Research Degrees can be pursued either through conventional text-based studies or through a combination of studio-based activities where individual creative practice forms a significant part of the intellectual inquiry supported by a critical commentary. The creative work can take any form but it must be presented in relation to the argument of the thesis and demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate theoretical/historical/critical/contemporary context of the research.

Art and Design research encompasses a broad range of media interests, practical approaches, and historical and theoretical perspectives. A key aspect of both teaching and research at Chester is the notion of interdisciplinarity and dialogue between disciplines and practices is something that is of interest to many of the researchers working within the Department. Areas of research interest that extend across disciplinary boundaries include:

- The legacies of modernism and their reinterpretation through contemporary practice

- The role of materiality and embodiment in thinking, making and knowing

- Themes of time, place and cultural memory

- Participatory practice

- Areas of communication, cultural awareness, and identity within digital environments

Design research at Chester has two connected strands. The selection, application and facilitating of design thinking approaches, including co-design and inclusive design, in collaborative research projects with local government, communities and business to tackle specific problems and the development and dissemination of new design thinking tools matched to industry and societal needs.