PhD Fine Arts by Creative Work

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

Overview

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. The duration of a doctoral degree is normally 3 years full-time and 4-5 years part-time. 

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 can indicate who you would like to be supervised by if you have had already approached a supervisor at WSOA). 

Applicants are advised that the admission process may require applicants to submit additional documents (e.g. SAQA certification, proof of English-language proficiency, etc.), and/or appear before one or more members of the committee for an interview. Applicants accepted into the PhD programme may enrol throughout the year. .

If you have any queries about the above please feel free to contact the Dept of Fine Arts Postgraduate Coordinator: Prof Sharlene Khan: sharlene.khan@wits.ac.za. The above should be sent to the WSOA PG Administrator: PG.WSOA@wits.ac.za. Please note: even if your application is reviewed positively we may still require an interview according to Faculty rules.  

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.