Themes

Our international research activities explore new ways in which art, design architecture and media practice, interpretation and curation contribute to contemporary culture, society and public well-being.

In 2015 the University confirmed its support for three cross-disciplinary Research Themes:

• Pattern and Chaos
• Created and Contested Territories
• Human Interfaces

Led by senior members of the University Professoriate, the Research Themes enable academic staff and postgraduate research students to work collaboratively across disciplines and faculties. Each theme is supported by significant University investment that seed-funds new research initiatives that look outwards, attracting partners working in a wide range of disciplines, nationally and internationally.

Research undertaken within the University Research Themes questions the interpretation and representation of contested creative and material practices, focusing on the cultural and political networks in which art, design and media are produced, valued and consumed. Research into digital and physical interactions investigates attitudes and approaches to the understanding of complex phenomena underpinning human cognition, behaviour and experience, developing insights into ways in which objects and environments are imagined, constructed and sustained. Through creative and theoretical practice, work advances knowledge of human and cultural activities in areas such as design, architecture, pedagogy, museum and project learning, and textiles.

Through contemporary and historical approaches engaging both practice and criticism, our research pioneers understandings of the complex circumstances underlying creative and cultural practices and forms of communication. From creating new material and curating major exhibitions for international museums, to developing new forms of literary criticism and representation and preparing major scholarly contributions, University-led research has engaged diverse audiences in the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and North and South America.

Postgraduate research students with interests in these research areas and the work of the NUA supervisors and the broader academic community are invited to contact the University by emailing research@nua.ac.uk to discuss potential projects and programmes of advanced study.