Study with ArCC
The Research Centre for Arts and Creative Cultures (ArCC) is a transdisciplinary research environment. Our research investigates how creative, cultural and design-led research can help shape more just, inclusive and sustainable futures.
Established in 2026, the Centre brings together arts, humanities, design and creative practice research within an interdisciplinary framework aligned to REF UoA32 (Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory).
Guided by a commitment to social justice, its research addresses inclusion, wellbeing, social value and public engagement through three interconnected themes:
- Inclusive Design and Wellbeing
- Creative Economies, Culture and Place
- Care Relations and Social Justice
These themes provide a broad intellectual framework that supports interdisciplinary collaboration while accommodating diverse areas of expertise. They are intended to create a coherent research identity and strategic direction rather than represent individual research specialisms. As a newly established Centre, maintaining this coherence is essential to strengthening ArCC's REF UoA32 contribution and developing a distinctive, sustainable foundation for future growth.
Why study at ArCC
ArCC offers postgraduate researchers the opportunity to develop ambitious, original research within a collaborative research culture.
The Centre has a strong applied and practice-centred orientation, encouraging researchers to work across disciplinary boundaries and to develop research that has academic, cultural, social and wider real-world relevance. This includes opportunities to engage with external cultural organisations, creative businesses, practitioners and other partners locally, nationally and internationally.
Our supervision philosophy combines high academic expectations with a supportive, respectful and inclusive research culture, encouraging rigorous, critical and original research alongside intellectual independence, openness and collegiality.
ArCC is based in the William Lyons Building (close to the library) at Coventry University and offers post-graduate researchers dedicated workspace, meeting and seminar rooms, as well as specialist studios and labs.
Main areas of supervision
We welcome proposals that align with one or more of ArCC's interdisciplinary research themes. Projects may work across more than one theme, depending on their research questions and methodological approach.
ArCC supports both critical and practice-based/practice-led forms of research, where appropriate to the project. Areas of potential supervision include:
- Research addressing addressing care, participation and social justice, and the ways in which creative, cultural and interdisciplinary approaches can support more equitable, inclusive and sustainable communities.
- Research examining creativity, culture and their relationships with economies, communities, places and society.
- Research addressing inclusion, design, health and wellbeing and the ways in which creative and interdisciplinary approaches can respond to societal needs.
Funding opportunities
Funding opportunities for postgraduate research vary throughout the year. Prospective students should consult Coventry University's fully-funded PhD studentships pages for current opportunities and eligibility information.
For applicants proposing research in the arts and humanities, the AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards provide an important additional route to funded doctoral study. Coventry University is participating in the AHRC's Doctoral Landscape Awards programme, alongside its wider postgraduate research provision.
Applicants are encouraged to review current funding calls carefully, as eligibility, research priorities and deadlines vary between schemes.
ArCC postgraduate team
Postgraduate researchers are supported by academic supervisors from across the Centre, working within the wider University postgraduate research environment and in partnership with the Doctoral and Researcher College. Key points of contact in ArCC are:
Centre Director: Professor Mel Jordan
PGR Leads: Professor David Jarvis and Dr Sarah Turner
Care Relations and Social Justice Theme Lead: Professor Adrienne Evans
Creative Economies, Culture and Place Theme Lead: Current Contact is Professor Ele Belfiore
Inclusive Design and Wellbeing Theme Lead: Professor Louise Moody
