Art and Social Practice

University of Manchester
Undergraduate PhD Full-time 3 Years Digital media, production, and technologyMusicDramaFilm studiesFashion, textiles, and jewelleryGraphic designDance

About this course

Art and Social Practice is a broad term. It is inclusive of any form of arts practice seeking to engage or intervene in social, educational and community contexts.

Our pioneering PhD Art and Social Practice is designed for people who want to undertake advanced research which builds on their professional knowledge and practice. Professional practice may include:

  • applied practice,

  • arts and health,

  • community arts,

  • performing arts,

  • other related contexts across visual and creative media

    The structure of the programme is devised to enable you to develop your career while simultaneously undertaking a research project that leads to a doctoral qualification.

    This professional practice-focused doctorate will engage experienced professionals in advanced research. This programme matches the need for structured forms of professional development and reflective practice across the arts sector.

    We take explicit account of the professional practice-base of the student, integrating this as a central knowledge base for the research project. We support the development of dynamic knowledge outcomes that can have an impact across academic and non-academic contexts.

    Furthermore, we underpin the development of reflective practice. This practice can respond to and influence the complex, unpredictable and shifting social and cultural contexts in which arts practitioners operate.

    The programme will introduce you to a range of dynamic and challenging concepts and methods. These methods enable you to reflect critically and constructively on your professional practice. Another feature is the opportunity to join a cohort of peers on other professional practice PhD programmes. Our students will have the ability engage with other research professionals through bi-annual residential workshops and events.

  • Study Options

    This course is available in 2 study options:

    Part-time

    Duration: 6 Years

    Qualification: PhD

    Location: Manchester

    Full-time Shown above

    Duration: 3 Years

    Qualification: PhD

    Location: Manchester

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    2317 Teachers of English as a foreign language
    3416 Arts officers, producers and directors
    7125 Visual merchandisers and related occupations
    3417 Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators
    3412 Authors, writers and translators
    2319 Teaching professionals

    Course Details

    Qualification
    Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    3 Years
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Manchester
    Scheme
    Undergraduate
    Subjects
    Digital media, production, and technology, Music, Drama, Film studies, Fashion, textiles, and jewellery, Graphic design, Dance