Transformative art and design research addressing global challenges.
Chelsea College of Arts research leads the conversation across several different subjects and disciplines including:
- archives and collections
- black art and modernism
- circular and sustainable design
- communication design
- creative health and wellbeing
- curation and museology
- decolonisation
- design histories, mapping and visualisation
- design+STEM collaborative research
- textile design and material practices
- transnational art practice.
Our research community
Research staff
We have a well established community of researchers with deep expertise in their chosen fields of art and design.
Our ethos
As a College we encourage cross and transdisciplinary thinking. Our work pushes boundaries and is not afraid to ask challenging questions to effect change.
Our culture
Chelsea College of Arts is home to UAL’s Research Centre for Transnational Art, Identity and Nation (TrAIN), the Innovation Lab and Decolonising Arts Institute. We also play host to Iniva. These together with our PhD students create a vigorous and supportive research environment.
Partners
Our strategic partnership with The Welding Institute (TWI) aims to expand the field of design+STEM research. We have staff fellowships at the Horniman Museum and British School at Rome. We also work with the British School at Athens to provide residency opportunities for our PhD students.
Research degree proposals
Chelsea College of Arts is interested in PhD research proposals relating to the following areas:
- Interdisciplinary research on interior spatial design.
- Practice-led and textual research on curation, archives and collections.
- Practice-led and textual research on design in its' social contexts.
- Practice-led textile design and material practices research.
- Research into sustainability and circular economy in art and design practice.
- Research on moving image in the context of art and design practice.
- Research within the field of fine art painting.
- Transdisciplinary research into design+STEM collaboration.
You can read the title and thesis summary of completed PhD or MPhil degrees on UAL Research Online.
Research degrees
-
Adrian Friend - 3D printed V&A tile.
Research degree funding
Find out about funding opportunities for PhD and MPhil students.
-
Sculptures by Professor Paul Coldwell in the Sir John Soanes museum. Photo - Gareth Gardner.
Research degree applications
A step-by-step guide on how to apply for a PhD or MPhil degree.
Why study a research degree at Chelsea College of Arts?
Research supervision
Through the work and subject expertise of our staff, we offer an exciting and rigorous experience for your research degree.
Graduate teaching assistant
The scheme offers you the opportunity to teach on selected undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Post-doctoral research fellowships
These offer you the opportunity to progress your career and acquire new skills, such as working as a co-investigator.
Research student programme
A programme of seminars where we discuss all aspects of the PhD / MPhil. The emphasis is on the integration of practice within that process.
Student exhibition
Research degree students at Chelsea College of Arts can lead and take part in an annual exhibition.
British School at Athens residency
An annual arts residency in Greece offered to practice-based PhD students at UAL. Supported by a bursary with studio and accommodation provided.
Our library
The archives and collections at Chelsea College of Arts have a strong emphasis on modern and contemporary art. They include the African-Caribbean, Asian and African Art in Britain archive.
Research activity
-
Piñayarn project: pineapple farm.
Research projects
Find out how our research is tackling global issues and effecting change.
-
Museum Engagement as Speculative Design event at the Horniman Museum.
Past events
Take a look at our archive of past research events.
Research stories
-
Image by Aaron McPeake, From Dust to Dust: Prologue (2018), Castlemaine Gaol, Dja Dja Wurrung Country.
Beyond the Visual: £250,000 awarded to help change blind people’s experience of art
Dr Ken Wilder and Dr Aaron McPeake tell us about their ground-breaking project aiming to change blind people’s experience of art in museums.
-
Iro Iro in collaboration with Matter Prints, Coloured Fabric, 2023. Photo - May ee Fong
Design Materials and Making for Social Change book launch
Co-editors Rebecca Earley and Rosie Hornbuckle discuss how design can help tackle complex social and environmental issues.
-
Sonia Boyce. Room 4 in the British Pavilion featuring the Devotional Collection. Photo - Cristiano Corte British Council.
Highlights from Sonia Boyce in conversation with Mary Evans
An insight into Sonia's Venice Biennale installation, Feeling Her Way, for which she won the coveted Golden Lion prize.
Contact
Get in touch with our research office at ccwresearch@arts.ac.uk