Monash University has a proud tradition of research excellence, and is committed to providing the highest quality of graduate research education. By undertaking your graduate studies at Monash, you will have the opportunity to be part of our stimulating, supportive and professional research environment. A PhD offered in Art, Design and Architecture takes the form of the Monash Doctoral Program. The program consists of an extensive, independent research project on an agreed topic, supported by a minimum of two expert academic supervisors. This is enhanced by professional development activities or coursework units that provide you with the skills required to make an impact in academia, industry, government or the wider community. Your study will result in a research thesis or alternative approved output, which makes a valuable contribution to the current body of knowledge on your chosen topic. Through a program of supervised research supported by coursework and professional development activities, you will emerge from this degree with an advanced level of specialist knowledge in your field. Principal fields of research for a PhD in Art, Design and Architecture include: Architecture Fine arts/visual arts Art history and theory Curatorial practice Design Industrial design Communication design Urban Planning and Design You can choose to undertake the degree by studio research or by thesis. Studio research You will develop a studio research project, with individual supervision, resulting in a body of work examined by exhibition. The material includes a written exegesis (critical explanation of the body of work) of about 30,000 words and a documented record of your visual or creative work. The final examination is usually an exhibition of visual work accompanied by the written exegesis. The works in the exhibition will not only be new but will also result in a doctoral-level contribution that has substantial cultural or material significance. Thesis You will develop a written proposal that outlines your proposed project, places the research within the context of the scholarly literature and outlines the proposed methodology. You will be examined by thesis only. The thesis, of no more than 80,000 words, is expected to make a substantial contribution to knowledge in your chosen area of research. As well as the research component, you will also complete a series of professional development activities or coursework units relevant to your chosen research focus. These activities are designed to provide you with the skills needed to develop your professional skills to support you in your future career. Career opportunities PhD graduates stand out from other job applicants throughout their entire professional lives. A proven ability to research, analyse and interpret complex questions will give you many career options locally and internationally. PhD graduates work as researchers, artists, designers, architects, educators, academics, curators and administrators in galleries, museums, tertiary institutions, government departments, private enterprises, and as independent creative practitioners.