Architecture, Art and Design (Distance Learning) University of Portsmouth

Overview - Architecture

Our research explores the latest methods, technology and ideas being used to build the smart cities of the future and preserve places from the past. We investigate the digital design tools being used to shape tomorrow's communities, explore the cultural and economic forces affecting our cities, and work to understand the cultural importance of some of our oldest buildings.

The voice of the community is often missing from the design phase of a building – we're looking at how interior spaces are designed by examining the way people use and interact with them. We're also investigating how architects and urban designers might draw, write, and re-think ways to represent interior spaces.

As a postgraduate researcher, you'll work alongside our existing researchers, many of whom are former and practising architects and designers. You can join our collaborations with academic, charitable, community and commercial groups, work on projects in areas such as architecture, interior design, urban design and conservation – play your own part in transforming our expertise into impact.

Overview - Art and Design

Within the School of Architecture, Art and Design, our research explores visual and material culture, graphic and communication design, illustration and the art of the book, fashion & textiles, photography and the history and theory of art and design – and focuses on the role of art and design in social, cultural and historical contexts.

Our PhD supervisors come from practical and theoretical backgrounds and are well positioned to support you in various research programmes or PhD practice.

We encourage qualitative and practice-led research, using research skills such as historical research, semiotic analysis, user research, action research, iterative process and reflective practice.

Support and facilities

When you join us, you'll be supported by our Graduate School, alongside your assigned supervisory team, who'll help you get the most from our facilities. The Graduate School will help you become part of our thriving, collaborative research community, and help grow your skills as a researcher through the Graduate School Development Programme, which offers training, workshops and events.

You'll access facilities for practical and creative development in a wide range of production methods. You can use study areas for creative practice and academic study, dedicated computer suites with the latest software and digital printing, a printmaking workshop, photographic facilities, digital fabric printing and laser cutting.

What can a postgraduate research degree do for my career?

Once you complete your postgraduate research degree, you'll be a highly-skilled researcher with the knowledge and skills to make an impact in many different industries.

Your postgraduate research qualification demonstrates to potential employers that you're an intelligent, capable and motivated person, with provable abilities and experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, communication, leadership and creativity.

After researching with us, our successful postgraduate research candidates have gone on to impressive positions in academia and the private sector.

Entry requirements for this course

Contact University of Portsmouth to find course entry requirements.

View foundation and pathway programmes to help you meet academic and language entry requirements.