Postgraduate Research

The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts offers postgraduate researchers the opportunity to explore the field of the traditional arts, and the wisdom that underpins them, in relation to questions and challenges faced in the world today.  Research concentrates on drawing traditional wisdom into artistic practice and education for application—to solve problems and meet contemporary needs. 

 

The Masters of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees at the Prince’s School are monitored and awarded by the University of Wales.  It is possible to pursue a research degree by one of two methods:
i) research by project (practice led with written component)
ii) research by theory (presented in writing)
 

 

These methods are described more fully below in relation to the MPhil and PhD degrees.

The Master of Philosphy Degree

The MPhil degree is awarded for presentation of research that represents an extension of learning in the subject area, a critical evaluation and analysis of a body of knowledge and/or an original contribution to learning.  The MPhil is a research degree (as opposed to the Master of Arts (MA) degree awarded at completion of the School's taught postgraduate programme described on this website). 

MPhil research by Project

MPhil research by Theory

Research by theory for the MPhil is theoretical and textual.  Visual research and analysis may also be included and presented as part of the written work. Final submission for examination will take the form of a thesis embodying the aims, methods and results of the research.  The length of the thesis must be appropriate to the subject area and is not to exceed 60,000 words, excluding footnotes and references.

The Doctor of Philosophy Degree

The PhD degree at the Prince’s School is awarded for the completion of a programme of advanced study and research.  The presentation of the research represents an original contribution to learning and shows a systematic study of the topic and ability to relate research results to the body of knowledge in the subject. 

PLEASE NOTE-  Candidates for the PhD degree will initially be registered as an MPhil/PhD with the possibility of transfer to PhD upon completion of a transfer process and approval of their application by the School’s Research Degree Committee and the University of Wales Research Degrees Board.

PhD research by Project

At the Prince's School research by project for the PhD combines practical, theoretical, textual and visual methods.  Studio work will be undertaken as part of the research and an exhibition or visual component will be presented alongside the written work for examination.  The written material contextualizing the studio work (max. 35,000 words) must contain a critical reflection (5- 6000 words) on the research methodology and methods used that also articulates the research question(s) guiding the research, and the essence of the answer to the question(s), and indicates the original contribution to learning which the work has made.

PhD research by Theory

Research by theory for the PhD is theoretical and textual.  Visual research may also be included and presented as part of the written work. Candidates will present their research through the submission of a thesis embodying the methods and results of the research.  The length of the thesis must be appropriate to the subject area and is not to exceed 100,000 words, excluding footnotes and references.

The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, having pioneered doctoral degrees for the study and practice of the traditional arts, continues to support them in an academic context, together with their regeneration as living skills.

Modes of Study for Research Degrees

Candidates may undertake an MPhil or MPhil/PhD through enroling for full-time research or part-time research.  Full-time candidates for the MPhil should expect to submit their research two years after enrolling.  Full-time candidates for the PhD should expect to submit their research three years after enrolling. For part-time candidates the submission date for the MPhil will normally be 3 years after enrolling, and for the PhD 5 years after enrolling. In completing their application applicants should bear in mind the time commitment required to complete a postgraduate research degree in relation to the chosen mode of study.   Please contact the Registrar with any questions about modes of study.

Requirements

The normal minimum entrance requirement for applicants for candidature for research degrees is an upper second class honours degree or a master’s degree relevant to the proposed area of research awarded by a UK or other recognised University or higher education institution, or by the Council for National Academic Awards (CNAA).  Applicants who do not possess the normal minimum entrance qualifications may be considered for candidature on their merits.  Please see the section on Non-Standard Entry in the Notes for Applicants attached to the application form available for download below.

All courses at the Prince’s School are in English.  Applicants for whom English is not a first language are required to have reached a standard equivalent to 6.5 on the IELTS scale.  Academic qualifications in English are not essential but where a candidate does not have any formal qualifications the School may ask for other evidence of proficiency.  Proof of  a minimum overall band of 6.5 on the IELTS scale (or equivalent) with individual scores of not less than 6.0 in the Reading and Writing will be required. Specific information concerning the English language requirements are to be found in the Notes for Applicants attached to the application form available for download below.

Further Information

Application forms for MPhil and PhD degrees are available to download here.

Cut-off date for all applications: 16th January 2012 for entry in September.

Fees

Annual fee for UK students is £6,500

Annual fee for overseas students is £10,000

Queries should be directed to Ririko Suzuki, Registrar

Tel:  020 7613 8541

Postgraduate Research