Doctor of Philosophy - Arts

The Doctor of Philosophy - Arts - also known as a PhD or Doctorate - is the highest Arts degree offered by the University of Melbourne. By writing a sustained thesis (80,000-100,000 words) of independent research which examines a specific problem, issue or topic, you will make a significant and original contribution to an existing area of knowledge in your field of study.

While researching for your thesis, you can utilise the specialist support for higher research degree students, including lectures and seminars, three-minute thesis competitions, and research leadership programs. Choose to specialise across the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (GSHSS), as well as in the Asia Institute.

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

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

• All students are required to complete the Arts PhD Research Intensive (6.25 points total)
• All students are required to complete one PhD Research Workshop from the list below (6.25 points total)
• 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

Please note:

• 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

Fore more information please see the Handbook entry for this course.

View Handbook entry

With a Doctor of Philosophy - Arts you will have the ability to traverse the academic world. As an internationally recognised qualification, you can pursue roles including:

• Researcher and academic
• Professorships and lecturing
• Consultant and subject matter expert