Design research degree ,PhD

De Montfort University

United Kingdom, Leicester

University Rank:#715

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Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

Design research degree ,PhD

About

Design research opportunities at De Montfort University

Design and New Product Development is a multidisciplinary research group focused on design for a wide range of sustainable products. Our pioneering research is practice led and often carried out collaboratively with commercial and public agencies.

We embrace sustainable technology, digital manufacturing, history and theory of design, and spatial design, with a focus on product, furniture and interior design, fashion and footwear, design crafts, and social dimensions of design. Key areas include design for industry, innovations in packaging, historical/cultural issues in design, and retail, consumer and technology.

Textile Engineering and Materials undertakes multidisciplinary research in four key areas: textile products and processing; enzymes and sustainable technologies; agriculture and natural fibres; and material performance and design. Our expertise ranges widely, from high-performance textiles, nanotechnology and smart wearables to environmentally friendly textiles, aerospace and military textiles, and protective clothing.

Our research is rooted in real-world industrial applications and we often work collaboratively with retailers and manufacturers to develop and test innovative new products, as well as providing expert knowledge needed to access global markets. Our state-of-the-art textile research facilities can carry out all conventional testing of textiles and yarns including antimicrobial function, flame retardant efficacy, comfort, effect of laundering, strength and weathering.

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Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

In order to be admitted as a candidate for a research degree an applicant shall normally:

Possess a UK Honours degree with at least an upper second class honours, or an academic or professional qualification which the University deems to be equivalent (eg. an overseas qualification); and
Demonstrate competence in the use of the English language to the satisfaction of the University.

For further details contact the DMU Doctoral College.

Guidance

Applicants without the normal qualifications outlined above may be considered for registration by the University on their merits in relation to the nature of the proposed research programme and by submission of a non-standard qualifications request by the prospective supervisor.

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent before you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Career

Early Career Researchers

DMU is committed to supporting the development of its Early Career Researchers. More information of the training and development available can be found throughout this section and details of those courses particularly aimed at Early Career Research staff can be found here. The development of research students rests with the Doctoral College.

Training and Development

Research is central to our mission at De Montfort University and is at the heart of our vibrant academic environment. Support for the training and development of our staff is a key objective within our Research Strategy and we aim to provide continuing professional development for researchers at all points in their careers.

The Research, Business and Innovation Directorate supports the needs of our research staff and included within this is support of training and development. The RBI coordinates with other Directorates and Faculties across the University with the aim of providing as broad a programme of courses and sessions as possible.

The Concordat

The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, developed and supported by Research Councils UK and Universities UK and supported by Vitae, is an agreement between the funders and employers of researchers in the UK.

DMU is fully committed to implementing The Concordat and holds Vitae’s associated HR Excellence in Research Award. In line with DMU's Research Strategy for 2013 - 2017, the Directorate of Research, Business and Innovation and the Graduate School work with Faculties to support our researchers in their research and career development. We seek to align our activities to the seven key principles of The Concordat which cover all areas of research activity.

Fee Information

Design research degree ,PhD

De Montfort University

United Kingdom, Leicester

Go to Official Website