Programme Overview

Welcome to the PhD Practice Portfolio in Design. This doctoral programme provides experienced design practitioners with an opportunity to gain formal academic recognition for a sustained and significant contribution to their field of practice.

The programme enables candidates to bring together an existing body of professional work through a curated portfolio and critical commentary that demonstrates originality, coherence, and contribution to knowledge or practice at doctoral level. The programme is particularly suited to established practitioners, creative professionals, educators, and industry leaders who have already generated a substantial body of published, exhibited, commissioned, or otherwise publicly recognised work.

Key Features

Doctoral qualification based upon an existing body of professional practice

Recognition of significant contribution to design knowledge and practice

Supervision and support from experienced academic staff

Flexible route designed for established practitioners and educators

Assessment through portfolio, critical commentary, and viva voce examination

Opportunity to enhance professional and academic standing

A student working at a laptop

What is a Practice Portfolio PhD?

Not to be confused with a PhD by Practice (where a new body of design practice is central to the research), the PhD Practice Portfolio in Design recognises that significant research contributions may be demonstrated through a candidate’s existing body of professional practice. Candidates submit a portfolio of published or publicly disseminated work together with a critical commentary that establishes the originality, coherence, and significance of that work.

The portfolio may include journal articles, exhibitions, publications, professional commissions, designs, artefacts, digital outputs, performances, reports, or other recognised forms of creative and professional practice.

The accompanying commentary provides critical reflection on the overall contribution, contextualising the work within relevant academic, professional, and disciplinary frameworks.

Why Lincoln?

The School Creative Arts and Design offers expertise across diverse areas of design research and professional practice. Candidates benefit from a supportive research culture that values interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with contemporary design challenges. The programme offers a particularly valuable route for practitioners whose professional achievements merit doctoral recognition whilst remaining closely connected to their field of practice.

How You Study

The teaching approach of this postgraduate research degree programme (PGR) is different from postgraduate taught degree programmes (PGT) which are ordinarily delivered through a series of modules comprised of regular coursework and assessments. Instead, the PhD by Practice Portfolio in Design allows you the freedom
of independent research supported by your supervisors.

Candidates work with an academic supervisory team to identify, organise, and critically evaluate an existing body of work. The focus is on demonstrating the significance of the portfolio as a coherent contribution to knowledge or professional practice.

The programme involves independent study, critical reflection, and scholarly analysis, culminating in the submission of a portfolio and critical commentary.

Facilities

Candidates have access to University resources, specialist facilities, libraries, archives, design studios, workshops, and research support services throughout their studies.

A student undertaking graphic design on a laptop

How you are assessed

Assessment consists of:

- A portfolio of work equivalent in scope and significance to a traditional doctoral thesis.

- A critical commentary of up to 15,000 words demonstrating originality, coherence, context, and contribution.

- A viva voce examination conducted by two external examiners and one internal examiner.

The portfolio should normally comprise work produced over a minimum period of three years and must demonstrate a substantial contribution to professional design practice.

Entry Requirements 2027-28

Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold a Master's degree or demonstrate equivalent qualifications or experience. Candidates are expected to be actively engaged in professional design practice or higher education.

Applications involve the submission of a portfolio proposal identifying the body of work to be presented and the basis upon which a doctoral award is sought. Candidate suitability is determined through review by an academic selection panel.

How to Apply

Postgraduate Research Application Support

Find out more about the application process for research degrees and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page, which also features contact details for dedicated support with your application.

A student sit with a laptop and notepad

Fees and Funding

University Study is a major investment, so it’s important to understand the costs and support available. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found below. Eligible students may be able to access scholarships and bursaries to help with study costs.

Programme Fees

Funding Your Research

Loans and Studentships

Find out more about the options available to support your postgraduate research, from Master's and Doctoral Loans, to research studentship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

Two students working on a laptop in a study space
The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.