PHD in Studio Art

We are now accepting applications for the 2026/2027 entry year with a deadline of February 1, 2026. Any enquiries may be directed to Lisa Newman, Director of Admissions, at lisa@burrencollege.ie

Applicants to the PhD programme, if successful, initially enroll as MPhil students, with the option to  transfer to the PhD in year one or year two of their studies (subject to supervisory approval).

All applicants for the PhD in Studio Art should have a masters degree in fine art (MFA or MA) or an MPhil (Fine Art). Applicants with an MFA or MPhil (Fine Art) may apply directly for the PhD programme. 

Please note: If you already hold an MPhil and are offered a place, you may still be required to enroll at the level of MPhil with the option to apply to transfer to the PhD in year one or two.

Applicants who do not have an MFA or an MPhil (Fine Art) may first apply for the MFA or the MPhil (Fine Art) with the possibility of progression to PhD.

Applications for the PhD are in two stages:

Stage 1- Submit a Research Proposal and Application

  • Online Application form (see below)
  • An outline of your research proposal, including your proposed methodology and reading list (See guidelines below).
  • Portfolio (10-15 jpeg images or 3-4 links to video).  Your portfolio may be submitted electronically through GoogleDocs or www.wetransfer.com 
  • 2 letters of recommendation sent by your referees by email to lisa@burrencollege.ie
  • Official transcripts demonstrating evidence of previous degrees.  These must be either official hard copies in envelopes stamped and sealed by the university or sent as password-protected e-transcripts.
  • Copy of your passport.
  • Non-refundable application fee of €50 payable online here.

Note: We request official copies of transcripts to be either sent by password-protected email by your college or university, or sent as a hard copy to Admissions, Burren College of Art, Newtown Castle, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, Ireland. Portfolio images can be submitted electronically via GoogleDocs or www.wetransfer.com. All other application materials can be emailed to the Director of Admissions, Lisa Newman, at lisa@burrencollege.ie

 

All eligible applicants are then interviewed.

Research Proposal

For full consideration, research proposals must adhere to the following guidelines. Please note that we are unable to consider proposals that do not adhere to this format.

PhD Studio Art: Practice Based Research Proposal

Content Guidelines for Submitting a Research Proposal

Project Abstract (200 words)
 

  • Summarize your research proposal by answering the following questions:
  1. What is your research project? What is it that you want to know, and that you feel others should know?
  2. Why are you pursuing this research project?
  3. How will you carry out this project through artistic practice? What methods will you use?
  4. How will you know that you have answered the question that you wish to pursue?

Research Question

  • Please list a Research Question that frames your field of enquiry.

(An effective way to do this is to firstly summarise your research proposal in three to four sentences. Now take this proposal and reframe it as an enquiry. For example: This project will investigate… will examine…. will enquire into…. will challenge…)

Detailed Project Description

Context & Objectives of your Research Project (300 words)

  • What are you attempting to do with this research project?
  • What gaps in current knowledge do you hope to fill with this project?

Research Methods (300 words)

  • Outline your proposed research methods. What activities will you undertake to find out what you want to know?
  • Provide evidence of a high level of artistic practice and the practical and critical skills required to undertake your project (please refer to the portfolio submitted with your application).
  • Provide a year by year overview of how you anticipate your research process to unfold.

Research Outcomes and Contributions to New Knowledge (200 words)

  • Indicate how you plan to consolidate the results of your practice based research.
  • Describe the proposed contribution to new knowledge that you will make through your research. How will your project expand or develop existing knowledge?
  • Describe how you plan to disseminate the impact of your findings in the wider arts and research communities.
  •  

Literature Review

What are the main theoretical resources underpinning your research project and why? Please list literature (books, journals, articles, websites) relevant to your research project and include full bibliographical details.

PhD Application Form

Apply Here

 

PLEASE NOTE: Once you’ve submitted your application, you should immediately see an acknowledgement page confirming the submission.  If you do not see this, please contact Lisa Newman at lisa@burrencollege.ie to make sure your application has been received by the College.

Stage 2 - Shortlisted Applicants

Shortlisted applicants submit a revised research proposal for discussion and further revision until it is suitable for registration, at which time the applicant is admitted with effect from either September or January.

Offers of a place are made by University of Galway on the recommendation of Burren College of Art.  They are subject to the applicant submitting a satisfactory PhD project proposal for registration with the university within the university’s time scale. Should the proposal not be accepted on first submission, registration will be delayed without defrayal of fees.

Non-discrimination Policy

Burren College of Art does not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, race, disability, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, membership of the Traveller community, or veteran status in any phase of its employment process, in any phase of its admission or scholarship programs, or other aspects of its educational programs or activities.

Academic Calendar 2025-2026

Spring 2025

January 6 – Spring Semester begins/Orientation Week

January 13 – Classes begin

February 25-26 – Midterm Critiques for all students

March 24 – Last week of studio time for Postgraduates

March 30-April 9 – Postgraduate final exhibition installation

April 9-11 – Final examinations and critiques

April 12 – Opening reception for Exhibition

April 14-18 – Final week of Spring Semester

April 24 – Graduation Ceremony

 

Fall 2025

September 1  – Autumn Semester begins/Orientation Week

September 8 – Classes begin

October 20-21 Midterm Critiques for all students

December 8 – Final Week of Autumn Semester

 

Spring 2026 (TBC)

January 5 – Spring Semester begins/Orientation Week

January 12 – Classes begin

February 23-24 – Midterm Critiques for all students

March 23 – Last week of studio time for Postgraduates

March 29-April 8 – Postgraduate final exhibition installation

April 8-10 – Final examinations and critiques

April 11 – Opening reception for Exhibition

April 13-17 – Final week of Spring Semester

April 23 – Graduation Ceremony