Computer Arts PhD

Overview

This is a potential research degree area, subject to the approval of the University. If you are interested in undertaking a research degree in this area.

Computer Arts at Abertay covers a wide range of applied and theoretical research.

With the launch of our Computer Arts degree programme in 1999, Abertay helped to pioneer the development of academic study for artists engaged with new and emergent media technologies. Today, this broad field of artistic practice underpins not only research in digital creativity and audience engagement, but also creative industries such as graphic design, animation, film and television, visual effects, and computer games. At Abertay, you will be supported to conduct this research by our world-leading expertise in computer arts and computer games education, our connections with key industry partners, and our specialist computer arts studios and game development facilities.

Abertay University is the lead partner for InGAME: InnoVation for Games and Media Enterprise, an AHRC-funded R&D centre for Dundee’s games cluster. Postgraduate students at the University will have access to research and development opportunities, as well as contact with professionals working within the games industry.

Our research at Abertay is inherently cross-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary, which brings benefits to arts researchers interested in utilising multiple technologies, examining audiences and users, and engaging with private, public and third sector stakeholders. We are a member of networks such as SGSAH and SICSA, which will provide you with opportunities to network with like-minded academics and research students across Scotland, and access training opportunities.

Undertaking a research degree in computer arts at Abertay will prepare you for a rewarding career not only in academia, but also as an independent art practitioner and as an R&D and production leader in the creative industries and wider society.

Our research degrees

You have the option of studying an MSc by Research, an MPhil or a PhD.

When deciding which degree is right for you, you should consider the level of commitment required, the duration, cost and your career aspirations.

That being said, our research degrees are flexible. You can begin an MSc or an MPhil and then seek to transfer to a PhD without having to start your project all over again. You can also switch from full-time to part-time study, and vice versa.

PhD

The award of the Doctor of Philosophy demonstrates that the main focus of your work is your personal contribution to knowledge in your discipline or field, through original research or the original application of existing knowledge.

How long is a PhD?

If you are studying full-time, you are expected to complete the award in 36 months. The minimum period to receive this is award is 24 months and the maximum is 48 months.

If you are studying part-time, you are expected to complete the award in 48 months. The minimum period to receive this award on a part-time basis is 72 months and the maximum is 96 months.

The minimum entry requirement for all our research degrees is an Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) at undergraduate level in an appropriate discipline and/or a Master’s degree. In some cases, appropriate professional or experiential learning may be considered in combination with a lower classification of Honours degree.