Arts and Cultural Management Professional Doctorate

The programme introduces practitioners to a range of dynamic and challenging concepts and methods with which to reflect critically and constructively on their professional practice. The programme will be taught within a learning environment and methodology informed by the principles of reflective practice, action or practice-based research and enquiry based learning. This pedagogical approach enables students' professional context to become a primary research resource.

It is envisaged that this programme will be most appealing as part-time study. However, a full-time option is included as there may be applicants with special circumstances that would make full-time study a viable option.

Academic entry qualification overview:

Successful completion of a Masters course with an overall classification of Merit or higher, or its overseas equivalent, with an element of research training, is a prerequisite for entry to a PhD. A research proposal must be included with the formal application materials. 

English language:

Students whose first language is not English require:

an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with 7.0 in the writing component

or

a TOEFL score of 600 paper-based test, 250 computer-based test, or 100 internet-based test

or

a Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 70 overall with 70 in the writing component

Some English language test results are only valid for two years. Your English language test report must be valid on the start date of your programme

Professional entry qualification: Evidence of competence and professional expertise in one or more relevant contexts (e.g. arts administration, management, public policy, fund-raising, development, venue/events management, community work). Professional experience must be equivalent to at least 36 months continuous employment. Candidates without a Masters degree must demonstrate evidence of a competent level of professional experience equivalent to at least 48 months continuous employment.

We recommend all research applicants to attempt to find a suitable supervisor here at Manchester by searching the subject area of interest to you and looking at their staff list. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT TEACH EVENING CLASSES OR OFFER DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES.

After completion of the first 12 months of study each student will be assigned a `professional mentor'. The professional mentor will be a reputable, competent and experienced professional in a field related to the candidate's practice-based research. The professional mentor will be selected by programme staff in liaison with the student.

Year 1: literature review and research essay (12,000 words in total)

Year 2: conference paper and publishable article (6-8000 words)

Year 3: research proposal and portfolio of reflective practice (12,000 words in total)

Year 4-6: individual targets appropriate to the completion of the thesis research

Year 6: thesis of 40-45,000 words or practical outcome accompanied by 20-45,000 word dissertation.  

The programme is structured on the basis that the most suitable pathway is the part-time route. However, there is a negotiable full-time route in special cases (which may be more desirable, for example, for students who have accessed funding to support an extended break from the profession, or for retired professionals). Full-time students will have 12 individual supervisions per year, twice-yearly `research panels¿ and access to additional support at residential long weekends to ensure that they can meet key milestone.

School of Arts, Languages and Cultures

See: About us

Telephone: +44 (0) 0161 275 3559

Facsimile: +44 (0) 0161 275 3031

Email: PhDSALC@manchester.ac.uk

Website: www.alc.manchester.ac.uk/subjects/arthistoryvisualstudies/postgraduateresearch/research/