As a world leading university for the arts and design, UAL is an outstanding place to fulfil your research ambitions.
The Doctoral School is the first port of call for postgraduate researchers and supervisors for advice, guidance and support throughout the doctoral journey. We provide a generative environment for arts researchers and an innovative approach to doctoral education.
We are committed to creating a better and more sustainable world and championing equality through the creative research we do. This is reflected in the School’s working environment and our wider research culture.
As cultural change-makers our postgraduate researchers are supported to boldly implement their work in academic, professional and community contexts, realising the potential of arts and design to address societal concerns.
Working across UAL
We bring together a rich and diverse community of researchers creating a vibrant centre for both practice and theory-based research.
The School provides focus, advocacy and dedicated space for postgraduate researchers from across the University.
We work with UAL’s Colleges and research institutes ensuring our researchers benefit from the expertise and resources in arts, design, communication and performing arts.
Doctoral partnerships
We are part of the following partnerships supporting the next generation of researchers:
- Techne: Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) doctoral training partnership
- CoDesign4Transitions: EU funded interdisciplinary learning opportunities partnership.
AHRC Collaborative Partnership Studentship awards with:
- Tate
- British Library
- Victoria and Albert Museum.
Techne Collaborative Doctoral Studentship Awards with:
- Museum of London
- National Theatre
- Techne National Productivity Investment Fund Awards with Google and Unbound.
UAL validated programmes
We also work with other universities to develop research degrees in arts, design and communications.
We are proud to validate MPhil and PhDs at:
Our people
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Professor Vida L Midgelow, 2023 | Photograph: Middlesex University
Professor Vida L Midgelow
Vida, Dean of Doctoral School, is an artistic researcher and recognised leader in the fields of practice research and doctoral education.
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Dr Alison Green, 2023
Dr Alison Green
Alison, Director of Doctoral Research Training and Development, is a researcher, scholar, writer and academic leader.
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Dr Joanne Bob Whalley, 2023
Dr Bob Whalley
Bob, Director of Doctoral Training and Development at the Doctoral School, leads a cross-university training and development programme.
More to explore
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Image courtesy of UAL
Funding opportunities
Learn about our latest funding opportunities.
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Image taken by Alys Tomlinson
Apply for PhD and MPhil degrees
Find out how to apply for a research degree.
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Students in discussion - Blitz the Ambassador, The Burial of Kojo screening, Post-Grad Community at LCC.
Doctoral support and community
Find out about the support we offer.