Film and Television

A successful PhD candidate would need to meet the requirements of the university Senate for admittance to the programme. The researcher intending to work towards this degree has the intention of specializing at the highest level in their field in order to make an original contribution to knowledge a

Overview

Doctor of Philosophy, Film and Television Programme Code: ADA02

There are two options available to both part-time and full-time doctoral candidates:

Thesis – the student’s research is developed and guided through the proposal writing process to the submission of the PhD thesis of 75 000 – 80 000 words.

Creative Research – this option acknowledges the importance of artistic work as part of the PhD research. Following the proposal process, the final submission constitutes a written theoretical component of 40 000 words, alongside an original and substantial body of artistic work that is evaluated at the highest academic and creative level.
There is no exact specification for what the creative work should be, apart from the Faculty requirement that it should require the equivalent of a year’s full-time work. 
The creative research component could therefore, for example, be a feature film screenplay, a short film of no longer than 30mins, a limited series proposal with a one hour pilot script -  or take other forms deemed appropriate by the department. 

Both options require that the research process is conducted through consultation with an appointed supervisor.

 

Entry Requirements

  • Students must have a Masters’ Degree from a recognized and registered tertiary institution.
  • Must have a 70% mark aggregate
  • A potential supervisor from the department should be identified and approached prior to application. PhD applications are managed at School level, and the prospective supervisor in the Film and TV department will be approached to comment on the short research proposal submitted (see below).
  • At PhD level we require research with significant contribution to new knowledge and/or filmic creative practices.
  • Must submit a Short Research Proposal (no less than 1200 words and no more than 2000 words) describing their intended research. This is a key part of the application and It is advised that it is carefully prepared and honed before submitting. Note the following:
      • This document must coherently express a specified and focused research idea or question at PhD level. 
      • If you are interested in the creative option, a description of the conceptual underpinnings of the project should be included here. i.e. what is it you are wanting to do or explore in the process of making or creating?
      • The document must display an understanding of both the topic/terrain, relevant literature and appropriate research methodologies to be used.
      • The document must evidence writing skills commensurate with a PhD degree, including academic referencing and the ability to synthesis and select relevant primary and secondary sources to produce new knowledge .
  • The applicant may be required to attend an interview by the Department.

Required documents (summary)

Please ensure all of these documents are ready before applying.  Applications will not be processed at School level until all documents have been received:

  • Certified Academic Transcript/s [ADM008- Certified Academic Transcript]
  • Certified copies of tertiary qualification [PG0002 - Certified Degree Certificate]
  • CV (detailing all work experience, creative works & any portfolio links) [PG0001 - Curriculum Vitae]
  • 1 page Letter of Motivation that frame your application (what to you want to do, prospective supervisor, why you want to do a PhD, why Wits etc.) [PG0007 - Letter of Motivation]
  • Short Research Proposal (see above) [PG0006 - Short Research Proposal
    sample of Written Academic Work [PG0028 - Written Academic Work]

sample of Written Academic Work (e.g. journal article, MA dissertation, research 

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.