Postgraduate Program

Jump to:

• Language Requirement for Postgraduates (Research)
• Admission to Postgraduate Program
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
• Master of Arts by Coursework
• Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate
• Master of Arts in Curatorship
• Other Related Courses

All students intending to enrol in postgraduate research degrees (Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy) in the Department should be aware that general proficiency in the relevant language or languages is a requirement for research conducted into the visual arts and media of any culture. Students proposing to undertake research in areas requiring specific language competence in a language other than English should demonstrate this by either providing evidence of a course or courses undertaken to the level of first year introductory level course in the relevant language at a tertiary institution, or equivalent, or by indicating their willingness to undertake and complete such a course in the first year of their candidature. Basic competence in reading the language is expected. Reading and writing abilities are desirable, and should be a future aim. This requirement does not apply to the Masters by Coursework degree.

The Department offers the Master of Arts by Coursework, Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate and the Postgraduate Research Degrees: Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D).(please click on the Postgraduate Research Handbook in Related Information box (to the right)for related information.

Application forms for the M.A. by Coursework, Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate, M.Phil and Ph.D must be obtained from the Faculty of Arts Office in the Main Quadrangle. The closing date for applications to commence in semester one is usually end October at the Faculty of Arts.

All applications must be completed and submitted by the due dates. Applicants should contact the Arts Faculty Office for further information and applications. Phone: (02) 9351 6675 (Faculty Postgraduate Manager) or (02) 9351 4807 (Postgraduate Research Officer).

Applicants for both the MPhil and PhD are expected to have a clear idea of the kind of topic they are intending to pursue. This topic must be broadly within the range of research expertise of members of the Department.

PLEASE NOTE: You must consult the Postgraduate Co-ordinator (who will direct you to potential supervisors in the Department), and submit research proposals before formally applying through the Faculty of Arts office.Enrolment
Detailed enrolment information will be given to you in your offer of admission letter. University enrolment usually occurs during January and February each year.

Entry Requirements:
Students wishing to enrol in the Ph.D are expected to have a M.Phil degree in Fine Arts (or Art History and Theory), or a BA (Honours) degree in Fine Arts (or Art History and Theory) at first class honours level, or equivalent. There is no admission for honours graduates without Art History and Theory qualifications.

Fees:
Under current policy, HECS exempt for the seven semesters of effective full-time candidature.

HECS weighting:
If HECS liable, full-time candidates pay 1.0 HECS per year and part-time candidates 0.5 HECS per year. Please contact the Arts Faculty for further information, phone +61 2 9351 3240/4807. Degree structure:

Supervised research into a significant area of visual art history and theory leading to a dissertation of approximately 80,000 words which makes a substantially original contribution to the subject. Three years full-time or five years part-time is the minimum period in which the Ph.D may be completed. Those already holding an M.Phil may complete in two years.

NOTE:
Applicants for both M.Phil and the Ph.D are expected to have a clear idea of the kind of topic they are intending to pursue. This topic must be broadly within the range of research expertise of members of the Department: Staff Research Interests. You need to consult the Postgraduate Coordinator (who will direct you to potential supervisors in the Department), and submit a research proposal before formally applying through the Arts Faculty office.

Entry requirements:
Students wishing to enrol in the M.Phil are expected to have at least a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Art History and Theory (Fine Arts, at upper second-classs level, or equivalent. Honours graduates in other disciplines are expected to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Art History and Theory courses at a level equivalent to upper second-class (2.1) honours level at a minimum.

Fees:
Under current policy, the M.Phil is HECS exempt for the first three semesters of full-time enrolment.
HECS weighting:

If HECS liable, full-time candidates pay 1.0 HECS per year and part-time candidates 0.5 HECS per year.
Please contact the Arts Faculty for clarification and further information, phone (02) 9351 4807/6675.

Degree Structure:
Supervised research into a particular area of visual arts history and theory, contributing to knowledge, and possessing some degree of originality, undertaken over a period of not less than one year and no more than three, leading to a thesis of between 50,000-60,000 words in length. Coursework may also be undertaken if deemed necessary by your supervisor and the postgraduate coordinator. Practical work in an arts organisation:

Under the supervision of a member of the Department of Art History and Theory and an appropriate member of the staff of a relevant public Gallery, Museum or Design organization, a research and/or exhibition project would be undertaken within the Gallery, Museum or organization. The project must be directly related to the candidate's thesis area in the case of Master of Philosophy students. It could take the form of developing an exhibition proposal, researching and writing an exhibition catalogue, conducting part of an educational program, devising and pursuing a marketing project, assisting in a substantial conservation exercise, cataloguing a significant part of a collection, carrying through an important task of art librarianship or visual resources management, or developing and executing a major display. Research and written work would be equivalent to that required for the other MA options. The exact nature of this work will be determined in discussion with the supervisors of the project. Irrespective of any other written work involved, a descriptive and evaluative report on the project should also be included.

The Department also contributes to the significant art historical component of the Master of Arts in Italian Renaissance Studies. Those interested in the latter degree should contact Dr Anne Reynolds in the Italian Department (phone: +61 2 9351 3500).

Prospective postgraduates should also be aware of the Master of Letters in Museum Studies offered by the
Museum Studies Unit of the University (contact Dr Amanda Lawson on +61 2 9351 2862).