The 3rd cycle of studies leading to a PhD in Design is a PhD Program in Association between the University of Aveiro (Department of Communication and Art) and the University of Porto (Faculty of Fine Arts), with the collaboration of teachers in the area of Design of these institutions, as well as researchers from ID+ Institute of Research in Design, Media and Culture.

The PhD in Design, Arts and Transdisciplinarity is aimed at researchers who want to deal with the complexity of ongoing transitions to design positive changes and imagine more equitable, supportive and sustainable futures starting from a post-disciplinary perspective, open to hybridizations between knowledge and experimentation of new and unexpected connections.

PhD by research via Distance Learning is awarded after successfully completing a theoretical research specialization. This research is presented in the form of a doctoral thesis. The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the only doctoral degree that can be achieved through distance learning. The main requirement for a PhD online through distance learning is to present and discuss a thesis of at least 100 pages for review and evaluation by an academic committee at Selinus University. In this research programme, the final thesis should offer an essential knowledge of the field of architectural design, taking into account the latest developments in design and new trends, including the use of new materials and new housing needs starting from the optimization of living spaces. Use a descriptive method to illustrate how to critically solve problems in this field. Provide step-by-step guidance in the design, selection and creation of any type of building style.

Students of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Interior Design examine the planning, technical and decorative elements required to design the interiors of residential and commercial buildings.

The doctoral study programme Machines and Equipment Design is focused on independent scientific and research projects in the field of the design of machines and equipment. Its aim is to produce highly-educated and creative graduates capable of taking part in scientific, research, and professional activities.

Graduates of this PhD programme are provided with deep knowledge in their specialization, which enables creative and scientific work. They will develop communicative skills and they can clearly express their ideas and opinions. They are familiar with the methodology of processing information.

The EUCLID online Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Open Learning takes up the challenge of offering a comprehensive doctoral program at the junction of three specialized fields of knowledge and application: (1) open learning in all organizations (2) online education in a university context, and (3) cross-disciplinary challenges of pedagogy, andragogy and information technologies.

This program examines the planning and the technical as well as the decorative elements needed to design the interiors of residential and commercial buildings. It stresses on individual residences, offices, and commercial spaces (bars, hotels, banks, public restrooms, etc.). It describes the furniture that are best suited to a given space and the distribution of closets and bathrooms. In addition, it covers the construction details of walls, floors, stairs, fireplaces, lighting, kitchens, and woodwork. It also deals with other decorative elements such as the use of indoor plants, audiovisual systems, security, color theory, window treatments, elevators, indoors sports areas, etc.

PhD in Digital Social Science is focused on social phenomena that are largely manifested in the online environment. Their study requires an interdisciplinary structure of competencies and appropriate data-analytical methodological training. It is a unique interdisciplinary and inter-institutional doctoral program that offers a modern and effective way of addressing the complex problems of contemporary society.

Design Studies graduate program has been established with the aim of uniting all design disciplines in order to make these more creative by interacting. The program commenced its facilities in the 2006-2007 academic year, though advanced level research in Design Studies area is needed. That is why the doctoral program of Design Studies is going to admit students in the 2013-2014 academic year for the first time.

The PhD in Design, Environment and the Arts Program in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts has an explicit mission: to prepare students to become public intellectuals and transformative practitioners in shaping the environment at all scales – from the design of cities, buildings, and landscapes, to interiors, products and graphics.

The Ph.D. in Design is thesis-oriented from day one and is based on understanding the gesture of the profession. At IADE, students have the opportunity to study and research design with designers and join a reputed Design Research Unit - UNIDCOM/IADE.

Visual Studies at Lingnan is a stand-alone department focusing on the following core sub-disciplines: art history, film studies, and philosophical aesthetics.

Our unique three-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) full-time low-residency program requires an average work commitment of 30 hours per week. Intensive dates and lengths will vary between 2 and 14 days. You will study wherever you live and work conducting independent research with the support of individual advisory teams and peer critique

Area: Architecture, Design, Planning