Research

The V&A was the first museum in the world to establish a dedicated Research Department and it continues to be a core activity of the Museum today. We play a leading role in binding together the fields of art, design and performance; conservation and collections management; and object-led, museum-based learning.

Researching our collections

We have incredible resources for studying and researching our collections and archives both at the Museum, in our study centres and online.

The Research Handbook

We are currently revising and updating the Research Handbook. The new version will be available shortly. To enquire about new research projects and collaborations with the V&A, please contact us at vari@vam.ac.uk.

Research projects

Research is deeply embedded in the V&A’s institutional culture, as we strive to promote knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of the designed world.

Our staff are engaged in a diverse range of research activities across the fields of art, design and performance; conservation and collections management; and object-led, museum-based learning.

The V&A Research Institute (VARI)

The V&A Research Institute (VARI) is a new programme of research and teaching partnerships that will enhance access to the V&A's collections and develop new approaches to research, training, display and interpretation. It was launched in 2016 with generous funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation following a successful VARI Pilot Project.

V&A/RCA History of Design Postgraduate Programme

The V&A/RCA Programme (MA, MPhil and PhD) is internationally recognised as the leading centre for postgraduate study in the history of design and material culture. Combining ambitious, rigorous and cutting-edge scholarly approaches with first-hand understanding of material and digital artefacts, the History of Design programme is ideally suited to prepare students for the increasingly diverse and flexible professional portfolio demanded today.

Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships

Since 2005, the V&A has worked with UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on AHRC-funded Collaborative Doctoral Awards, engaging with a wide range of doctoral projects.

V&A Online Journal

Discover some of the latest research relating to our collections, public programme and history in our Online Journal.

Research blog

Discover progress reports and provocations, sneak previews and glimpses behind the scenes, from people working on and in our collections.