Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Creative Arts and Media

The PhD in Creative Arts and Media offers students the chance to engage in interdisciplinary research, contributing new perspectives to various fields within the School of Arts. Students can choose between a conceptual or research-creation approach, allowing them to explore their work through either artistic or academic lenses. This program encourages the integration of creative arts practice, such as the creation of artworks or other artefacts, as a core component of their research.

The program also embraces diverse approaches, including historical, theoretical, and philosophical inquiries, along with analytical and interpretative studies of creative arts and media practices. This flexibility enables students to explore a wide range of topics and methods while contributing to the development of the field.

Entry Requirements

• A Master’s degree in the relevant field or its equivalent with a minimum CGPA of 3.00; OR
• Any other qualifications will be considered on a case-to-case basis, as accepted by the University Senate; AND
• Interview: Candidates are to pass an interview conducted by a panel from the School of Arts. This is to assess the candidate’s communication abilities and interest in research.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 6.0 or equivalent

Application Procedure

Statement of Research Interest

The statement of research interest should comprise a maximum of 1,000 words and covers the following structure:

• Nature of the research that interests you and why
• References to anything you have read relevant to this research are
• Working Title

Portfolio
(for candidates with aim of creative outputs)
A portfolio should contain 5 – 15 examples of your own original creative work; any form of media is acceptable.

• Audio files: MP3 format
• Games/Other applications must be playable on one of the contemporary versions of MacOS, Windows, IOS or Android
• Media work: link to streaming sites such as Vimeo, YouTube or SoundCloud
• Photographs, drawings and 3D work will be accepted as digital photographs

• Video files: H.264 QuickTime files

Module

The student is required to complete one taught module – Research Methods – before proceeding to the Proposal Defence. This core module introduces students to the fundamentals of academic research and methodologies at the postgraduate level to conduct an independent research project. 

Class Schedule for Research Methods

This is an intensive course. Classes are spread over eight weeks (12 to 15 hours per week) for Full-time or Part-time students. These classes are followed by tutorials when the students conduct their research projects. Weekly schedules may vary from one year to another.

Thesis

During the course of their studies, the students will independently design and carry out an extensive research project with the assistance of the supervisor. The emphasis between theory and practice will vary according to the project. Students will develop significant research outcomes that are of national and international significance, and publicly disseminate these results to engage with the scholarly community. 

Areas of Research

The school has a broad range of supervision expertise (not limited) to the following areas:

• Digital Worlds and Media: Digital Humanities, VR, Digital Content Creation, Media Studies, Broadcasting, Social Media, New Media Creation.

• Culture and Heritage: History of Cultures and Art, Crafts, Material Cultures, Music Traditions and Popular Music, Gender Studies, Southeast Asian Films, Sustainable Cultures, Eastern and Western Cultures.

• Performance and Creation: Music and Theatre Performance, Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Fine Art.

• Cities: History of the City and Urbanisation, Architecture, Cities in the South and Southeast Region, Cities in the West, Liveable Cities, Green Cities, Smart Cities, Touristic Cities.