University of the Arts London offers 4 PhD studentships in arts, design and communication that embody our commitment to making the world a better place through creativity, embedding social purpose in all that we do.

Eligibility

• New applicants only (not currently enrolled PhD students).

• Available for full-time or part-time study.

Please note: International applicants may apply, but must pay the difference between Home and Overseas fees. The International ‘Online’ route for distance learners is not available for these studentships.

We value the diverse experiences that strengthen our research community. We warmly welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. This includes but is not limited to different ethnicities, genders, religions, care-experienced applicants, first-generation students, disabled and neurodivergent applicants and those with non-linear career paths for there is no single or correct route into a PhD.

About

Application deadline: 11 May 2026

For entry in September 2026, University of the Arts London (UAL) invites applications for PhD projects that engage with the theme of ‘place’

.

These studentships support research across the arts, design and communication disciplines, reflecting UAL’s commitment to addressing social, cultural and environmental challenges through creative practice and critical inquiry.

The theme of place offers a powerful lens for exploring complex, interdisciplinary and lived issues. We welcome practice-based, practice-led and theoretical approaches that examine how places are made, imagined, represented and transformed. Research may be situated, collaborative and responsive to the social, cultural or material specificities of context.

Available projects

Applicants may apply to only 1 studentship project at UAL.

Exploring technology-enabled maker-spaces to empower communities (Word 63KB)
Partnership: Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Art and BLOQS
Director of Studies: Dr Mike Kann

Resurgent Places: Practice-based Repair Across the West Asia and North Africa Region (Word 63KB)
Partnership: Central Saint Martins and Mosaic Rooms
Director of Studies: Dr Elisa Adami

Performative Space, Embodiment, and Place in Emerging Digital Environments (Word 63KB)
Partnership: London College of Communication and Artenis Medical Systems
Director of Studies: Dr Friendred Peng

Revaluing Native British Wool: Design-Led, Place-Based Research into Fibre, Landscape and Circular Material Futures (Word 63KB)
Partnership: London College of Fashion and The Wool Library
Director of Studies: Professor Veronika Kapsali

Applicants are encouraged to propose a research approach that is uniquely their own. They should bring creativity, intellectual ambition and personal insight to the named projects. Rather than treating the project briefs as fixed or prescriptive, they should use them as launching points—clearly demonstrating how their individual perspectives, skills and experiences will shape and enrich the research they wish to pursue.

Apply

Application timeline

Application deadline: 11 May 2026
Interviews: June 2026
Offers issued: June 2026
Enrolment: September 2026

How to apply

Applications must include:

1. completed UAL online PhD application, submitted to the college hosting your chosen project

2. studentship project title clearly quoted in your application

3. personal statement (maximum 500 words; read our guidance [PDF 211KB]) describing:

.motivation and connection to the topic
.relevant experience and preparation
.what you will bring to the research project
.contribution to the research community

1. project proposal (maximum 1000 words) addressing the Project Brief:

.your focus or emphasis in relation to the brief and your research question(s)
.research context and how your work relates to existing practice or scholarship
.proposed methodologies/methods
.anticipated contribution to your discipline, profession, community or other relevant field

1. short bibliography of cited sources, uploaded to the online application system

2. CV, uploaded to the online application system.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview with a panel convened by UAL.

Application assessment criteria

Candidate's preparedness and potential

• transferable and/or technical skills

• relevant professional, academic or lived experience fit to the project

• creativity and resilience

• motivation

• understanding of researcher development

Quality of research proposal

• originality

• coherence

• potential for impact

• ethical considerations

• alignment between the applicant and the research as well as with the partner

Contribution to the research environment

• capacity

• commitment to engagement with UAL and partner communities

Receiving payment

UAL Awards provide:

• full funding for 3 years (full-time)

• Home (UK) tuition fees

• a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£23,805 for 2026/27)

Note: Part-time study is supported on a pro-rata basis.

Successful applicants may also apply for UAL Student Support Funds to support their research.

Help

Email ResearchDegrees@arts.ac.uk for queries regarding the studentship.