Pre-Doctoral Programme in Art and Design

Pre-Doctoral Programme in Art and Design

Programme duration: 3 years (6 semesters)

Programme structure

Year 1 – Foundations of research and artistic practice

The first year provides methodological foundations and introduces participants to artistic research and contemporary theoretical contexts.

Theoretical courses:

• Advanced Research Methodology
• Crafting Project Fitting Methodologies
• Monographic Lecture in Contemporary Art
• Art Beyond Art in the 20th and 21st Centuries
• The Performative Turn in Artistic Research

Practice-based courses:

• Studio-Based Research Seminar
• Presentation and Discussion Session
• Artistic Research Practices

Year 2 – Critical Perspectives and Expanding Research Practice

The second year focuses on expanding research practice through critical theory, contemporary artistic strategies, and an introduction to pedagogical thinking in art and design.

Theoretical courses:

• Advanced Critical Theory for Art and Design
• Design for Culture
• Art Beyond Art in the 20th and 21st Centuries
• Pedagogy in Art and Design
• The Performative Turn in Artistic Research

Practice-based courses:

• Studio-Based Research Seminar
• Presentation and Discussion Session
• Mentoring

Year 3 – Consolidating Artistic Research and Teaching Practice

The final year supports the articulation, presentation, and dissemination of artistic research outcomes while introducing pedagogical experience in art and design.

Theoretical courses:

• Guest Lecture Series

Practice-based courses:

• Studio-Based Research Seminar
• Presentation and Discussion Session
• Teaching Practice in Art and Design
• Mentoring
• Narratological Analysis of the Artwork

Description of the programme

The Pre-Doctoral Programme in Art and Design is designed for Artists and Designers who wish to develop their individual creative practice through research and prepare for pursuing a doctoral degree. This three-year program develops and critically discusses various existing and potential ways of presenting artistic research and related solutions. Experiments may include, for example, the following contexts:

• exhibitions,
• performance lectures or demonstrations,
• research events,
• conferences,
• interventions,
• processes extending beyond the studio or rehearsal space,
• other individual and collective forms of public presentation, or their combinations.

The programme is intended as preparation for undertaking a doctoral procedure through the external route, supporting participants in developing the research, methodological, and artistic competencies necessary to pursue a PhD.

The programme creates a space for intensive artistic and intellectual development through a combination of supervision, mentoring, seminars, lectures, presentations, and exchanges with invited guests. It brings together creative practice with the development of research, methodological, and critical competencies necessary for engaging with contemporary art and design.

Participants have the opportunity to collaborate with distinguished artists, designers, and theorists representing diverse fields and perspectives. The programme encourages dialogue and supports the development of independent artistic and research positions.

A central idea of the programme is to approach artistic and design practice not only as a process of making, but also as a way of asking questions, generating knowledge, and positioning one’s work in relation to contemporary social, cultural, and technological conditions.

Participants develop their projects through studio-based research, engage with artistic research methodologies, explore contemporary critical theory and artistic strategies, and strengthen their ability to articulate, present, and discuss their work within broader theoretical and cultural contexts.

The programme also provides opportunities to gain pedagogical experience through both theoretical and practical components, enabling participants to develop competencies related to teaching, facilitating discussion, and working in educational environments.

The programme supports the development of independent artistic and research practices while creating a strong foundation for future doctoral procedure and further professional activity in the fields of art, design, and academia.

Organisation of studies

• Intensive sessions: Classes are organised in the form of intensive sessions held approximately once every two weeks.
• Semester structure: Each semester includes approximately 6–7 sessions, combining lectures, seminars, mentoring meetings, presentations, and practice-based activities.
• Flexibility of format: This format is designed to support intensive individual artistic and research development while allowing participants to continue their professional and creative practice alongside the programme.
• Infrastructure access: Participants have access to the full infrastructure of the Magdalena Abakanowicz University of the Arts Poznan (UAP), including studios, workshops, exhibition spaces, technical facilities, libraries, and other resources supporting artistic, research, and educational activities.