Doctor of Philosophy | 2017

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) provides candidates with the opportunity to pursue in-depth research in a specific field.  Candidates are expected to develop a research thesis that leads to an original and significant contribution to knowledge in that field.  This qualification provides a potential pathway to an academic career and is also highly regarded by public and private sector employers, including research institutes.

Candidates without sufficient previous research training are advised to enrol in the Master of Philosophy or the PhD (Integrated).

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Doctor of Philosophy will be able to:

1. Demonstrate cognitive, technical and creative skills in a discipline area to plan and execute a substantial piece of research that makes a contribution to knowledge;
2. Demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and critically reflect on, synthesise and evaluate complex information, problems, concepts, and theories;
3. Communicate a coherent and sustained argument, explaining and disseminating research results and conclusions to peers and to the community;
4. Apply advanced knowledge of research, research integrity, ethics and the rights and safety of others, to plan and execute a substantial piece of research with a high level of autonomy, accountability, adaptability and responsibility for personal outputs. 

Course Structure

The normal full-time study pattern for Doctoral candidates requires enrolment in 48 credit points per year in accordance with the table below, for a minimum of 4 years.  Part-time study is also available in most cases.

Potential candidates should discuss their research plan with the Head of Postgraduate Studies of the relevant School, at which time the supervision arrangements of the School will be outlined.

Rules and procedures for Higher Degrees by Research, including the regulations regarding preparation and submission of the thesis, are listed in the General Course Rules.  Doctoral candidates are urged to be familiar with both the General Course Rules and the Higher Degree Research Supervision and Resources Policy.  Current policy documents are located in the UOW Policy Directory.

Submission and Assessment

Candidates will submit their thesis wholly by written thesis, or a combination of creative work and a written thesis or exegesis.

Assessment for the Doctor of Philosophy is by two external examiners.

Submission by creative work and thesis or exegesis

A thesis submission for the PhD (Creative Arts), that includes a major body of creative work, will be accompanied by a written thesis or exegesis of approximately 35,000 words in length.  The thesis or exegesis will be substantially written, but may include other forms as a record or explication of the creative work (for example, music scores, photographs, video and sound recordings).

The creative work may be in a single discipline, involve multiple disciplines or explore new art/media forms for which there is no established disciplinary base.

The accompanying written component may take the form of:

i.   A thesis making a scholarly argument related to the body of creative work; or

ii.  An exegesis focusing on aspects such as origins of the work, structures and techniques used, and an analysis of artistic theories underpinning the work.

The accompanying written component of the thesis will be submitted no later than the presentation, exhibition or performance of the creative work.

Research Areas

Candidates may contact the Head of Postgraduate Studies for the relevant school to discuss supervision of research projects.  Research areas may include the following:

Interdisciplinary topics as negotiated with the Head of Postgraduate Studies are also available for study.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Other Information

For information about the Faculty's areas of research focus, including research groups, please consult the Faculty's website.

For further information please email: lha-research@uow.edu.au.