Groundbreaking research methods Researchers explore urban futures and sustainability using communication, design, mixed reality and moving images.
Groundbreaking research methods Researchers explore urban futures and sustainability using communication, design, mixed reality and moving images.
The growth in demand for talented designers and communicators in Vietnam means that now is an exciting time to embark on a career path in the creative and cultural industries. Our programs in the fields of communication, design, fashion and game design provide the most up-to-date and industry-relevant learning experience to help students prepare for the workforce, which will be vital for adapting to the new normal of 2022. The international learning environment at RMIT encourages cultural awareness, critical thinking, experimentation and, above all else, the ability to think differently. With their technical expertise and highly developed interpersonal skills, our graduates will continue to be in high demand. We provide many opportunities for our students to connect with industry partners through activities such as internships and class projects, making for a smooth transition into the workforce, while also supporting their local community.
Research at the School of Communication and Design utilises creative practice research to complement traditional research methods, a practice that is fairly new to Vietnam. Researchers explore diverse and impactful topics through the cities & urbanism, sustainability, and creativity heritage and society clusters.
The School of Communication and Design (SCD) employs three thematic research clusters. These clusters emphasise various themes our researchers are associated with, rather than their individual practices as researchers. Using a thematic approach highlights the prominent impact our researchers have when working with the communities of Vietnam. The clusters facilitate wider cross disciplinary research within SCD and across the three schools of RMIT Vietnam, SCD, TBS (The Business School) and SSET (School of Science Engineering and Technology).
Our research clusters aim to contribute to and develop research projects with our colleagues and partners within and outside RMIT. This leveraging of our research capacity provides access for industries and communities as well as high caliber researchers, to create meaningful social impact for the communities and organisations that live and operate in Vietnam. Clusters use a wide range of engagement activities including symposia and workshops to ensure our research teams are engaging with current, international research and scholarship. The three thematic research clusters are: Cities and Urbanism; Creativity Heritage and Society; and Sustainability.
Cluster Lead Catherine Earl
Cluster Lead Rajkishore Nayak
Cluster Lead Hai Ho
We are inviting proposals for three PhD projects, either a non-traditional research output (NTRO), a practice-based project or a traditional thesis format, within the School of Communication and Design in Vietnam. It is envisioned these will be aligned with at least one of our three research clusters.
This project is ideally a non-traditional research output (NTRO) or a practice-based project. It will explore the lifeworld and livability of the mega-urban region of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It aims to create new knowledge and innovative creative practice that draws on a phenomenological approach and/or any sensory method including but not limited to visual, sonic, olfactory, tactile, culinary, affective, atmosphere, material, etc.
The theoretical perspective is open, depending on the applicant’s preference and track record, but we are keen to engage with emerging and innovative approaches from the environmental humanities that rethink the dominance of humans in urban built and natural environments.
You will join a growing team of dynamic researchers and designers in the School of Communication and Design at RMIT Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City. The sensory project will produce an exhibition, a dissertation and presentation of practice, followed by examiners' questions. More information about this format is available at RMIT University Practice Research.
The National Strategy for the development of Vietnamese cultural industries with a vision to 2030 addresses 5 key themes:
The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a series of opportunities to redefine the role and development of culture industries in Vietnam, particularly with a view towards sustainability and localisation.
This project seeks an enthusiastic practice-based researcher to propose a project using an innovative methodology that addresses how the National Strategy and pertinent stakeholders are responding to the reinvigorated attention to sustainability (as informed by UNESCO) and the local, social, and vernacular character through one (or more) of the above-mentioned themes.
Vietnam’s industry needs to explore more viable, and sustainable material solutions. This research project will primarily focus on an experimental approach to designing new material possibilities that will help us to overcome the environmental impacts and unethical practices of the current industry while combining the knowledge of traditional and future craftsmanship.
You will be passionate about designing for a circular and sustainable economy bringing together traditional knowledge, cross-cultural practices and innovative technologies to scope the scaling up of new material processes to commercialisation.
Possible approaches are to reimagine new material processes and propose alternative material solutions to meet the increased demand for sustainable materials. Defining the specific materials and technologies used will be developed throughout the project period in collaboration with the research team. The theoretical entry point and methodology will depend on the profile of the PhD candidate. Your aim is to develop new strategies for sustainable material futures. Alignment with the implementation and/or evaluation of the United Nations SDGs will be viewed favourably.
For further information or support on how to make an application, please email the School of Communication & Design.
