Doctor of Philosophy (College of Arts)

Further information

To be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (College of Arts), you must present a portfolio of work that demonstrates you have the level of art practice proficiency expected of an advanced research applicant. In addition, you must have completed the equivalent of the following in visual arts or other subject area related to your proposed research area:

• bachelor’s degree with first class or second class honours or,

• master’s degree by research such as the Master of Fine Arts or,

• master’s degree by coursework with an independent research component such as a thesis, dissertation or research project with a minimum overall credit average.

These criteria constitute the minimum requirements for eligibility and do not guarantee admission. That remains at the discretion of the relevant supervisors and departments, and access to supervision remains highly competitive. The University must certify that there are sufficient supervisory and other resources and facilities available to enable your candidature to be completed successfully.

1. Find a supervisor within the University whose academic background aligns with your research. You may visit Research Supervisor Connect to start.

2. Contact a research supervisor either through Research Supervisor Connect or email and provide:

• your academic/educational background and research experience with examples such as an academic transcript
• your CV/resume
• examples of your recent art practice
• the area of interest for your PhD
• why you believe your research topics align with this supervisor

3. In conjunction with your supervisor, develop a preliminary research proposal of 7-10 pages that outlines the subject area, objectives and significance of your research. See proposal guidelines.

4. Prepare a portfolio that reflects your recent art practice and demonstrates the level of proficiency expected of an advanced research applicant. Please submit up to 10 examples of your work to date. See portfolio guidelines.

5. If you intend to study part-time towards a PhD, you will also need to supply:

• evidence that shows you will have sufficient time available to plan and carry out the research under the supervision of the University, and complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time PhD enrolment

• a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.

6. Your research proposal should be submitted along with your portfolio, CV, academic transcripts and other supporting documents.

7. Applications are made via the University’s online application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply Now’ button on the right hand side of this page.

8. You may be invited to attend an admission interview in support of your application for a research degree. You will be notified if this is necessary.

You will be required to upload all of the following documents when you submit your application:

• certified academic transcripts for all your previous tertiary study, if they were not completed at The University of Sydney

• CV, providing a summary of your work experience and other relevant activities

• two academic references (international applicants)

• Research proposal

• Statement for capacity to undertake part-time candidature (if applicable –domestic applicants)

• cover letter outlining your reasons for applying

• evidence that your supervisor supports your application. This can be PDF copies of emails and correspondence between you and your supervisor

• proof of your Australian residency status (a certified copy of the main page your Australian passport, or a certified copy of the main page(s) of your own passport with evidence of your visa)

• English language qualifications (if your prior study was completed at an institution where English is not the medium of instruction).

• portfolio of creative work