Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is designed to engage visual artists in independent research that constitutes an original contribution to the understanding of contemporary visual arts. The PhD program provides candidates with a critical and intellectual focus to explore a single proposed research topic full-time over three to four years.

Candidates' research may reflect a critical exploration of the history, theory and practice of visual art; the development of new materials or technologies; the relationship between visual art and society; or the relationship between visual art and other disciplines.

Candidates may complete the PhD by:

(1) a thesis comprising a substantial body of creative work for exhibition plus a written text examining the histories and theoretical underpinnings of the creative work, both of which demonstrate an original contribution to knowledge, or

(2) a substantial written thesis that, through a sustained investigation, demonstrates an original contribution to knowledge in the field of the history and theory of contemporary art.

This degree is awarded for the successful completion of an approved program of supervised, advanced research which constitutes an original contribution to knowledge.

Entry requirements

PhD applicants are expected to hold the following qualifications:

• a relevant postgraduate degree of master, or
• a Bachelor of Visual Arts degree or its equivalent with first or second class honours, and
• a demonstrated ability to undertake advanced research.

In addition to the academic qualifications, the faculty must be assured that an applicant has the necessary training and ability to pursue the proposed course of study and research, and that sufficient supervisory and other resources and facilities are available to enable successful completion of the program.

Course structure and requirements

The length of the written thesis will be agreed through consultation between the candidate, the supervisor and the Director of the Graduate School. Any changes would have to be approved by the supervisor and the Director of the Graduate School. The expectations for Option (1), dual outcome, are in the vicinity of 40,000’50,000 words, and for Thesis Option (2) ’ in the vicinity of 60,000’80,000 words.

The course is offered over three-to-four years full-time or part-time equivalent. International students may only study on a full-time basis. The first year of candidature is a probationary year.

Candidates deemed to be making unsatisfactory progress at the end of the first year will be given the option of converting to the MFA degree if such a move is considered appropriate on academic advice. This option does NOT apply to candidates who already have an MFA or equivalent.

Candidates are expected to have regular meetings with their supervisors.

First year PhD candidates attend the Seminar Program. The seminars aim to develop the proposed research project and extend research and critical skills. Candidates make a presentation on their project and engage in peer group discussion on written and visual aspects of their work.

Second year onwards candidates attend and present a paper on the current state of their research at the Graduate School Forum. This program provides an opportunity for candidates to present aspects of their research to the Faculty and postgraduate colleagues. All PhD candidates are required to attend each presentation.

Submission of work and examination

On completion of the program the candidate will submit to the Registrar four copies of the thesis in a form prescribed by the Academic Board and four copies of a summary of the thesis (about 300 words in length).

A submission must be accompanied by a certificate from the supervisor stating whether, in the supervisor's opinion, the form of presentation of the thesis is satisfactory.

The candidate will be examined by at least three appropriately qualified examiners, two of whom are external to the University.

For more information about the examination process please refer to the Postgraduate Research Guide. Essential Information for PhD Candidates and Supervisors available on SCA website.

Senate resolutions relating to the PhD

Please refer to the University of Sydney (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)) Rule 2004, available at sydney.edu.au/senate/policies/PhD_Rule.pdf.