Art and design research degrees
An overview of our postgraduate research in art and design and entry requirements for PhDs and other research degrees.
Associate Dean of Research, Calum Colvin, discusses the huge variety of research at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD) seeks to foster innovation within creative practice, employ creative practice as a methodology to enhance other disciplines or domains, and contribute towards an explicit and transparent knowledge base that furthers our disciplines in the future.
In the UK Research Assessment Exercise (RAE2008), DJCAD was rated top in the UK for the quality of its art & design research environment. Evidence of our research esteem is seen in the decision by the Victoria & Albert Museum and Scottish Enterprise, backed by the Scottish Government, to establish V&A Dundee, a joint facility to conduct research into future visual products and processes in design and craft.
In the last decade, in parallel to the development of our research profile and academic researchers, we have grown a thriving community of research degrees students. We welcome applications from excellent candidates who are keen to join this vibrant research community and whose interests align with our research strengths:
- Digital Economy, Futures & Culture
- Visualisation & the Application of Visual Thinking
- Art, Media, and Visual Studies
For more information about Research in Art and Design at Dundee, please visit the DJCAD website.
Entry requirements
Although applicants can apply for a research degree immediately after undergraduate study, applicants are normally expected to have a Masters degree. In addition a period of work experience is not necessary but considered valuable.
English language requirements
IELTS (overall) | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
6.5 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
We also accept other English language qualifications
You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you are a national of certain countries.
Don't meet the English language requirements?
English language programmes
Prepare for university study and benefit from extra English tuition with an English language programme.
Postgraduate research fees
Apply for a research degree
You can apply for a PhD or other postgraduate research degree using our Direct Application System.
We have up to three start dates per academic year.
PhD Art & Design
- Apply to start in May 2023
- Apply to start in September 2023
- Apply to start in January 2024
- Apply to start in May 2024
PhD Art & Design (5 year) (part time)
- Apply to start in May 2023
- Apply to start in September 2023
- Apply to start in January 2024
- Apply to start in May 2024
MFA by Research Art & Design
MFA by Research Art & Design (part time)
MDes by Research Art & Design
MDes by Research Art & Design (part time)
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (non-graduating) (research)
- Apply to start in May 2023
- Apply to start in September 2023
- Apply to start in January 2024
- Apply to start in May 2024
See also: Art and Design (Professional Doctorate) DProf
Disabled students
The University of Dundee welcomes applications from disabled students.
PhD opportunities
Enquiries

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