Doctor of Philosophy Wits School of Art

The PhD is a degree that takes a minimum of 2 years full-time or maximum of 4 years part-time and is offered across all schools in the Faculty.

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 knowledge in the field of study, and must be of a publishable standard.

In the Wits School of Arts (WSOA) there is no coursework component to a Ph.D. degree. The Ph.D. degree is by research only. Such research may be a written, discursive exploration of a topic, or may include a creative component.

Entry Requirements


The WSOA application requirements for a Ph.D. (whether traditional or creative) requires submission of the following:

1. Letter of Motivation.
2. 3-page Expression of Interest:

a. A concept note identifying the proposed area of research enquiry and specific research questions.
b. This concept note should also demonstrate the applicant’s familiarity with the literature, creative works, and debates in the field of proposed enquiry.

3. CV
4. Academic transcript of all prior degrees.
5. Copy of your MA report/dissertation.
6. In the case of a Ph.D. by Creative Research:

a. the proposal must be accompanied by a portfolio of work/performance/scripts, etc. OR links to an online portfolio, performances etc.

You may apply online or download an application form from the link below: https://www.wits.ac.za/postgraduate/applications/

Additional entry requirements apply.

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. Refer to Wits Postgraduate Online Applications Guide for detailed guidelines. 
  • 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.