Course summary

Our pioneering PhD Professional Practice: Arts and Cultural Management programme is ideal if you work in the arts and cultural management sector and want to undertake advanced research that builds on your professional knowledge and is based in or led by your practice. The structure of the programme will enable you to develop your career while simultaneously undertaking a research project leading to a doctoral qualification. This PhD is one of a suite of professional practice-focused doctorates overseen by the University's Institute for Cultural Practices and the department of Drama. It aims to engage experienced professionals in advanced research, and reflects the need for structured forms of professional development and reflective practice across the arts sector. Previous and current doctoral projects include: the history of heritage funding, audience development and the professionalisation of arts marketing in contemporary theatre, addressing the gender gap in contemporary music industries, the role of the arts manager in mediating participatory and socially engaged art works. The programme takes explicit account of the professional practice-base of the candidate, integrating this as a central knowledge base for the research project, and supporting the development of dynamic knowledge outcomes that can have an impact across academic and non-academic contexts. The programme supports the development of reflective practice that can respond to and influence the complex unpredictable and shifting social and cultural contexts within which practitioners operate. The programme will introduce you to a range of dynamic and challenging concepts and methods with which to reflect critically and constructively on your professional practice. You will be supported through a bi-annual residential programme in addition to standard supervisions that sustain the cohort for peer learning. The PhD is frequently undertaken part-time to provide time for engagement in professional practice. Together with your fellow students, you will investigate the principles of reflective practice and practice-based research, and engage in research methods training and group learning about relevant areas of social and cultural theory. This pedagogical approach enables your professional context to become your primary research resource.