Research · V&A
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.
We have incredible resources for studying and researching our collections and archives both at the Museum, in our study centres and online.
The National Art Library
Search the Archives
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.
Find out more about our research projects
The V&A Research Institute (VARI) hosts programmes of research and teaching that 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.
Find out more about VARI
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.
Find out about the History of Design Postgraduate Programme
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.
Find out about the Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships
Discover some of the latest research relating to our collections, public programme and history in our Online Journal.
View the V&A Research Journal
Discover progress reports and provocations, sneak previews and glimpses behind the scenes, from people working on and in our collections.
View the Research blog