The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Arts is an advanced, research-based degree aimed at developing scholars, artists, and cultural leaders with the ability to generate new knowledge, creative practices, and critical perspectives across various disciplines in the arts and humanities. The programme supports candidates to explore diverse artistic, cultural, and intellectual traditions, engage in interdisciplinary inquiry, and contribute to contemporary debates around creativity, culture, and society. Graduates are equipped to advance scholarship, shape cultural discourse, and influence artistic and heritage practices both locally and globally.
The PhD in Arts aims to:
Advance theoretical, historical, and critical knowledge in the arts and related disciplines.
Develop candidates’ capacity for independent, original, and innovative research and creative practice.
Foster critical thinking and interdisciplinary approaches to artistic and cultural inquiry.
Promote ethical, culturally sensitive, and socially responsible research and practice.
Prepare graduates for leadership, teaching, and research roles in higher education and the arts sector.
Support the preservation, revitalization, and reimagination of cultural heritage and artistic traditions.
Graduates of the programme will be able to:
Demonstrate mastery of advanced theoretical, critical, and creative approaches in the arts.
Design and conduct high-quality, independent research or creative projects addressing significant artistic and cultural questions.
Engage with artistic practices, cultural histories, and aesthetic theories in diverse contexts.
Communicate complex artistic and scholarly ideas clearly and persuasively through publications, exhibitions, or performances.
Apply interdisciplinary and innovative methodologies in their research and practice.
Uphold ethical and culturally responsive practices in artistic research and engagement.
Contribute to curriculum development, mentorship, and academic leadership in arts education.
Candidates in the PhD in Arts may choose to focus their research on areas such as:
Visual and performing arts
Art history and art criticism
Musicology and ethnomusicology
Film, media, and digital arts
Literary arts and creative writing
Cultural studies and aesthetics
Theatre and performance studies
Heritage and museum studies
Indigenous and traditional art forms
Arts education and pedagogy
Community arts and participatory practices
Gender, identity, and the arts
Interdisciplinary creative practices
The supervision framework is designed to provide robust academic and creative support:
Supervisory Panel: Each candidate will have a principal supervisor and at least one co-supervisor with expertise relevant to their research or creative practice.
Regular Meetings: Candidates will meet regularly (typically monthly) with their supervisors to discuss progress, address challenges, and plan activities.
Progress Reviews: Annual progress reviews will track milestones, provide feedback, and support timely completion.
Research and Practice Development: Candidates will access seminars, masterclasses, and workshops covering research methods, artistic practice, academic writing, and exhibition or performance skills.
Ethical Oversight: Research and creative projects will undergo ethical review to ensure compliance with institutional and professional standards.
Professional Development: Supervisors will support candidates to engage in teaching, conference presentations, exhibitions, and creative collaborations to build their profiles.
Feedback and Communication: Clear procedures will be in place for communication, feedback, and conflict resolution to maintain a positive supervisory relationship.
Graduates of the PhD in Arts will be well-equipped for careers including:
University lecturer, researcher, or academic leader in the arts and humanities
Professional artist, performer, or creative practitioner
Curator, museum or gallery director
Arts programme coordinator in government, NGOs, or cultural institutions
Arts policy advisor or cultural development officer
Researcher or consultant in cultural heritage and creative industries
Creative director or producer in media, film, or performing arts
Public intellectual or critic shaping cultural discourse
Community arts leader or educator
The PhD in Arts empowers graduates with the skills, knowledge, and creative vision to make a lasting impact in the arts sector and contribute meaningfully to cultural and artistic advancement worldwide.