Doctorate (PhD)
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy signifies that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research, which has been conducted and reported by the holder under proper academic supervision and in a research environment for a prescribed period.
The PhD thesis demonstrates authority in the candidate's field and shows evidence of command of knowledge in relevant fields. It shows that the candidate has a thorough grasp of the appropriate methodological techniques and an awareness of their limitations. The thesis also makes a distinct contribution to knowledge. Its contribution to knowledge rests on originality of approach and / or interpretation of the findings and, in some cases, the discovery of new facts. The thesis demonstrates an ability to communicate research findings effectively in the professional arena and in an international context. It is a careful, rigorous and sustained piece of work demonstrating that a research 'apprenticeship' is complete and the holder is admitted to the community of scholars in the discipline.
In scope, the PhD thesis differs from a research Masters thesis chiefly by its deeper and more comprehensive treatment of the chosen subject. It is written succinctly, in English, unless approval has been given for the thesis to be written in a language other than English. The normal length of a PhD thesis is 80,000 words, exclusive of words in tables, maps, bibliographies and appendices. Footnotes are included as part of the word limit. The thesis should not exceed 100,000 words (or equivalent) without special approval from the Research Higher Degrees Committee.
Except in the disciplines of Creative Arts Therapies, Music Psychology, Music Therapy and Musicology/Ethnomusicology, the thesis may be submitted as Creative Work and Dissertation. Any thesis submitted as Creative Work and Dissertation will be examined as an integrated whole.
The Faculty of Fine Arts and Music offers PhD programmes in the following disciplines:
At the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music:
At the Victorian College of the Arts
Through the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music
Students have appropriately experienced supervisor(s) and an Advisory Committee who, in consultation with the candidate, arrange a course of supervised research designed to suit the individual requirements and interests of the candidate.
Students are enrolled in the PhD Research subject for the duration of their candidature. At the completion of the course students submit their final project which can consist of a written thesis, or a combination of creative and written work, depending on the discipline area.
Students are expected to participate in Research Seminars and Intensive research weekends where relevant
Your final submission will be as follows:
Creative Arts Therapies, Music Psychology, Music Therapy and Musicology/Ethnomusicology
PhD candidates undertake supervised work that leads to a thesis (of approximately 80,000 words).
Dance, Design, Film and Television, Indigenous Arts and Culture, Music Theatre, Production, Social Practice and Community Engagement, Theatre and Visual Art
The PhD thesis may take the form of performance and/or corpus of creative work, plus a dissertation of 40,000 - 50,000 words which aims to address, elucidate and contextualise the work; or as a written dissertation of approximately 80,000 words.
Composition
PhD candidates in Composition submit a folio and dissertation. The folio will constitute 90-120 minutes of music and is weighted at 70%. The accompanying dissertation will be 20-25,000 words and weighted at 30%.
Interactive Composition
PhD candidates in interactive Composition submit a folio and dissertation. The folio will constitute 90-120 minutes of music and sound with other media and is weighted at 70%. The accompanying dissertation will be 20-25,000 words and weighted at 30%.
Jazz & Improvisation
PhD candidates undertake supervised work that leads to a dissertation, normally of 40,000-50,000 words, and a folio of creative work. The thesis and folio must be presented in a form that can be sent for assessment by external examiners who are usually international.
Music Performance
PhD candidates undertake supervised work that leads to a dissertation, normally of 20-25,000 words, and a folio of performances equivalent to 3 full recitals or 210 minutes. The thesis and folio must be presented in a form that can be sent for assessment by external examiners who are usually international. The performance folio must created during the candidature for the purposes of fulfilling the requirements of the PhD.
The PhD provides you with the opportunity to further develop your research skills, at the highest level, in your chosen discipline. You will develop skills in research, and develop understandings of contemporary artistic practice and theory. Completion of a PhD can be a pathway to a career as an academic, or professional researcher.
The Faculty of Fine Arts and Music assesses applications in 2 rounds each year.
For courses which have mid-year entry applications are assessed in May and outcomes are generally sent out via email in late May or early June.
For courses which have start-year entry applications are assessed in October/November and outcomes are generally sent out via email in late November or December.