History of design PhD

The University of Brighton has an established reputation for pioneering research into art, design and material culture and is a recognised centre of excellence both nationally and internationally for design history.

Taking a cross-disciplinary approach, researchers at all levels in the university's Centre for Design History are involved in pushing the boundaries of the subject. Study at Brighton takes an inclusive definition of art and design in an expanded field, which embraces the conjunction of professional and non-professional practices; digital and analogue artefacts, and the de-centring of art and design practice away from the singular object to complex ecologies, objects and systems.

As such, research and enterprise at Brighton offers real opportunities to develop wide social and economic impact via our links with the cultural sector, particularly museums and art galleries, government and voluntary sectors, arts and community engagement, and importantly, creative businesses.

Close professional contact for History of design PhD students leads to innovative research collaborations with national institutions such as the Design Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as with local collections and centres of historical interest such as the University of Brighton Design Archives; the Royal Pavilion and Museums Brighton and Hove, with its collection of decorative art and design of designated international status; the Keep, East Sussex Record Office; Charleston Farmhouse, home of members of the Bloomsbury Group; Ditchling Museum, and the De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill.