Fieldworks: Transdisciplinary Practices and Public Engagement
We invite research proposals exploring transdisciplinary approaches to fieldwork, engaging embodied, sensory, and material knowledge within contemporary art and allied disciplines.
Research Opportunities
Summary
We seek PhD proposals that critically examine innovative fieldwork practices in contemporary art and related fields. Our focus is on practical, experimental and "speculative fieldwork" approaches and particularly posthumanist perspectives, where traditional boundaries between disciplines, species, and knowledge systems are blurred, opening up new ways of understanding and engaging with the world. Through embodied, sensory, and material ways of knowing, this PhD would explore how artist-researchers collaborate across disciplines—including scientific disciplines such as ecology and zoology and within explicitly transdisciplinary projects—to challenge conventional aesthetic frameworks and reshape knowledge structures.
We are particularly interested in proposals that approach these collaborations from feminist or other critical perspectives, considering how interdisciplinary practices can question and transform dominant cultural narratives. Proposals might explore how knowledge is generated and shared through practices that span the arts, sciences, and humanities, offering new insights into ecological and social relations, multispecies interactions, and the role of aesthetics in rethinking human-nature relationships.
Applicants should have a strong interest in the politics and practices of public engagement, especially through participation and partnerships with art organisations, community groups, or other cultural institutions.
The research might examine how collaborative projects in public spaces or exhibitions can foster community interaction, invite diverse perspectives, and promote social change. We encourage candidates to consider the ethical dimensions of fieldwork in both its content and methodologies, examining how speculative and experimental practices contribute to broader societal conversations.
Ideal candidates will have a background in contemporary art, social sciences, or humanities, with an interest in field-based research and interdisciplinary collaboration. This research offers an opportunity to contribute to a growing field of inquiry at the intersection of art, transdisciplinary sciences, and public engagement.
Supervisor
Discuss this further with the potential supervisor for this research degree:
Research Themes
Find other Research Degrees in the same theme:
About our Research Degrees
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
If you need any further support prior to applying, please email researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk to see if you are eligible.
English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,390 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £17,300 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £10,380 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £8,650 per academic year
For Academic Year 2023/2024
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,712 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,830 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,356 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £16,640 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £9,984 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £8,320 per academic year
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Funded Studentships
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
How to Apply
Applications
All applications should be made via the University's online application for research students.
Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
Further guidance on the application process:
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
Find out more about the English language qualification we accept:
Ready to start this Research Degree?
Find out about our entry requirements, application dates and how to apply.
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