Doctor of Philosophy in Visual and Performing Arts

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to enable learners to conduct independent, novel research either within a specific discipline or in a cross-disciplinary manner in programmes offered within the faculty. Learners will need to complete a rigorous and peer-reviewed independent practice-based empirical research project underpinned by high quality research training in an interdisciplinary visual communication environment.

The qualification aims to provide qualifiers with

• In-depth knowledge through an independent investigation of a specialised area in visual and performing arts.
• The ability to make an original contribution, apply theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches in the field of visual and performing arts through the generation of new knowledge.
• The proven ability to write scientific research papers for peer-reviewed visual and performing arts journals.

The outcome of this doctoral qualification is a comprehensive and systematic grasp of an in-depth body of knowledge in the field of Visual and Performing Arts with the development of specialist expert knowledge in this field thereby promoting professional practice.

Rationale

The focus of the Doctor of Philosophy in Visual and Performing Arts qualification is to provide learners with an opportunity to conduct independent original research through scientific discourse and independent investigation. This research to be taken needs to take into account, the needs of the University and the country, and in alignment with international trends and standards in response to the needs of the community, business and industry. Furthermore, this doctoral qualification will provide a comprehensive and systematic grasp of an in-depth body of knowledge in the field of Visual and Performing Arts and developing specialist expert knowledge in this field in order to promote professional practice.

Thereby it will contribute the development of the field of Visual and Performing Arts and thus develop highly skilled researchers and promote the career advancement of learners in the field of Visual and Performing Arts.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be used for access into this doctoral qualification. The Doctor of Philosophy in Visual and Performing Arts will not be awarded via the RPL route. The assessment of an applicant's previous non-formal, informal learning and experience to determine the extent to which this meets the required learning outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards for entry or access into a doctoral level study will be applied. The relevance, depth and extent of an applicant's prior learning will be evaluated by a panel of peers and educators, as per the DUT RPL Policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for entrance to the qualification is a Master's qualification in Visual and Performing Arts, or in a related field. The applicant should be able to demonstrate experience of research and of having written it up in a dissertation in an acceptable format. In addition, eligible students must have attained a minimum pass rate of 60% and above in the Research Master's Degree of the area of specialisation.

This is a Postgraduate qualification at NQF Level 10, in which all 360 Credits are for research.

1. Ability to conceptualise, design, and manage original research in a chosen specialised area within the overall field of the Visual and Performing Arts, leading to new knowledge and documented in a thesis.
2. Ability to make original contributions to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in the Visual and Performing Arts in general and the chosen specialised area in particular.
3. Demonstrate intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development appropriate to the specialisation.
4. Demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the ethics and responsibilities of research and practice appropriate to the chosen specialisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• A research project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the chosen discipline is identified, conceptualised, designed and implemented.
• A critical understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies in the chosen area is demonstrated; self-reflection, knowledge, theory and research methods is applied creatively to complex practical and theoretical problems; and the project design is adjusted if necessary in the light of unforeseen problems.
• Significant original insights into new, complex and abstract ideas, information or issues are developed and advanced expertise and critical knowledge in that field is demonstrated.
• New knowledge through substantial original research, resulting in the interpretation and expansion of knowledge in the visual and performing arts field is created and interpreted which satisfies a peer review, in order to extend the forefront of the discipline and merit publication in a form relevant to the field.
• A thesis that meets international standards of scholarly writing is produced, and which may include and report on a body of applied creative work, which in turn the close integration, and reflexivity of practice and theory is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Scholarly debates in the area of specialisation is engaged with, as evidenced by inter alia: participation in relevant conferences, seminars, or workshops.
• Creative work including but not limited to artworks, performances, choreography, models, designs, film or video material, electronic and/or online content, prototypes, exhibitions, etc, as appropriate to the chosen specialisation is produced and applied.
• Substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable written work that meets international academic standards is produced, which is considered original or innovative by peers, and makes a significant contribution to the student's field.
• Research and/or creative outputs in oral, written, visual and/or electronic forms to a range of professional and lay audiences by means of a communication strategy developed by the student is effectively communicated and presented.
• Opportunities for entrepreneurial or public impact activity are identified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Intellectual and creative independence and research leadership through managing advanced research and development in the visual and performing arts field in a professional and ethical manner is demonstrated.
• A comprehensive and systematic understanding of the body of knowledge in the chosen field of visual and performing arts with development of new expertise and specialist knowledge in an area that is at the forefront of the chosen area of specialisation is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Research and governance requirements related to conducting research and practice in visual and performing arts environments is anticipated and managed effectively.
• Ethical issues in the conduct of research are identified and managed, and issues of social cultural and economic diversity are respected.
• Environmental and health and safety issues that arise from the effective and sustainable use of resources in the research domain is anticipated and managed effectively.

Integrated Assessment

This is a Postgraduate research qualification, and so both formative and summative assessment are integrated, through personal and individual supervision of research and in the final thesis, which as the output of the research will integrate all the outcomes of the study for assessment.