StudyQA — PhD: Fine Art — University of Auckland

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Description Contents Requirements Funding

The Doctor of Fine Arts (DocFA) is an advanced studio-based research degree. You are required to develop a formal, systematic exposition of a coherent programme of advanced creative work that is supported by a 30,000 word thesis. This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the field of contemporary art and/or design.

You will be supervised by a committed team of professionally active, internationally recognised staff from within Elam and if appropriate, other schools/departments within the University of Auckland. Please note that only in exceptional circumstances is the DocFA offered extramurally.

The DocFA is the highest-level university qualification in Fine Arts at the University of Auckland that is predominantly founded on studio-based practice.

You will work under supervision to produce a substantial thesis representing original research into an approved topic that contributes significantly to knowledge and understanding or application of knowledge.

A doctoral degree is normally carried out over a minimum of 3 full-time years, with candidates preparing a thesis on the conduct and results of their research.

The doctorate is directed by an appointed supervisor and an academic committee and usually takes 3 years of full-time study. Your thesis is then assessed by a panel of examiners (including at least two external to the University) appointed by the University’s Senate. In most cases, this is followed by an oral examination of the thesis and your knowledge in the area before the degree is awarded.

To be eligible for this programme you need to have completed a Master of Fine Arts by research (as distinct from a coursework programme) or equivalent, and have achieved to an appropriate standard.

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 6.5 and all bands 6.0 or better
Internet-based TOEFL (iBT): Overall score of 90 plus a written score of 21
Paper-based TOEFL: Overall score of 575 plus Essay (TWE) of 4.5
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) and Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Overall score of 176 and all bands 169 or better
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Overall score of 58 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50.
Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): 85

You will also need to have the following information to hand, including some documents in electronic format ready for uploading:

your IELTS, TOEFL and TWE test scores if you have taken such tests within the last two years
relevant academic reports – GPA B+
two letters of academic recommendation from your previous professors
curriculum vitae and/or resume (optional)
Statement of Research Intent – you'll need to write a 1000-word summary of your intended topic of interest for doctoral study, including your reasons for choosing this topic and an explanation of what you hope to achieve during your studies at The University of Auckland

There are several types of postgraduate scholarships: