PHD in Studio Art

Overview

A PhD in Studio Art offered at Burren College of Art (in partnership with University of Galway) combining studio-based research with academic supervision and examination. Students pursue a defined key research question through studio research, investigate cognate work internationally, explore theoretical and historical dimensions, collaborate as appropriate, and produce a body of work representing a new contribution to understanding.

Programme Options

• Full-Time (4 years): Dedicated studio space at BCA, use of college facilities 12 months per year, access to University of Galway library and student facilities (1 hour away).
• Part-Time (6 years): Student provides own studio space away from BCA; attend BCA for supervision sessions and group events; supervision also by virtual meeting and email.

Areas of Enquiry

• New Materialism/Ecological practice
• Burren-specific/place-based topics of artistic enquiry
• Drawing and painting as processes of enquiry
• Public, site-specific, social and relational aspects of art
• Performance/live art and new media
• Art & Politics/political modes of engagement in art
• Interdisciplinary art research promoting collaboration across academic boundaries

Supervision

Each student has a primary supervisor and one or more co-supervisors. The supervision team includes at least one member with previous experience completing PhD projects. BCA faculty available include Conor McGrady (Dean of Academic Affairs), Dr. Áine Phillips (Head of Sculpture), Dr. Eileen Hutton (Lecturer in Art & Ecology), and Dr. Ruby Wallis (Lecturer in Photography). Additional BCA faculty, University of Galway faculty, or supervisors from other universities may be arranged.

Supervision Meeting Frequency

• Full-Time Year 1: bi-weekly with primary supervisor during semester, monthly in summer; monthly with internal co-supervisors in semester time plus one summer meeting; external supervisors once per semester.
• Full-Time Years 2–4: monthly with primary supervisor; monthly with internal co-supervisors in semester time plus one summer meeting; external supervisors once per semester.
• Part-Time: monthly with primary supervisor year-round; bi-monthly with internal co-supervisors year-round; external supervisors once per semester.
• No meetings in August; summer breaks by agreement.

Additional Meetings

Students meet with supervisors as a group at least once per year to review progress. Each student meets with a Graduate Research Committee (GRC) not including their supervisors once per year to monitor progress. Full-Time students meet in person at BCA; Part-Time students meet in person or online as needed.

Final Examination

The final examination comprises submission of a body of work normally by exhibition; a written reflective analysis of the theoretical and historical context (10,000–20,000 words); a written critical review of the research process (10,000–20,000 words); a 500-word summary of the contribution to knowledge with work documentation; and a viva voce examination. All elements must be passed.

Research Proposal

Applicants should outline the field of enquiry, the key research question, and the research methods envisaged. Research projects outside the listed criteria may be considered, though the college recognises that no art school can supervise every proposal.