You are able to choose from the following to complete your doctoral study, depending on your research preferences.

1. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The traditional PhD thesis is a formal piece of advanced research, with a final examined thesis of up to 100,000 words. Your thesis serves as a contribution to the field of contemporary art research on both a local and international level. To find out more about the programme structure, entry requirements and start dates, visit Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

2. PhD including Scholarly Creative Work

You can also consider completing your PhD including Scholarly Creative Work. This allows you to submit an exhibition or performance as examinable work alongside a thesis of up to 60,000 words. There are some specific guidelines around the admission requirements relating to the amount of writing in your Master of Fine Arts (MFA), as well as the timing of the examination for creative works. Studio space may be available when relevant to the proposed project. To find out more about this option, visit PhD including Scholarly Creative Work.

3. Doctor of Fine Arts (DocFA)

The DocFA requires you to undertake a specific research project, so is a studio-dominant degree. Like the PhD, it is expected to be a contribution in its chosen field, and requires a written thesis to a maximum of 30,000 words. This allows you to work on advanced level research in a manner relevant to medium-based or post-medium practices throughout the course of the programme. Final submission can take the form of an exhibition, performance or participatory events in fine arts (approved in advance). Studio space may be available when relevant to the proposed project. To find out more about the programme structure, entry requirements and start dates, visit Doctor of Fine Arts (DocFA).

We understand that supervisor quality and a strong candidate-supervisor relationship are very important when you decide where to undertake your doctoral study. Our staff are internationally recognised artists, makers and researchers.

Please note - you are not required to have secured a supervisor before making an application.

You can browse the profiles and research interests of our available doctoral supervisors below.

As part of your application, you need to submit a Statement of Research Intent for Doctoral Study in the Faculty of Arts and Education. The purpose of preparing the documents is to obtain sufficient information for the department to assess your application for doctoral study and allocate supervisors best able to support your research.

We recommend you contact our Postgraduate Adviser before you submit your Application for Admission (AfA) for more specific information and advice about doctoral study in Fine Arts. They can help you with understanding how long the application process can take, how to write your statement of research intent and which supervisors are appropriate for your research.

Adviser for doctoral study (PhD in Fine Arts or DocFA)
ElamDocGA@auckland.ac.nz

You may need to contact the Student Hubs or the School of Graduate Studies at different points of your planning and application process.

Student Hubs

For queries about how to apply, admission, and enrolment, please visit Student Hubs or contact us online.

School of Graduate Studies

Contact School of Graduate Studies