The School of Material at the Royal College of Art offers MPhil and PhD by project and thesis. Research within the School of Material is encouraged through an ethos of experimentation and innovation in design, studio practice, technology, archival and ethnographic resources. Theoretical and practice-based outputs, industrial collaborations and understanding of craft practice, creativity and technical innovation are welcomed. Investigation of the art and design practices in industry, studio, trade, commerce, retail and other cultural contexts informs research at all levels. Materials Science is applied to the study of the behaviour of metals and synthetics and in the pursuit of new processes and applications. The exploration of new technologies is aimed at the expansion of aesthetic, productive and cognitive horizons.

Ceramics & Glass

At the heart of activity in the Ceramics & Glass programme is the manipulation of a particular range of closely related natural and synthetic materials to make things. To this end, the dual areas of the nature of the material, and the nature of the made object, are sites for research.

Research strands include:

• the nature of the material, falling within the generic title of Materials Science
• the nature of the object, involving the making of objects as part of the fundamental methodology required in the answering of particular research questions.

Additionally, commentary and criticism on the nature of the object and its wider context is a vital strand in this area. Here it makes contact with the histories of art, design and culture.

Fashion Menswear and Fashion Womenswear

Fashion Menswear and Fashion Womenswear have a long history of commercial consultancy involving research. The programmes’ international high profile attracts substantial external funding to support research and School activities. Research partnerships exist with prominent institutions to link science, art and technology with the fashion disciplines.

Research strands include:

• innovative materials and process – development for current and future applications in clothing, craft, architecture, domestic and public environments, automotive, body and health
• fashion and textiles practice and theory
• societal issues related to fashion and textiles, which can be used as catalysts in exploring issues in society, such as wellbeing, globalisation, sustainability and cultural references
• contemporary, cultural and historical reflection of fashion, textiles, art and design.

Textiles

Research into textiles includes a cross-disciplinary approach to a range of objects of study. Specialist leadership in the study of textiles in cultural and social development and sustainability generates a strong research culture in this field. The exploration of cloth as culture brings anthropological and arts practices to the research methods deployed. The collaboration with Materials Scientists in collaborating institutions enables research into the chemistry of materials. All research is conducted in a culture of self-reflexive study, generating insights into the creative and intellectual processes of producing new knowledge.

Research strands include:

• new technologies of materials and the knowledge these engender
• the relation between handmade and industrial production
• consequences of globalisation in textiles industries
• avant-garde art and craft practice
• textiles as a transitional space between subjective and objective experiences of culture – exploring theories of affect, embodied and tacit knowledge.

Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork & Jewellery

Research topics and projects cover a wide spectrum of interests. This is secured on an underlying body of knowledge and professional practice in traditional craft, manufacturing skills, commercial and technical experience. The exploration of new technologies is aimed at the expansion of aesthetic, productive and cognitive horizons.

Research strands include:

• the processes by which things are made
• the appearance and physical attributes of the made objects
• connections between objects and the human experience of using and wearing them
• a better understanding of the history and cultural context of practices and artefacts that fall within our view.

For more information on Research entrance requirements, please contact material-research@rca.ac.uk.

Dr Peter Oakley
Research Leader, School of Material
material-research@rca.ac.uk