Faculty: Humanities
Qualification code: 16613
Duration (full-time): 2 years minimum; 4 years maximum
Duration (part-time): 2 years minimum; 6 years maximum
Total NQF credits: 360
What is the nature of the PhD (Visual Arts)?
A doctoral degree requires a candidate to undertake research at the most advanced academic level, culminating in the production, examination and acceptance of a thesis. The research outcome has to make a significant and original contribution to a chosen discipline. The PhD in Visual Arts offers specialisations in Fine Art, Applied Design and Fashion and Textiles streams. Students research themes, with a national and international reach, that are aligned to the Faculty of Humanities’ strategy towards revitalising the Humanities. These themes include:
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African Feminist Imaginations
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Identities and Social Cohesion in Africa
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Ocean Cultures and Heritage
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Humanizing Pedagogy
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Digital Humanities
PhD students are encouraged to explore diverse methodologies: practice-based, practice-led, empirical and interdisciplinary. The programme provides a collaborative and inclusive environment where peer feedback, critique, and shared learning are embedded.
Admission requirements
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Holders of a Master's degree from the University or the holders of other qualifications approved by Senate may be accepted as candidates for the relevant degree.
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Students who have passed the examinations on the grounds of which they will be awarded the relevant degree by a University or on the grounds on which the required status may later be granted to them, or who have in any other manner (e.g. RPL) attained a level of competence which in Senate’s opinion is adequate for the purpose of postgraduate studies or research at the required level, may be accepted as students for the relevant degree.
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Apart from the general admission requirements, a student may be required to fulfil further requirements, e.g. supplementary work or an oral/written examination as pre¬scribed by Senate.
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Applicants wishing to pursue doctoral studies are required, as part of the application process, to provide a broad outline of the proposed research area as per the postgraduate prospectus or research application requirements.
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An application for a postgraduate qualification or programme may, after selection by the Head of Department or Director of School, in consultation with the relevant Postgraduate Studies Coordinator, and ratification by the Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committee, be processed by the Postgraduate Admissions Office.
Statutory and other requirements
• An application for registration as a student for a postgraduate research qualification may, after approval by the Head of Department or Director of School, be processed by prospective student via the online registration system.
• Where applicable, a candidate must submit a research proposal for approval by the Faculty Postgraduate Committee within the prescribed minimum period as stipulated in the postgraduate research policy. Once such approval has been obtained, an official research project is registered by the Manager: Faculty Administration.
• Unless the Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committee decides otherwise, no candidate will be allowed to continue with his/her studies if a research project has not been registered within the prescribed period as stipulated in the postgraduate research policy.