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Doctor of Creative Arts

Take your passion to the next level. Build your body of work. Join a community of dedicated and passionate artists.

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For other UOW contact details, click here.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

Applicants can apply directly to UOW. You may be required to have scans or electronic copies of the following documents ready to attach to your application:

  • Academic qualifications relevant to your application
  • English proficiency evidence (if required)
  • Evidence of your citizenship, passport, or permanent residency status

Before you apply, please check the UOW course entry requirements, intake dates, and closing dates for your chosen degree.

International students are encouraged to apply with the support of an approved UOW agent. An agent can help navigate the application process and ensure that you submit all necessary documentation. For your nearest agent, please see our agent list.

Alternatively, if you would like to apply directly (without an agent), you can start the process through our Apply Online portal. Please note, some applicants will not be eligible to apply directly and will be prompted to apply via an agent.

Before starting your application, review the entry requirements, intake dates, and deadlines for your chosen degree at UOW. International students should also be aware of both UOW's general English language requirements and the English proficiency standards required for a student visa.

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

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For more details about this course

Australia: 1300 367 869. International: +61 2 4221 3218

Student ?
Year ?
Campus
Wollongong
Delivery ?
On Campus
Duration
4 years full-time, or part-time equivalent
Starts
  • 3 March 2025
Code
UOW: 214

Overview

The Doctor of Creative Arts (DCA) is for students with a high level of professional experience in creative practice who wish to extend their art form within a scholarly context.

The DCA is a challenging intellectual experience where you will produce a substantial body of work supported by a written exegesis of approximately 30,000 words. There is an integral relationship between creative work and exegesis.

Research strengths in creative practice include music, theatre, performance, creative writing, visual arts, digital media and design. Applications from all these disciplines are encouraged, as well as any projects working in interdisciplinary forms.

The DCA is practice-based; you will make a significant contribution to both your creative discipline and the area of inquiry within which the work is located.

See the course handbook for more information.

DCA candidates are also expected to actively contribute to the research culture of the University. You will be invited to participate in lectures and workshops on creative arts research practices and other relevant topics.

For information regarding the University's research activity, research strengths, scholarships and services, visit UOW's Research and Innovation website. For specific information relating to research being undertaken within the Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, visit the faculty's research pages.

See more

Admissions information

A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

For specific advice or to ask any questions regarding an application, please contact the UOW Future Students Team.

An Honours Bachelor degree of at least 4 years' duration in an appropriate discipline at Class II, Division 1, or higher (or its equivalent) and demonstrated evidence of high artistic attainment.

Examples of high artistic attainment include:

  • Publication or professional dissemination of work
  • Grants, fellowships, and prizes
  • Critical acclaim
  • A track record of sustained high-level professional activity
  • Various indicators relevant to the specific discipline

In some circumstances, students may be required to commence their enrolment in the Master of Philosophy and seek transfer to the Doctor of Creative Arts when, and if, they achieve a suitable standard.

Higher Degree Research applicants must provide supporting material with their application. Please refer to the Graduate Research webpage for further information.

  • Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications

    If you have completed or partially completed studies at an approved university or tertiary institution, you may be eligible for entry to UOW. You'll need to provide academic records, and your course must be at least one-sixth complete. Non-English documents must include an official English translation. For more information, contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • English language proficiency

    All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University’s English Language Requirements, which differ by course.

    Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and OET for specific health-related courses.

    Alternatively, you can fulfill the requirement by completing an English course at UOW College.

  • Workload

    Full-Time Study Load

    As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study and practical work & placements.

    Part-Time Study Load

    For part-time students, study hours will vary based on the number of units taken, with similar expectations for class and independent study.

    For more details on course workloads, please refer to the UOW Handbook.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

    Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.

    UOW values lifelong learning and recognizes various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.

More detail

Contact the UOW Future Students team for further information.

  • Autumn Session, 2026 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. If submitted late, your application may be reviewed for a future session if a decision cannot be made in time for your preferred session. 

    ApplicationDate
    International9 December, 2025
    Domestic (direct)31 December, 2025

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates. 

     Date
    Orientation Check your campus details
    Session start2 March, 2026
    Census date31 March, 2026
    Mid-session recess20-24 April, 2026
    Session end25 June, 2026



  • Spring Session, 2026 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. If submitted late, your application may be reviewed for a future session if a decision cannot be made in time for your preferred session. 

    ApplicationDate
    International5 May, 2026
    Domestic (direct)31 May, 2026

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates. 

     Date
    OrientationCheck your campus details
    Session start27 July, 2026
    Census date31 August, 2026
    Mid-session recess28 September - 2 October, 2026
    Session end19 November, 2026

     

     

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