Arts

Most students initially register for an MPhil with the possibility of transfer to a PhD without submitting for an MPhil. During your MPhil you will:

• critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic
• demonstrate understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field 
• present and defend a substantial thesis by oral examination. 

Length of study

• Full Time: min 2 years, max 3 years for MPhil component only; for MPhil/PhD, min 3 years, max 5 years. 
• Part Time: min 3 years, max 4 years for MPhil component only; for MPhil/PhD, min 4 years, max 6 years.

Entry requirement: the minimum entry requirement for an MPhil degree, or an MPhil with the intention of transferring to a PhD, is:

• a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree
• a relevant master’s qualification
• or an equivalent qualification.

Applications from those holding qualifications other than the above will be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the work proposed.

The criteria for a PhD are similar to those for an MPhil, with the key difference that:

• the research carried out will result in an independent and original contribution to knowledge.

Length of study:

• Full Time: min 2 years, max 5 years.
• Part Time: min 3 years, max 6 years.

Entry requirement: a recent master’s degree in a discipline appropriate to the proposed research. The master’s needs to have included research training and a research project.

In exceptional cases, applicants who have a good honours degree (or equivalent) may apply for direct registration to a PhD if they have appropriate research or professional experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment. An unpublished master’s dissertation would not suffice in this instance.

The degree of PhD on the basis of published work may be awarded to candidates whose submitted work:

• reflects the same academic standards as those which operate for a traditional PhD based upon an approved programme of supervised research
• forms a coherent programme of research
• demonstrates the use of appropriate research methodology
• and makes an original and sufficient contribution to the present state of knowledge in a particular field to the satisfaction of the examiners.

Applicants should normally have had some prior association with Oxford Brookes University. The submission for examination comprises the published work on which the application is based, together with a supporting critical appraisal of this work.

Length of study:

• Part Time: 1 year

Entry requirement: the minimum entry requirement is:

• a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree
• a relevant master’s qualification
• or an equivalent qualification.

Applications from those holding qualifications other than the above will be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the work proposed.

On the Masters by Research in the School of Arts, students have the opportunity to critically investigate a defined topic of research under the supervision of a specialist supervisory team. This may be undertaken as a written thesis, or by practice. In the latter case, we are able to support a broad range of artistic practices, including, but not limited to, work relating to contemporary art practice; sound arts, music and composition; digital humanities; film and documentary; digital media production; photography; graphic design; media, journalism and publishing. We are also able to support interdisciplinary projects, working across the arts and other fields.

Applicants may apply with their own research topic, or they may otherwise apply for one of the defined research projects advertised by the School. Opportunities will be advertised through the Centre of Research in the Arts (CoRA) website, and in many cases allow students to undertake specialist research alongside external partners. Other projects may be undertaken in association with research projects led by specialists within the School of Arts.

Research skills are provided according to each individual’s needs, assessed through discussion with the supervisory team. As with other research degrees, projects are assessed by viva.

The School also welcomes speculative enquiries regarding research project ideas. If you have an idea for a research project, or know of an individual or industry partner you wish to work with, we are happy to discuss this with you, and where applicable, help to lead discussions with the external partner.

For a discussion about the MA by Research in the Arts, please contact Dr Alex Bickley Trott: atrott@brookes.ac.uk.

Length of study: Full Time: 1 year. Part Time: 2 years (min).

Applicants will typically have earned at least a lower second-class honours degree at undergraduate level in a subject area relevant to the research project. An applicant holding qualifications other than those described above shall be considered on the applicant’s merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work proposed. In considering an applicant in this category, the Research Degrees Committee shall look for evidence of the candidate’s ability and background knowledge in relation to the proposed research. Professional experience, publications, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment shall be taken into consideration.