Postgraduate Research programs offered by the School of Art are the Master of Philosophy (2 yr) and the PhD (3-4yr). Both can be studied via four 'options', as listed below.

Option A. 100% theoretical Dissertation
60,000 words (M.Phil)
80,000 – 100,000 words (PhD)

Option B. Theory-led practice
(66%) Theoretical Dissertation: 36,000 wds (M.Phil) and 60,000 wds (PhD) and a
(33%) Practice-based Research project with a 5,000 word Exegesis

Option C. Practice-led research
(66%) Practice-based Research project with a 10,000 word Exegesis and
(33%) theoretical dissertation 18,000 wds (M.Phil), 30,000 wds (PhD)

Option D. Practice-led research plus coursework
Practice-based Research project and a 14,000 word Exegesis and
Two graduate coursework courses (ARTV8107 Arguing Objects and ARTV8100 Points of View - both with 6,000 wds essay requirement) taken in the first two semesters. The required level of performance in these courses is set at Distinction level. This meets with requirements elsewhere in the University for coursework elements of HDR degrees.

In each of the above Options, the 'thesis' normally required in research programs is understood to comprise the totality of undertakings specified for each option. That is, either a Dissertation or a combination of Practice-based Research, Exegesis, Coursework and Dissertation as set out by each option.

The final outcome of a Studio Practice component is presented for examination in the form of an exhibition, or audio-visual presentation, or in such other form as has been approved in the candidate’s research program.

The Exegesis details the development of the Practice-based Research project over the duration of the course of study, and provides the broad context for the ideas and precedents which inform the development of the research program. The Exegesis primarily enables the candidate to present an account of the Practice-based Research, demonstrating how the work addresses the objectives of the approved research project, and how the topic(s) of the Dissertation or Coursework have informed the Practice-based Research.

For the Dissertation, candidates are required to present a substantial academic essay on a topic of relevance to the objectives of the Practice-based Research project. By contrast with the objectives and methods of a conventional text-based PhD thesis, the Dissertation will take an appropriate approach to its approved topic(s) in order to achieve the aims of providing a theoretical and historical frame of reference for the Practice-based component of the research project. The candidate is required to present a paper framed within appropriate academic methods through research, documentation and theoretical and conceptual discourse in a form that is relevant to the topic in question

* For Options where the Dissertation is a component (A, B and C), further options can be chosen in relation to the form that Dissertation aspect takes; consult the Convenor for advice.

* Word counts above are expressed as 'maximum'.