Creative practice degrees
Creative practice research integrates a creative portfolio with a critical appraisal addressing a research question. It may involve literary work, music, performance, design, film or other media.
The creative and written components should be of equal scale and significance and closely connected. That does not mean equal word counts or mechanically equal production hours.
Agree the submission
There is no prescribed number/extent of artefacts. Agree appropriate scope with supervisors at registration, informed by similar completed projects. Document the research process, not just the final artwork: sketches, drafts, recordings or exhibition documentation may form part of the portfolio.
The appraisal should define questions/aims, situate practice in relevant creative/theoretical contexts, justify methods and critically reflect on work and practice. A PhD must demonstrate original contribution to knowledge.
Length and examination
§9.5 gives no prescribed word limits, generally expecting an appraisal around half the conventional equivalent. Its literature example is 40,000–50,000 versus 80,000–100,000, an illustration rather than a universal limit. Agree a concise, rigorous and sufficiently detailed treatment.
An exhibition/performance can accompany examination if examiners are informed in advance and time is allowed. Documentation must still be supplied beforehand. For MRes, the DoS should confirm examiners’ attendance where no viva is normally required.
Non-PDF materials must be appropriately delivered and listed in the contents: Thesis format and required contents. Research integrity remains applicable, especially with people.
Do not confuse this route with creative/hybrid PhD by Published Works, whose appraisal maxima and examination outcomes are specifically restricted.
Sources: Framework §§9.5, 6.3, pp. 64, 96–97. Read the source.