Doctor of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences)
What you’ll study
PhD candidates in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences undertake research in over 40 subject areas based in the faculty’s six schools. These are the Schools of Economics; the Languages and Cultures; Art, Communication and English (including Sydney College of the Arts); Humanities; Social and Political Sciences; and the Sydney School of Education and Social Work.
Research may also be undertaken in association with the University of Sydney’s humanities and social sciences research centres or groups.
Candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research and write a thesis on an approved topic. It is also possible for candidates to conduct a practice-led PhD with the thesis made up of a written component and substantial creative work. All research is conducted with the support of a supervisory team of academics.
The PhD is offered in disciplines ranging across the visual arts and art history, archaeology and classics, various modern languages and their cultures, economics, English language and literature, ancient, medieval and modern history, philosophy, the global political economy and international governance, sociology and cultural studies, media and communications, education and social work.
Research areas
PhD candidates in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences undertake research in over 40 subject areas based in the faculty’s six schools. These are the Schools of Economics; the Languages and Cultures; Art, Communication and English (including Sydney College of the Arts); Humanities; Social and Political Sciences; and the Sydney School of Education and Social Work.
Research may also be undertaken in association with the University of Sydney’s humanities and social sciences research centres or groups.
Completion requirement
To satisfy requirements of the PhD degree candidates must:
complete a probationary year and produce an extended thesis proposal or thesis chapter (10,000 to 12,000 words, or equivalent in a practice-led PhD) at the end of their first year of full-time candidature (or the part-time equivalent) and other required milestones; and,
conduct research on an approved topic; and,
write a thesis of approximately 60,000 to 80,000 words embodying the results of the research, or, in the case of a practice-led PhD submit a substantial piece of creative work and a research component of approximately 40,000 words; for a practice-led PhD in Sydney College of the Arts the creative component will be exhibited.
Examination is by presentation of the thesis, which is set out in the Thesis and Examination of Higher Degree by Research Policy 2015.
Fees
Admission criteria
How to apply
Before applying
To apply for admission follow these steps:
- Find a potential supervisor within the University whose academic background aligns with your research. You may visit Research Supervisor Connect [Research Supervisor Connect] for help. You can also use the University website to search for a lead supervisor in an appropriate discipline area. If you need assistance finding a supervisor, please contact the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Research Education Team (fass.hdradmin@sydney.edu.au).
- When contacting your potential supervisor you should describe your academic educational background and research experience, and include an academic transcript and CV (resume). You should also include a research proposal (1500-2000 words); refer to How to write a research proposal for guidance. You should explain why you want to undertake a PhD and how you believe your research topic aligns with the supervisor’s own research. You may be asked to supply a sample of written work. For the practice-led PhD, such as in the Sydney College of the Arts or Creative Writing, you should include a portfolio of recent creative work.
- Your potential supervisor may offer you advice on developing a research proposal before you submit your application. You will need to provide a written statement from your potential supervisor that they have agreed to supervise your project.
- Obtain two academic referee reports, each one written by a referee who is familiar with your previous academic achievements and research potential.
- If you intend to study part-time towards a PhD (international student visa holders must enrol full-time), you will also need to supply: evidence that shows you will have sufficient time available to plan and carry out the research under the supervision of the University, and complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time PhD enrolment, and a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.
- Applications are made via the University’s online application portal. Submit your application together with:
your research proposal,
your CV (curriculum vitae, resumé),
two academic referee reports,
your post-school academic transcripts,
written statement from your potential supervisor that they have agreed to supervise your project,
if applying for a practice-led PhD, you must supply a portfolio of creative work,
supporting documents, such as identification and evidence of residency status.
other supporting evidence as required.
When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply Now’ button on the right-hand side of this page.
Please confirm all requirements for scholarship applications and note that separate scholarship application deadlines apply.
Submit application
Applications for a PhD in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are assessed in two rounds annually. There are two closing dates per year for applications: 31 March (for admission in July of the same calendar year) and 30 September (for admission in March the following year). You should apply as early as possible. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered in the current round.
Research intakes
Research Period 2: Start date 1 Mar
Research Period 3: Start date 1 Jul
Refer to key research dates on the `How to Apply website.
Additional information
Course opportunities
The faculty is home to more than 90 research and teaching centres including the Sydney Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Research Centre (SSSHARC). Along with our world-renowned schools, these provide a great range of PhD research opportunities with academic staff members who are experts and leaders in their fields of research.
This course is available as a joint degree via a small number of domestic and international partner institutions. For more information on the Joint PhD program, please contact joint-degrees.sfs@sydney.edu.au.
