The Doctor of Philosophy (Creative Arts) is for candidates with an excellent creative arts academic research background, or equivalent high-level professional experience.

This course is a challenging intellectual experience designed for students with a high level of professional and scholarly maturity. You may pursue purely scholarly research or a combination of creative practice and scholarly research.  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 degree involves the submission of a research thesis comprising a combination of creative and scholarly outputs. The exact make-up of the submission is determined by the nature of the research project, but in all cases represents a substantial and publishable result of sustained engagement with creative arts practice and knowledge.

You will attend lectures and workshops on creative arts research practices and other relevant topics. PhD candidates are also expected to actively contribute to the research culture of the University.

Why choose this course

As a creative arts student, you will have opportunities to work and study with artists and media practitioners in a vibrant research culture, with significant opportunity for interdisciplinary and cross-artform collaboration.

Our modern studios, performance spaces and galleries provide an inspiring work environment, showcasing the work of students as well as hosting Australian and international exhibitions and performances.

The Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts is internationally recognised for its excellence in humanities, social sciences, creative arts and law.

Honours degree with 2nd class Division 1 or higher; Research Masters with at least ⅔ of the degree comprising a thesis. UOW Masters of Research with WAM70+; Coursework Masters with a substantial thesis and WAM75+ or GPA 3.2 out of 4. Other forms of research experience will also be considered.

* Doctor of Philosophy

Applicants wishing to apply by a combination of thesis and creative work should demonstrate that both their academic and artistic background equates with the above minimum standard. In some circumstances, students may be required to commence their enrolment in the Master of Philosophy and seek transfer to the PhD when and if they achieve a suitable standard.

* Doctor of Philosophy (Journalism)

Graduates in other disciplines at Masters level may also be considered if evidence of research interest in specialist areas relevant to journalism theory and practice can be provided.
Applicants must also be able to demonstrate 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; and various indicators relevant to the specific discipline.