Doctor of Philosophy - Victorian College of the Arts (DR-PHILVCA) // Entry and participation 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 (for the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS), a minimum weighted average of 80% 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; (for the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS), a minimum weighted average of 80% or University of Melbourne equivalent); or

• a qualification and professional experience considered to be equivalent;

and

• a research proposal;

• referee reports (except for applicants who have graduated from the University of Melbourne within the last 5 years); and

• the endorsement of a prospective supervisor

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 are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, the following performance bands are required: Doctor of Philosophy - PhD – Victorian College of the Arts Band 6.5

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

All candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least one-third advanced study and research at the University (unless studying at an approved outside institution). 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.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives and Generic Skills sections of this entry.
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 may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit:
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Last updated: 30 January 2024