Conduct a period of intensive, supervised study where you will critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic and demonstrate an understanding of suitable research methods.
Undertake Masters level research on a programme specialising in practice-led approaches, with outstanding student satisfaction ratings
Develop the knowledge and skills to become an effective researcher
Study within the exciting research environment of the Art, Design and Media Research Centre, Lab4Living or Design Futures

Deliver a programme of research with guidance from experienced supervisors and practitioners in fine art, design, or film & media production, with research interests in health and wellbeing, physical and digital making, and social and political challenges.Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associates can enrol for an MPhil based on the project developed with the host company.

Networking opportunities

Throughout your course you will have opportunities to interact with academics and specialists in your field.  Funds are available for you to present your work in professional academic settings at international and national conferences and/or in public exhibition and we will encourage you to seek opportunities to engage different audiences with your research.   All our research students make a vital contribution to the intellectual life of the University from the earliest stages of their research.

The Art, Design and Media Research Centre hosts stimulating seminar series featuring established academics and practitioners in the field, such as the highly regarded Transmission and Gravity, and international conferences such as Design for Health. 

CCRI is a partner in the AHRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Heritage.

SHU doctoral students are supported to enter the national ‘3-minute thesis’ competition

SHU art and design students are members of Creative UK. With 10,000 members, Creative UK represents, champions, and supports the UK’s creative industries, advocating on the issues that matter the most to creative communities

Live projects

Research in this area offers critical insights on cultural and political issues and explores specific social contexts.  Some projects are developed in collaboration with respected national and international organisations.  Recent partners include Sheffield Museums, S1 Artspace, Site Gallery, Bishops House, The Foundling Museum, The William Morris Gallery, the V&A, Freetown Christiania, the British Museum and English Heritage.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

90% of our research in Art & Design was assessed as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in REF2021.  SHU is in the top 10 of UK universities for research impact in art and design.

You will work with a supervisory team with expertise in your research area who help you to define and plan your research project, agree associated training requirements, and provide direction while supporting you to develop as a researcher.  You will join a dynamic community of postgraduate researchers and have opportunities to share your work at SHU and beyond. 

You learn through:

• independent study
• project supervision
• active research, making and exhibition (as appropriate)
• practice-led research workshops and live projects
• researcher development training events
• presenting your research at conferences and seminars
• participation in lively debate and discussion with your peers
• writing and defending an MPhil practice-led thesis 

You will receive training on professional standards in research practice, including ethics and project management, and how to enhance your personal effectiveness as a researcher.  You will explore how to disseminate your research and establish an academic profile.  You will present at the Culture & Creativity Research Institute (CCRI) interdisciplinary conferences on the themes of research METHOD and research IMPACT, which provide a platform for focussed discussion on research process and practice and questions of application, audience, and impact. 

Your learning is supported by access to:

• a dedicated Postgraduate Research Tutor for Fine Art, Design & Media practice, and PGR administration team
• a library research support team and 24-hour access to library facilities
• SHU Academic Skills Centre with sessions specifically for doctoral researchers
• the University English Scheme for international students
• a programme of support for doctoral student wellbeing

Look at the Art & Design Department's Instagram to see what innovations and creations our students have been working on.

An MPhil in fine art and design can help you prepare for a career in:

• design
• fine art practice
• curation
• design management
• making or manufacturing
• company-employed design
• independent design practice
• education
• retail/marketing
• design research
• art research
• academia

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to become professional practitioners, to work for international design companies and consultancies, and to gain PhD scholarships.

 

Typically, a 2.1 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject with a strong (2.1 and above) performance in research related modules.

International students must have an overall IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in all skill areas.

All applicants must submit a research proposal with their application form and documents and supply a CV including exhibitions/presentations and online links to practice documentation. Suitable candidates are invited to an interview and will be asked to give a short presentation about their proposed research.

You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their research interests to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our expertise. Search for members of staff by keyword..