Research Degrees can be pursued either through conventional text-based studies or through a combination of studio-based activities where individual creative practice forms a significant part of the intellectual inquiry supported by a critical commentary. The creative work can take any form but it must be presented in relation to the argument of the thesis and demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate theoreticalhistoricalcriticalcontemporary context of the research. Art and Design research encompasses a broad range of media interests, practical approaches, and historical and theoretical perspectives. A key aspect of both teaching and research at Chester is the notion of interdisciplinarity and dialogue between disciplines and practices is something that is of interest to many of the researchers working within the Department. Areas of research interest that extend across disciplinary boundaries include: The legacies of modernism and their reinterpretation through contemporary practice The role of materiality and embodiment in thinking, making and knowing Themes of time, place and cultural memory Participatory practice Areas of communication, cultural awareness, and identity within digital environments The ‘expanded field’ of textile practice and the critical discourses that surround the positioning of traditional textile materials and processes within the broader realm of contemporary visual culture, is an area of research activity that is also particularly distinctive to the Department. Design thinking is emerging as one of the most valuable approaches to problem-solving and opportunity creation. Developed from human-centered design processes and fronted by understanding and empathy it provides tools to support communities, organisations and businesses in positively addressing some of the most pressing issues we currently face. Design research at Chester has two connected strands. The selection, application and facilitating of design thinking approaches, including co-design and inclusive design, in collaborative research projects with local government, communities and business to tackle specific problems and the development and dissemination of new design thinking tools matched to industry and societal needs. Another significant aspect of research activity is drawing, particularly in the context of Narrative Drawing. We aim to support, challenge and develop synergies between the study and practices of storytelling, material culture and depiction. We invite proposals for both theory and practice-based postgraduate and doctoral research in the fields of, but not limited to, visual narrative, drawing, embodiment, performance, material culture, production cultures, media, literature, illustration, and graphic design.
