The School of Design and Creative Arts at Loughborough University invites applicants to undertake PhD study. For Art and Design, the School is third in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide and The Complete University Guide 2025) and 39th in the world (QS World Rankings by subject 2025). We are a dynamic and vibrant space for research and innovation with world‑leading academics in diverse fields such as human factors and ergonomics, product design, user experience design, industrial design, digital futures, graphic design, fine art, textiles, fashion and storytelling. We are passionate about responding to real‑world challenges: health and wellbeing, climate change, sustainability, politics, and how we might create a fairer world. We are also a proudly inclusive School and welcome applicants from non‑traditional backgrounds and from all cultures, communities and circumstances. If you are, like us, excited to confront the world’s most acute challenges using innovative and ground‑breaking methods and approaches then consider working with us.
Digital futures in design and creative arts interrogate the transformative impact of AI, data, and emerging technologies on practice, society, and ethics. This area invites exploration of how designers and artists can shape responsible, human‑centred digital systems. It is catalysed by emerging debates around the critical role of the creative industries. Challenges include algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the erosion of trust in digital environments. Research questions include: How can design and creative methodologies foster transparency and accountability in AI systems? What new forms of creativity and authorship emerge in human‑AI collaboration? How can data visualisation and interaction design and art support civic engagement and digital literacy? Projects may involve posthuman art practices, speculative design, critical data studies, generative AI, and ethical innovation, with opportunities to explore interdisciplinary links to computer science, law, and sociology.
Entry requirements
* Minimum an undergraduate 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject.
* A relevant Masters degree and/or employment experience is an advantage.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Funding information
* The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax‑free stipend of £20,780 per annum for the duration of the studentship, plus university tuition fees.
* Funding is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed; availability will depend on the outcome of the selection process and subject to final approval by the University.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under Campus, please select Loughborough and select Programme Design or Creative Arts (select the programme your research falls under). Please quote the advertised reference number ADDA‑26 in your application. To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents. As part of your application, you must submit a proposal (maximum 2 pages). Part of your proposal must specifically indicate how your research fits within one of the strategic priority themes.
Selection criteria
Minimum supporting documents will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.
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