PhD Studentships

University College Falmouth has a record of high quality research in Art, Design, Media and Performance. Our emphasis is on practice-led and user-led inquiry that is collaborative in nature and multidisciplinary in scope. From 2010 our research will be supported and developed within three, thematic Centres of Research & Innovation: Sustainable Design, The Digital Economy, and Arts, Communities & the Environment.

We now invite expressions of interest in six new full-time studentships for doctoral study, starting in October 2010, in areas supported by our thematic Centres and matching our range of supervisory expertise. At least four of these studentships will contribute explicitly to the advancement of Cornwall's knowledge economy by addressing business or industry-focussed challenges. Two studentships will be funded from the income gained by the institution in recognition of its research quality, and will be expected to help strengthen the core research themes of our Research & Innovation Centres.

Expressions of interest are invited which match any of the institution's areas of research strength and strategic development. In particular, we welcome applications which address one of the PhD studentships specified research topics. Full-time and part-time places may also be available to applicants of high standard, who are not offered studentships.

University College Falmouth research degrees are awarded through our partnership with University of the Arts London.

All of our research staff are affiliated with one of the Centres and some have formed Research Groups within them. These Groups frame specific projects and provide a particular focus for themed research. Some of these Groups have been formalised, others are still at an informal stage.

Centres of Research & Innovation and their Groups

The Digital Economy

The Centre will work with regional and national providers and businesses on the creative application and competitive potential of convergent and emerging media technologies, next generation networks and new business models within the digital economy.

General enquiries about research opportunities in the Digital Economy: Professor Jason Whittaker Jason.Whittaker@falmouth.ac.uk

Research Group within the Centre:

• Performance Writing: extended, interdisciplinary textual practices. Contact: Dr Larry Lynch L.Lynch@dartington.ac.uk

Sustainable Design

Building on UCF's involvement in the Designs of the Time project (a Design Council and Cornwall Council partnership), the Centre will support the design, development and prototyping of new solutions to meet a wide range of social, economic and business challenges in Cornwall.

General enquiries about research opportunities in Sustainable Design: Dr Katie Bunnell Katie.Bunnell@falmouth.ac.uk

Research Group within the Centre:

• Autonomatic: digital manufacturing technologies in the creative process of designing and making three dimensional objects. Contact: Dr Katie Bunnell Katie.Bunnell@falmouth.ac.uk

Arts, Communities & the Environment

Building upon UCF's research base in creative practice and connected communities, the Centre will investigate the creative and business opportunities that arise from a deep understanding of the changing needs of our society and its changing environment, within the context of Cornwall's ‘green peninsula'.

General enquiries about research opportunities in Arts, Communities & the Environment: Dr John Hall J.Hall@dartington.ac.uk

Research Group within the Centre:

• RANE: Research in Art, Nature & Environment. Contact: Dr Daro Montag Daro.Montag@falmouth.ac.uk

Proposed Groups and other areas of acknowledged strength within the Centre:

• Choreography. Contact: Professor Emilyn Claid E.Claid@dartington.ac.uk

• Connected Creative Communities: Exploring the ways in which creative communities - past, present and future - develop and maintain connections between individuals and groups. Contact: Dr Deborah Sugg Ryan Deborah.SuggRyan@falmouth.ac.uk

• Music. Contact: Dr David Prior D.Prior@dartington.ac.uk

• Photography. Contact: Sian Bonnell Sian.Bonnell@falmouth.ac.uk

• Theatre. Contact: Dr Misha Myers M.Myers@dartington.ac.uk

View the Research profiles of these and other research-active members of staff.

The PhD studentships specified research topics page outlines topics that relate to most of these groups. This list is not intended to be exclusive, so please do not be put off from inquiring about other possibilities that you feel might match our research interests.

If you are interested in applying for one of the studentships or for a place (full-time or part-time), and if your own proposal could contribute to the broader research themes of the Centres and Groups or match one of the specified topics, the first step is to download the Expression of Interest form below.

Research degree - Expression of Interest form (217 KB)

About the Studentships

The three-year, full-time studentships cover all fees and include an annual maintenance grant of £13,200. Awards are payable in instalments on enrolment and continuation is subject to satisfactory annual progression.

Applicants must have a strong academic background (2.i or higher, MA preferred) with a clear and compelling proposal in relation to UCF's research themes and, where relevant, the development of the Cornish knowledge economy.

How to apply

The first step is to submit the Expression of Interest form below:

  Research degree - Expression of Interest form (217 KB)

The deadline for submission of an expression of interest is Thursday 13 May 2010. If you are invited to submit a full application the deadline for this is Thursday 17 June 2010.

Forms and Guidance can be downloaded below:

PhD Application Form (428 KB)

 PhD Studentship Guidance Notes (179.07 KB)

Applications and questions on the application process should be addressed to: Sharon Holley. Email: S.Holley@dartington.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)1803 861654

Questions on the substance of your research proposal should be addressed to the appropriate researcher named in the list above.

Schedule

• Deadline for receipt of Expressions of Interest: Thursday 13 May 2010
• Deadline for receipt of applications: Thursday 17 June 2010 
• Interviews are expected to take place in the week beginning 12 July 2010
• Enrolment will be on Friday 1 October 2010

Research Assessment Exercise (RAE)

More than three quarters of University College Falmouth's researchers gained international recognition for excellence in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). Read more about our research performance here.

This project is part-financed by the European Union, European Social Fund, Project no. 09099NCO5