Entry requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy - Fine Arts and Music

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• a four-year bachelor degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and have achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% in the final year subjects or (University of Melbourne) equivalent; or
• a masters degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% or (University of Melbourne) equivalent; or
• a qualification and professional experience considered to be equivalent;

Applicants for all discipline areas must provide:

• 2 referee reports (except for applicants who have graduated from the University of Melbourne within the last 5 years); and
• evidence of in-principle supervisor support.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must provide a research proposal, example of scholarly writing and/or folio as follows:

Assistance with writing a Research Proposal can be found on the Southbank Library website.

Creative Arts Therapies, Music Psychology, Music Therapy and Musicology/Ethnomusicology

• a research proposal of 2,500 words (Applicants for Creative Arts Therapies and Music Therapy are encouraged to submit a proposal of 4,000 to 5,000 words); and
• a recent example of scholarly writing of 4,000 to 5,000 words.

Dance, Design and Production, Film and Television, Indigenous Arts and Culture, Music Theatre, Theatre and Visual Art

• a research proposal of 2,000 words; and

• a folio of work as per discipline requirements.

  • For Visual Art please submit a folio containing a maximum of 10 images and / or 8 minutes of video or supporting material provided as a pdf containing links to a website or cloud storage with an accompanying list of works in your application materials.
  • For all other disciplines please submit a folio including that provides demonstration of your previous relevant creative work in portfolio and/or digital form. This may include a selection of media including samples of writing and performance catalogues and reviews. Please identify your role and relationship to each work. Any digital image files must be named to correspond to a separate list of works including the title, date, medium and dimensions of each work.

Composition

• A proposal of approximately 1,000 words for the PhD folio and dissertation;
• A recent example of scholarly writing of approximately 2,000 words;
• Three representative works submitted as recordings and in notated score format (where applicable). These should include a major work of over 15 minutes duration and a work for large acoustic ensemble (may be the same work), and at least one work written in the last 2 years; and
• A CV including list of works composed, performances and broadcasts.

Interactive Composition

• a research proposal of 2,000 words; and
• a folio containing recordings of 4 of your original compositions at a total duration of 20 minutes.

Jazz & Improvisation

• a research proposal of 2,000 words; and
• applicants must demonstrate a very high standard of artistic ability via a live audition or live performance recording. The audition or recording must be at least 20 minutes in length.

Music Performance

• a research proposal of 2,000 words outlining plans for a research project that integrates a written thesis (minimum 20,000-25,000 words) and portfolio of recorded works (210 minutes) with details of proposed repertoire and timeline for completion;
• 70 minutes of unedited live recordings; and
• a recent example of scholarly writing of 4,000 to 5,000 words.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

In selecting applicants, the selection committee will consider:

• prior academic performance and, if relevant, professional qualifications;
• understanding of the research question to be explored;
• demonstrated ability in the creative discipline;
• performance at an interview;
• motivation and capacity to complete the course in a timely manner;
• relevant prior research and/or professional experience; and
• referee reports.
• The ability of the Faculty to provide the appropriate supervision, facilities and resources for your intended project

The selection committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.

English Language Criteria

Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses.