Cultural Management: How to apply for a PhD (international students)
Preliminary enquiries
We strongly encourage prospective Masters by research and PhD applicants to make contact with the School before submitting an application, in order to establish whether supervision is likely to be available in their proposed research field and to take advice on how best to formulate the research project description.
To do this, please send an email to the Research Coordinator with the following information:
- a brief biography and your full contact details
- some details about your educational background
- your draft research proposal
Research proposals
You are required to provide a preliminary research proposal of 2,500 words. This should outline, along with a brief introduction and conclusion:
- the specific area of your intended research,
- a brief summary of the key literature in this field,
- a sketch of the key research questions you hope to answer, and
- a description of the methodology required to conduct this research.
A comprehensive literature review is not required, but a short bibliography of key relevant works should be included.
This information is required for two purposes:
- it will assist the School selection committee to make a qualitative assessment amongst the many applications received for available places, and
- it will enable the School selection committee to ensure that appropriate expert supervision, as well as the resources necessary to facilitate your proposed research, are available.
Note that, as it is common for research proposals to go through an iterative process of development, this proposal is considered indicative, rather than binding in all details.
We will let you know if there is potential supervision available in the School and encourage you to apply formally. You do not need to confirm a supervisor for your work before you submit an application, but the application form provides an opportunity for you to name any staff member you have approached about supervision.
How to apply for Masters by research or PhD (international students)
The most comprehensive general information for prospective international students can be found on the University's webpage for International postgraduate students.
Please note that the School of Culture and Communication requires research higher degree applicants to provide the following documentation in addition those specified in the application form.
- a research proposal, as detailed above
- a 5,000-word sample of recent work. This might be, for example, one or two chapters from an Honours thesis, or a recent essay or paper that you think demonstrates your research and writing abilities. Please provide a very brief explanation of the context, ie whether this is a chapter from your thesis, or a 4th year essay, or a paper writing in a particular context.
Ensure both the proposal and writing sample documents are labeled with your name, the School to which you are applying and date.
Note: Applicants for Masters by research PhD in Creative Writing please note that the writing sample must demonstrate both research-based critical writing and creative writing.
You can download an application form or apply online at the International Admissions: How to apply page.
If you have any queries about the course application process, please contact the International Admissions Office.
General information about applying for Masters by research can be found on the Faculty of Arts Master of Arts by research page.
Deadline
Applicants who are seeking a scholarship to support their enrolment in a graduate research degree course should apply well before 31 August.
Local students should visit the following page: How to apply for a PhD (local students).