Doctor of Philosophy in Visual Arts

Persons achieving this qualification are competent in applying research skills to solve a problem within a fine art related field and to make an accredited original contribution to the existing body of knowledge.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence that the stated competence of the qualification has been achieved through experience that complies with the stated specified outcomes.

Entry Requirements

At least 600 Credits, of which at least 120 Credits will be at Level 9 (e.g. Master of Technology (M.Tech): Fine Art), in the related fields of knowledge and skills in Fine Art. Due to the investigative nature of the course of study, the candidate would also be in possession of a valid proposal for their intended research at the Doctor of Technology (D.Tech) level (Level 10).

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence of the qualification, as detailed in the specified outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider's learning programme, or through experience that complies with the stated specified outcomes.

Do research independently and produce an original contribution to the body of knowledge in a fine art related field.

Specified outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge, skills and values in researching a fine art related field at an original level. (C) 110 Credits.
2. Compiling and presenting research findings, own conclusions and proposals in a properly set out academic thesis as well as disseminating research findings and own conclusions in a professionally presented extended exhibition.

Or

compiling and presenting research findings, own conclusions and proposals in a properly set out academic thesis. (C) 110 Credits.

1. Disseminate the research findings. (C) 20 Credits.

Critical outcomes

• Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
• Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively
• Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information
• Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in a mode that is appropriate to research output in the fine art disciplines.
• Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by realising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
• Exploring the fine art disciplines.

1.

• Identify a problem area.
• Identify sub problems within the problem area.
• Search the related literature.
• Formulate the research problem/research question and sub problems.
• State the hypothesis/es.
• Define concepts.
• Select a research strategy and research methodology/ies.
• Decide on relevant data collection and analysis techniques.
• Implement the data collection technique.
• Analyse data and present results.
• Interpret findings.
• Draw conclusions and suggest recommendations.
• Contribute original input to the body of knowledge and skills in a related fine art field.

2.

• Describes extent of study clearly.
• Outlines a methodology appropriate to study.
• Provides evidence of extensive range of reading, including a review of related literature.
• States explicitly the links between the review and the area of study, analyses objectively and critically supporting and/or opposing evidence, and draws together the different points emerging from the literary study.
• Discusses the points in depth and develops a clear line of argument to provide own interpretations which is put in the context of other interpretations.
• Shows awareness of understanding of assumptions underlying own interpretation.
• Solutions/conclusions relate to the questions posed in the introduction, and are founded on the evidence resulting from the research.
• Organizes the dissertation/research output in a logical structure.
• Adheres to the institution's technical requirements for the dissertation/research output.

3.

• Write an article on the research for submission for publication in an accredited journal.
• Deliver papers and lectures based on the research.

Integrated assessment

1. Formative Assessment

• A demonstration of mastery of research methodology/procedure.
• Internal panel evaluation of extended exhibition of studio work.
• External evaluation of extended exhibition of studio work.

Plus

• Internal evaluation of written thesis submission.
• External evaluation of written thesis submission.
• Viva voce.

Or

2. Formative Assessment

• A demonstration of mastery of research methodology/procedure.
• Internal evaluation of written thesis submission.
• External evaluation of written thesis submission.
• Viva Voce