PhD Fine Arts by Creative Work at University of the Witwatersrand

Programme overview

The PhD is the highest qualification which a student can earn by conducting independent research under supervision. The thesis is required to make a recognisable contribution to new knowledge in the field of study, and must be of a publishable standard. In the Wits School of Arts (WSOA) there is no Doctor of Philosophy (PhD by Creative Work), Fine Arts Programme Code: ADA02 The PhD degree can be by research only or by creative component and thesis. As such ‘research’ is broadly defined in the latter in terms of both a central creative component derived from ongoing discursive and field research and critical thinking in conjunction with a written, discursive exploration of the topic.

Faculty: Humanities | Department: Wits School of Arts | Duration: 3 years full-time or 4-5 years part-time | Study mode: full-time | Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Our application requirements for a PhD (whether traditional or creative) requires submission of the following: A letter of motivation for the studies in the Department of Fine Arts at Wits. A 3-page preliminary proposal identifying the proposed area of research enquiry and specific research questions. This preliminary proposal should also demonstrate the applicant’s familiarity with the literature and debates in the field of proposed enquiry. Detailed professional Curriculum Vitae. An academic transcript of all prior degrees. A copy of your MA report/dissertation. In the case of a Ph.D. by Creative Research, the proposal (which must indicate how the research emanates from the locus of the creative component’s ideas) must be accompanied by: A portfolio of work/performance/scripts, etc. All PhD applications are reviewed by a central admissions committee within the Wits School of Arts (you

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Research and PhD applicants must approach the relevant school or department to discuss the research topic and availability of a supervisor before applying.

Postgraduate applications are made online at www.wits.ac.za/applications; the closing date for each programme is listed in its course finder entry. The application fee is R200 (not payable by current Wits students applying online), paid via the Self-Service Portal or by EFT to the Wits University Application Fees account at FNB.

Apply through the official page: https://www.wits.ac.za/applications

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