PhD – Doctoral Programmes at NCAD
In the PhD programme, students demonstrate advanced research ability in the discovery and development of new knowledge and skills, delivering findings at the frontiers of knowledge and application. The key issue in a PhD is that the student will make a significant contribution to the field of enquiry. It is an ambitious programme of study whether pursued through practical work or written thesis. PhD study normally requires a minimum of three years full-time study (but may require longer, given the high level of achievement required).
The final submission for a doctoral award will normally entail:
1. By practice – a combined submission of
(i) a body of practical work,
(ii) a written text of 20,000 to 40,000 words.
2. By written thesis only – a written text of 80,000 to 100,000 words.
NCAD’s training, supervision and support processes for PhD candidates include:
* Access to GradCAM’s PhD structured Programme
* Regular, dynamic student-led interdisciplinary PhD research seminars.
* Access to international PhD networks and exchange programmes.
* Supervised access to internal and external experts in the relevant field.
* Annual national PhD conferences in art and design.
* Public symposia and conferences in PhD research areas.
* Cross-institutional collaboration involving multidisciplinary research teams.
* Training in appropriate research methods.
The NCAD offers PhD study in:
* Contemporary design practice
* Contemporary art practice
* Education
* Visual culture (including history, theory and criticism of art and design)
Research Supervision
Applicants for a PhD programme are encouraged to identify members of college staff they would wish to be part of the supervision team provided to each student. The College website http://www.ncad.ie provides an up-to-date list of staff and their qualifications. The Head of Research and Postgraduate Development or the Head of Faculty can also provide guidance in this area.