Doctor of Philosophy - Arts (DR-PHILART)

Overview

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• a four-year honours degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component, equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study. Applicants should have achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% in the final year subjects, or (University of Melbourne) equivalent, with a minimum result of 80% for the research component; or
• a Masters degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component, equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study. Applicants should have achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% or (University of Melbourne) equivalent with a minimum result of 80% for the research component; or
• a qualification and professional experience considered to be equivalent;

 Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the selection committee will consider applicants’:

• availability of appropriate supervision, subject to academic staff capacity;*
• prior academic performance and, if relevant, professional qualifications;
• understanding of the research question to be explored;
• demonstrated ability in academic writing;
• performance at an interview;
• motivation and capacity to complete the course in a timely manner;
• relevant prior research and/or professional experience; 
• referee reports; and
• competiveness for scholarship allocation.

*Having an academic staff member indicate willingness to supervise does not guarantee selection.

1. The selection committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.
2. Applicants are required to satisfy the University’s English language requirements for graduate courses. The minimum English language requirements for this course are: Band 7

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

All PhD candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least 12 months full-time (24 months part-time) advanced study and research in the University unless studying at an outside institution approved by the Research Higher Degrees Committee (RHDC). The RHDC will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on-line supervision for research higher degree students.

Throughout their candidature candidates are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment.

The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the period of probationary candidature. During probationary candidature the student is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other research students) and the University, so as:

• to build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program
• to acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for a PhD awarded by the University
• to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the Melbourne School of Graduate Research throughout candidature.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Course structure

PhD thesis of 80,000 words. The award of the PhD is based solely on external examination of the PhD research thesis.

Four subjects (25 points in total) undertaken in the first year of probationary candidature:

• One compulsory subject: Arts PhD Research Intensive, taught intensively over 2 days in semester one (6.25 points)
• One core subject from a list of Arts PhD Research Workshops, held fortnightly in semester one (6.25 points)
• Two Arts PhD Electives (2 x 6.25 = 12.5 points)

Please note the following:

• All students are required to complete the Arts PhD Research Intensive (6.25 points total) and achieve a minimum grade of H2A (75%).
• All student are required to complete one PhD Research Workshop from the list below (6.25 points total) and achieve a minimum grade of H2A (75%).
• All students are required to complete two PhD Electives (12.5 points total) from the list below with the approval of the student’s supervisor and achieve a minimum grade of Pass (50%) in each elective
• In some cases, supervisory panels, disciplines or Schools will require their students to take particular Electives or Workshops.
• Some subjects may be restricted to students with cognate disciplinary expertise in that area of study.
• Language subjects that are essential to the student's research thesis, or to improve a student’s English language proficiency, may be substituted for one PhD Elective (6.25 points) with approval from the student's supervisor and require the endorsement of the subject coordinator and Faculty.

Subject options

Arts PhD Research Intensive Workshop

This subject is taught intensively over two days in April (6.25 points).

Arts PhD Research Workshop Subject

One PhD Research Workshop subject, taught fortnightly in semester one (6.25 points).

Please note the following:

All students are required to select one Arts PhD Research Workshop with approval from their supervisor.

Arts PhD Elective Subjects

All students are required to select two Arts PhD elective subjects (2 x 6.25 points = 12.5 points total)

Application Procedure:

Detailed information for prospective PhD students regarding the application process, including the application form is available at https://arts.unimelb.edu.au/students/future/graduate-research.

• PhD applicants should discuss their research interests with a potential supervisor at the department in which they would like to enrol prior to submitting an application.
• The Find an Expert website may assist you to find an appropriate supervisor. Prospective PhD candidates should also investigate department websites for information on current research and contact details. Department websites are easily accessed from faculty homepages.

Which scholarship can I apply for?

Students can find information about graduate research scholarships offered by the University of Melbourne at the Melbourne Scholarships Office.

Facilities and Support:

The University provides a broad range of programs, services and support for graduate research students. Please visit http://research.unimelb.edu.au/ for more information.

Last updated: 12 November 2022