Doctor of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences)

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. Candidates must also 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.

Applications for a PhD in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are assessed in two rounds annually. Research Period 2 has a start date of 1 March (apply by 30 September of the year prior), and Research Period 3 has a start date of 1 July (apply by 31 March of the same year). Separate deadlines apply for scholarships.

You can find a potential supervisor within the University whose academic background aligns with your research using the University website to search for a lead supervisor in an appropriate discipline area. If you need assistance finding a supervisor, you can contact the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Research Education Team at 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, CV, and a research proposal of 1500–2000 words. You will need to provide a written statement from your potential supervisor confirming they have agreed to supervise your project.

Yes, it is possible for candidates to conduct a practice-led PhD with the thesis made up of a written component and substantial creative work. For a practice-led PhD, the written research component is approximately 40,000 words. For a practice-led PhD in Sydney College of the Arts, the creative component will be exhibited. When applying for a practice-led PhD, such as in the Sydney College of the Arts or Creative Writing, applicants must supply a portfolio of recent creative work.

PhD candidates in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences undertake research in over 40 subject areas across the faculty's six schools. 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 may also be undertaken in association with the University of Sydney's humanities and social sciences research centres or groups.