Doctor of Philosophy - Fine Arts and Music (DR-PHILFAM) // Entry and participation requirements

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

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

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

Applicants for all discipline areas must provide:

• referee reports (except for applicants who have graduated from the University of Melbourne within the last 5 years); and
• evidence of the endorsement of a prospective supervisor.
  
  

In addition, applicants must provide a research proposal, example of scholarly writing and/or folio as follows:

Creative Arts Therapies, Music Psychology, Music Therapy and Musicology/Ethnomusicology:

• a research proposal of 2,500 words; and
• a recent example of scholarly writing of 4,000 to 5,000 words.

Dance, Design, Film and Television, Indigenous Arts and Culture, Music Theatre, Production, Social Practice and Community Engagement, Theatre and Visual Art:

• a research proposal of 2,000 words;
• a recent example of scholarly writing of 4,000 to 5,000 words; and
• a folio of work as per discipline requirements.

Composition:

• A proposal of approximately 1,000 words for the PhD folio and dissertation;
• A recent example of scholarly writing of approximately 2,000 words;
• Three representative works submitted as recordings and in notated score format (where applicable). These should include a major work of over 15 minutes duration and a work for large acoustic ensemble (may be the same work), and at least one work written in the last 2 years; and
• A CV including list of works composed, performances and broadcasts.

Interactive Composition:

• a research proposal of 2,000 words;
• a recent example of scholarly writing of 4,000 to 5,000 words; and
• a folio containing recordings of 4 of your original compositions at a total duration of 20 minutes.

Jazz & Improvisation:

• a research proposal of 2,000 words;
• a recent example of scholarly writing of approximately 2,000 words; and
• applicants must demonstrate a very high standard of artistic ability via a live audition or live performance recording. The audition or recording must be at least 20 minutes in length.

Music Performance:

• a research proposal of 2,000 words outlining plans for a research project that integrates a written thesis (minimum 20,000-25,000 words) and portfolio of recorded works (210 minutes) with details of proposed repertoire and timeline for completion;
• 70 minutes of unedited live recordings; and
• a recent example of scholarly writing of 4,000 to 5,000 words.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
 

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

• prior academic performance and, if relevant, professional qualifications;
• understanding of the research question to be explored;
• demonstrated ability in the creative discipline;
• performance at an interview;
• motivation and capacity to complete the course in a timely manner;
• relevant prior research and/or professional experience; and
• the referee reports.

3. The selection committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.

4. Applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements. 

The University welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Indigenous Australians who are not otherwise selected will be admitted if the Selection Committee determines that they are likely to succeed in the course. If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, you may like to contact our Faculty’s Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development before proceeding. They can assist you with your application and provide you with additional information about your study options.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

Inherent requirements are the abilities, knowledge and skills needed to complete the course and the proposed research project. They include the ability to: 

• source, comprehend and analyse complex information;
• comprehend and apply principles of research integrity;
• possess behavioural and social attributes necessary to participate in the research;
• generate research data and outputs;
• communicate research knowledge and the application of research principles and practices;
• participate actively and safely in the research project. 

The Doctor of Philosophy – Fine Arts and Music welcomes applications from candidates with disabilities. The University will take all reasonable steps to enable the participation of students with disabilities.  

Candidates who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this with Student Equity and Disability Support. 

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Learning Outcomes and Assessment sections of this entry. 

Last updated: 27 February 2025