PhD

ImaginationLancaster provides a wide range of opportunities to undertake a design-led PhD. Design thinking and creativity underpin our research expertise. Our projects involve research through design and the role of design within complex interdisciplinary organisations and systems. With extensive experience of PhD supervision, we support a range of specialised design-led research in areas that include:

In the UK government's recent Research Assessment Exercise, our research was ranked among the top 3 in the UK for Design Theory and Design Management, with 80% of our research rated as world (4*) or internationally (3*) leading.

We provide a supportive yet challenging research environment where you will develop knowledge and skills in interdisciplinary studies, research methods, propositional and interventional approaches, analysis and synthesis of research findings, and the communication of research findings to academic and professional communities.

Our PhD prepares students for careers in industry, academia, government, and research institutions. Collaboration with the industry, with communities, and with governments is encouraged. PhD candidates are supported in the dissemination of their research through publication and presentation at national and international conferences.

Staff are from a range of design backgrounds including product, 3D and industrial design, digital and interaction design, sustainable design, service design, design management, typography and graphic design, urban design, and art and social technologies. The supervisory expertise of our individual staff members are shown below:

Supervisory areas of the ImaginationLancaster team

PhD Application Process

To apply for a PhD, you will need to apply directly to the university. The following information sets out the process by which you make an application. This process is greatly aided if you closely review this guidance and provide the relevant information in a timely manner.

A crucial part of a PhD application is your research proposal. This helps us to identify appropriate supervisor(s) for your specialist area of research and assess your suitability for doctoral study. We have developed a PhD Proposal Form which provides guidance and support for the development of your research proposal.

To apply for a PhD you need to:

• Complete and submit a university postgraduate application form. The form should be sent with 2 confidential references, original copies or officially authorised versions of degree transcripts, and where needed English language scores. When completed, all documentation needs to be sent directly to: Postgraduate Admissions Office, University House, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK.
• In addition, a completed PhD Proposal Form should be sent directly to: Postgraduate Studies Coordinator, LICA, Roundhouse, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, or via email to:

Once your application has been reviewed and assessed for suitability to study at Lancaster, you will be contacted to discuss your application further. This usually takes the form of a formal interview with two or more staff where you will have the opportunity to discuss your research proposal, research training requirements, tour facilities, meet with current postgraduate students and explore funding opportunities. If you are from overseas we can arrange an interview with members of staff via telephone conference.

Before you apply for a PhD, we are happy for you to get in touch with us and discuss your research ideas. A member of staff will talk about your research proposal with you, and advise you whether we have a member of staff with the appropriate background and expertise to supervise your research.

We are justifiably proud of the quality of support and research training that we offer our postgraduate students including regular one-to-one tutorials with your supervisors and more occasional tutorials with the broader staff team. You are able to actively participate in LICA’s annual Research Seminar Series which both provides a forum for PhD candidates to present their own work as well as bringing some of the leading thinkers in design and the contemporary arts to Lancaster. Our students also participate in the Research Training Programme of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences which is geared towards providing generic research skills to support your research throughout your time at Lancaster.