The Doctor of Philosophy (Visual Arts) provides an opportunity for original, highly accomplished practitioners, performers and artists who aspire towards a more extensive research and creative profile.  It is available in part-time mode in specific circumstances.  Although a discrete award relating to the visual arts, opportunities will exist for cross-disciplinary study through joint supervision of projects.

Candidates will be expected to research, devise and produce substantial new works of art, and/or develop new approaches to arts practice.  They will also be expected to provide an appropriate record of their research through a written thesis based on their research activities, the artistic ideas and the exploratory processes.  Through the thesis, students will be encouraged to develop models of practical and theoretical enquiry appropriate to the arts profession, based on a broad understanding of the theories which underpin contemporary practices, performances and exhibitions of modern art.

The Doctor of Philosophy is subject to University-wide regulations pertaining to questions such as course duration; thesis submission; and research ethics.

For their practical work, students will design, direct or produce a major arts project, culminating in a performance, installation or exhibition.  Working in a contemporary arts environment, in collaboration with other students from other arts disciplines, students will be asked to research, devise and produce new works of art or approaches to arts practice.  It is expected that this activity will be a contemporary expression of arts practice and could frequently be an exploratory work spanning and integrating art forms.  Students will combine the analytical, creative and technical experiences developed throughout the course.  Major project work will be evaluated by a panel of three staff, with at least two of the panel being external to the University.

Students will also be asked to provide a critical exegesis (20,000 to 30,000 words) which will involve contextualising the practical activity within an appropriate theoretical framework, a reflection of the aims of the practical work and a consideration of the projects in terms of others working within the same area.

Applicants should meet at least one of the following entry criteria:

• A Master of Arts in a discipline relevant to the proposed research;
• An Honours degree (1st Class or 2A) in a discipline relevant to the proposed research.

Consideration will also be given to applicants with other relevant and equivalent degrees.

All candidates will be required to submit a portfolio of work and attend an interview and/or audition (where appropriate).

The Doctor of Philosophy (Visual Arts) is a three-year full-time research program for students with substantial experience in the arts industry/profession.