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PG Cert Research Practice

The Postgraduate Certificate Research Practice in Art, Design and Media is specifically designed to meet the needs of students in art, design and media who are embarking on a programme of research for Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The course lasts one semester full-time or two semesters part-time. The course complements and supports the existing practice of research degree supervision, which remains central to the teaching and learning of research.

The aims of the course are to:

• prepare students for the conduct of high level academic research in the fields of art, design and media
• provide an introduction to the research skills, practices and procedures generic to MPhil / PhD study
• develop students’ understanding of the research issues that apply to the field in which they are studying
• to encourage students to develop a broad understanding of research in art, design and media beyond the specific focus of their individual project
• assist in the development of students’ individual MPhil / PhD research projects

The course also serves to foster a research student community and to provide students with the opportunity to meet around shared concerns.

Course Content

The course content is organised into two modules:

I. Research Skills, Practices and Procedures
This module covers issues such as the nature of PhD study, supervision, proposal writing, information management, examination and so on.

II. Research Methods in Art, Design and Media
The focus on research methods specific to art, design and media will be achieved largely through students’ independent study on their individual research topic, supported by regular meetings with the research supervisor, as well as the course tutor.

The formal delivery of the course is largely through an interactive workshop format, utilising a combination of lecture presentations, seminars, and group discussion. This is supported by individual supervision and guided independent learning. You will also be expected to make a work-in-progress presentation on the development of your research programme.

The course takes place over a single semester for full-time students and two semesters for part-time students. Full and part-time students will attend the seminar / workshop programme for the first module at the same time, but whereas full-time students will work on the second module (which is largely through independent study) concurrently, part-time students will be able to carry this out in the subsequent semester.

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