hands working with textile — ”Export/Import Copenhagen”, Rosa Tolnov Clausen, 2019

Photo: Kohei Usuda

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Doctoral Studies: Artistic practices

The doctoral programme in Artistic Practice is an overarching subject title that includes the different research fields: craft, design, design management, fine art, film, photography, literary composition and poetry and prose . There is an expansive understanding of these practices and we actively support multi-disciplinary and transdisciplinary projects that may draw upon more than one genre of creative practice.

In the past we employed separate syllabi documents to cover the doctoral awards made in Craft, Design, Film, Fine Art, Literary Composition or Photography. However, we have found that it is more meaningful and effective to gather these subjects within a common doctoral syllabus, including each specialisation as an option. Currently we have doctoral researchers completing within the older system of discrete syllabi, while newly recruited doctoral researchers will commence on the newly revised syllabus: “Artistic Practice” that comprehends all of these subjects and specialisations. In practical terms there is no change to the content, form and community of participation in the doctoral programme, rather the background institutional documents that underpin the formal award have been updated and simplified. Here you will find links to all the different syllabi and more detailed technical information about our doctoral studies.

The aim of our doctoral programmes is to train researchers, with a focus on the independent and critical creation of knowledge in the field, covering both breadth and depth, practice and theory. We understand the PhD as an entry level training for professional researchers intending to work in academic and/or non-academic settings. While carefully supporting the individual development of each PhD student, we place special emphasis on the collaborative and collective aspects of research and the importance of communities of practice. Broadly speaking, we believe that learning to do research involves a deepening process of participation in one or more communities of practice. Doctoral positions are limited to fully funded employment positions and are advertised on a regular basis. It is not possible to apply for doctoral studies with us unless there is an open call for applications.

Research Schools

All doctoral students are linked to a research school with shared courses and seminars: in Artistic Practice, the department runs the artistic research school together with the Academy of Music and Drama (our sister institution within the faculty), with four basic courses, symposia and workshops. Within Research on Arts Education, there are two research schools, CUL (Center for Educational Science and Learning) at the University of Gothenburg, and FoBoS, a national research school with support from the Swedish Research Council, for doctoral students in visual art education and sloyd education.

Research groups

Doctoral students are invited to join at least one of the research groups active within HDK-Valand. These groups are currently organised under the following headings:

Politics, Practices and Publics
Environment: Ecological and Climate Challenges
Economies: Organizing, Valuating and Working
Materialities and experimental aesthetics