Design PhD 36 months PHD Programme By Brunel University of London |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 151-200QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

36 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

24,795 GBPTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

17 Jul, 2026Application Deadline

Programme overview

Main Subject

Art and Design

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Brunel Design has a well-established record of research excellence, with multidisciplinary, product-related design research grounded on strong engineering design traditions. Research activities within the design programmes at Brunel cover a wide-ranging and diverse field of topics. Academic staff involved within these programmes combine human-centred design for autonomous vehicles, ageing demographics and healthcare systems; from incorporating sustainability in design by developing cleaner electronics, design for 3D and 4D printing, and incorporating social responsibility; to using innovative design for creative industries and information architecture.

Research in Design is organised according to the following thematic priorities:

  • Human-Centred Design through inclusive design, design for ageing demographics, perception and enhancement.
  • Sustainable Design through social responsibility, cleaner electronics and advanced materials and manufacture.
  • Advanced Technologies through engineering methods, optimization techniques, computer-aided-design and other emerging technologies.
  • Products, services and digital design through design innovation management, open design, design entrepreneurship, creativity, the digital economy, digital production and interfaces, and Information Architecture.

The department’s scope of research includes but is not limited to:

  • Human Centred Design
  • Trust in autonomous vehicles
  • Inclusive Design and Design of Healthcare Systems
  • Perception Enhancement
  • Design and Sustainability - theory, methods and tools
  • Design for 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) and Printed Electronics
  • 4D Printing / Shape Memory Materials for Additive Manufacturing
  • Social impact of Distributed Manufacturing Systems
  • Design Innovation Management
  • Digital Design, Interfaces and Digital Production
  • Open Design and Co-Design
  • Social Innovation
  • Pedagogy and Curriculum

Research students are welcomed as valued members of our thriving, research-intensive community in Brunel Design. Our doctoral researchers join the Made in Brunel team in the annual final year project showcase and lead-up events. In addition, our yearly Design Doctoral Symposium, as well as social events, enable you to foster vibrant connections with the outside research community.

Find out about the exciting research we do in this area. Browse profiles of our experts, discover the research groups and their inspirational research activities you too could be part of. We’ve also made available extensive reading materials published by our academics and PhD students.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Art and Design

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Brunel Design has a well-established record of research excellence, with multidisciplinary, product-related design research grounded on strong engineering design traditions. Research activities within the design programmes at Brunel cover a wide-ranging and diverse field of topics. Academic staff involved within these programmes combine human-centred design for autonomous vehicles, ageing demographics and healthcare systems; from incorporating sustainability in design by developing cleaner electronics, design for 3D and 4D printing, and incorporating social responsibility; to using innovative design for creative industries and information architecture.

Research in Design is organised according to the following thematic priorities:

  • Human-Centred Design through inclusive design, design for ageing demographics, perception and enhancement.
  • Sustainable Design through social responsibility, cleaner electronics and advanced materials and manufacture.
  • Advanced Technologies through engineering methods, optimization techniques, computer-aided-design and other emerging technologies.
  • Products, services and digital design through design innovation management, open design, design entrepreneurship, creativity, the digital economy, digital production and interfaces, and Information Architecture.

The department’s scope of research includes but is not limited to:

  • Human Centred Design
  • Trust in autonomous vehicles
  • Inclusive Design and Design of Healthcare Systems
  • Perception Enhancement
  • Design and Sustainability - theory, methods and tools
  • Design for 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) and Printed Electronics
  • 4D Printing / Shape Memory Materials for Additive Manufacturing
  • Social impact of Distributed Manufacturing Systems
  • Design Innovation Management
  • Digital Design, Interfaces and Digital Production
  • Open Design and Co-Design
  • Social Innovation
  • Pedagogy and Curriculum

Research students are welcomed as valued members of our thriving, research-intensive community in Brunel Design. Our doctoral researchers join the Made in Brunel team in the annual final year project showcase and lead-up events. In addition, our yearly Design Doctoral Symposium, as well as social events, enable you to foster vibrant connections with the outside research community.

Find out about the exciting research we do in this area. Browse profiles of our experts, discover the research groups and their inspirational research activities you too could be part of. We’ve also made available extensive reading materials published by our academics and PhD students.

Admission Requirements

6.5+
90+
59+
The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1). An interview will be required as part of the admissions process and will be conducted by at least two academic staff members remotely via MS Teams, Zoom, or face to face. Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement and a research statement.

17 Jul 2026
3 Years
Jan
Apr

  • Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
  • Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance

Tuition fees

Domestic
5,006 GBP
International
24,795 GBP

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

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