Find out about funding opportunities for PhD and MPhil students.

  • Architectural sculptures by Paul Coldwell part of the Picturing the Invisible research project.
    Sculptures by Professor Paul Coldwell in the Sir John Soanes museum. Photo - Gareth Gardner.

    Research degree applications

    A step-by-step guide on how to apply for a PhD or MPhil degree.

Why study a research degree at Chelsea College of Arts?

Research supervision

Through the work and subject expertise of our staff, we offer an exciting and rigorous experience for your research degree.

Graduate teaching assistant

The scheme offers you the opportunity to teach on selected undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Post-doctoral research fellowships

These offer you the opportunity to progress your career and acquire new skills, such as working as a co-investigator.

Research student programme

A programme of seminars where we discuss all aspects of the PhD / MPhil. The emphasis is on the integration of practice within that process.

Student exhibition

Research degree students at Chelsea College of Arts can lead and take part in an annual exhibition.

British School at Athens residency

An annual arts residency in Greece offered to practice-based PhD students at UAL. Supported by a bursary with studio and accommodation provided.

Our library

The archives and collections at Chelsea College of Arts have a strong emphasis on modern and contemporary art. They include the African-Caribbean, Asian and African Art in Britain archive.

Doctoral School

The UAL Doctoral School provides further advice, guidance and support in navigating your PhD journey.

Research activity

  • Pineapple farm.
    Piñayarn project: pineapple farm.

    Research projects

    Find out how our research is tackling global issues and effecting change.

  • Several people from different backgrounds and ethnicities are around a table. On the table, there is a map.
    Festival of community organising mapping workshop.

    Interior Futures Hub

    An international research network sharing and expanding interior design knowledge.

  • Seated audience watching a screen in an ornate space at the Horniman Museum.
    Museum Engagement as Speculative Design event at the Horniman Museum.

    Past events

    Take a look at our archive of past research events.

Research stories

Research stories

Contact

Get in touch with our research office at ccwresearch@arts.ac.uk

Chelsea College of Arts

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7751

Address

Chelsea College of Arts
16 John Islip Street
London
SW1P 4JU
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