Postgraduate Study Guide 2012 - University College Falmouth

Research degrees – MPhil/PhD
We offer postgraduates the opportunity
to undertake the following research
degree programmes:
— Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
— Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Each is achieved through an individual
research project in a programme
of study agreed with the Director
of Studies. Both research degrees
represent an original and unique
contribution to research, creating
knowledge and understanding. The PhD
represents greater depth and a more
substantial individual achievement,
while the MPhil is a respected award
in its own right or can be undertaken
as preparation for a PhD.
Completing a research degree
provides a deeper look at life and
gives you the skills to see beneath
the surface of published opinion and
accepted wisdom. The ability to cast a
critical eye and draw new conclusions
is powerful and in demand. Asking the
right questions, choosing the right
methods of enquiry and diligently
sifting through the facts, events,
contributions and opinions all serve
to sharpen creativity.
What are the benefits of doing a
research degree?
Your research questions are unique
to you and will define you as an
expert. You’ll learn to drive your own
research journey with support from
national and international experts
in their field; published scholars who
have made an impact through critical
thinking and creative practice. Your
thesis will contain material which
is worthy of publication and public
presentation. On completion of a
PhD, as a high level reflective
practitioner, you’ll be able to pursue
a career in academia or practice.
Your advanced analytical skills will
also boost your employability in
entrepreneurial, industrial, public
and third sector roles.
Different approaches
Many students choose to study
part-time while they continue
their own art or design practice –
something which can enable
reflective practice to develop over a
longer period and allow additional
time for experiment and analysis.
You may choose to study full-time,
part-time, or a mixture of both,
depending on your circumstances.
You might take a practice-based
or more theoretical approach. We’ll
work with you to develop the most
appropriate approach to answering
your research questions and making
the best of the personal development
opportunities in research degree study.
Supervision and training
We aim for excellence in our
supervisory teams and will make
sure that you’re able to work with
staff with the right mixture of
expertise and experience to enable
you to make the most of your study.
At Falmouth, you’ll have the option
of an interdisciplinary team, with
co-supervisors at businesses or
different institutions.
In addition to guidance from your
supervisory team, research training
is available to all PhD students. The
sessions bring together students in
their first year of doctoral research
to share consideration of the key
issues for research, especially
research in and through art, design
and media. Most of the sessions will
draw on the participants’ specific
research projects. The Foundation
Programme establishes a local
network of support across
neighbouring research fields and
gives you the benefit of a regular
gathering of peers, acting as a
resource to each other.
Awarding bodies
We deliver our research degrees
under a partnership agreement with
the University of the Arts London,
(UAL). UCF students are ultimately
awarded their degrees from UAL,
and benefit from access to its
diverse programme of dedicated
events, seminars and lectures.
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