Arts, Design & Architecture

How to apply

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Eligible prospective postgraduate research candidates who wish to apply to a research degree in UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture must submit an expression of interest (EOI) to the relevant area.

This allows us to complete a preliminary assessment of your application and identify whether an appropriate supervisor and resources are available.

 

Preparing an application

Please follow the steps outlined below:

  • Ensure you satisfy the admission criteria (under the determine your eligibility section) for your chosen research degree.

    Will you need a scholarship? There are limited numbers of domestic and international scholarships that are awarded on a competitive basis. To be considered, you will need to demonstrate academic qualifications equivalent to first class honours and meet the faculty requirements described below. Find out more UNSW Scholarships. 

  • You need to contact prospective supervisors to determine in advance if they are in a position to supervise your research topic. Find a research supervisor for your chosen research topic or visit the UNSW Research website.

    Once you have identified an appropriate supervisor, contact them by email with your research proposal. If the prospective supervisor you have contacted expresses initial interest in supervising your research proposal, then you can progress to Step 3.

  • Please complete the relevant expression of interest in research higher degree candidature form. Complete all sections of this form before emailing it to the relevant admissions contact in your proposed school or centre (contacts are listed on the last page of the form).

    Download this expression of interest form if you’re an applicant to the following programs:

    • Master of Arts (MA) by Research (2353)
    • Master of Education (MEd) by Research (2354)
    • Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Built Environment (2222)
    • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Creative Practice (1273)
    • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Education (1970)
    • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Humanities (1271)
    • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Social Sciences (1272)
    • Indigenous Studies (PhD) (1110)
    • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Built Environment (Practice-based PhD) (1122)– applicants to this program must provide a list of additional resources required to undertake the project and attach with their EOI
    • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Built Environment (1120)
    • Professional Doctorate in Public Policy and Governance (1746)
    • Professional Doctorate in Social Work (1744)

    Download this Expression of interest form for HDR programs in the UNSW School of Art & Design:

    • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) (2245)
    • Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Art, Design & Media (2267)
    • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Art, Design & Media (1292)

    Download this expression of interest form for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Arts & Social Sciences (2364).

    Download this expression of interest form for the Doctor of Education (EdD) (1975) (offered to domestic students only).

    Please email the relevant school/centre admission team your completed EOI form, accompanied by:

    • Your research proposal (requirements outlined on the EOI form).
    • A detailed CV (Curriculum Vitae) that pays particular attention to your academic qualifications and whether there were any substantial independent research components in your undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Your CV should also outline your record of employment.
    • Evidence that you can meet the minimum requirements for admission, including certificates of previously completed degrees, transcripts that detail your qualifications and their grades (including the research or thesis/dissertation component), and information on grading systems at the awarding institutions, and evidence of your English language eligibility if relevant.
    • A sample of your written work. If you have completed a thesis/dissertation, please include this. If not, please provide copies of a published research article or long-form research essay.
    • Practice-based research applicants to the UNSW School of Art & Design or the UNSW School of the Arts & Media should provide a select portfolio, in a separate file or link, that demonstrates their creative/practice capabilities. This should include some remarks about the relationship between the proposed dissertation and the creative project, and if relevant, a budget for the project
    • Proof of contact with supervisor.

    Submission of a completed EOI is a necessary step towards a formal application.

Next steps

On receipt of these documents, if we’re satisfied all requirements have been met, the school/centre will review your application to assess if appropriate supervision and resources are available. Be sure to include written agreement from your supervisor.

If supervision and resources are available, you'll be invited to submit a formal application. 

Your formal application must include the school's invitation email as the 'proof of contact'.

It is important to note that an invitation to apply does not constitute an offer for admission to study at UNSW.

All applicants must apply online. For detailed instructions on how to submit your application and more information on admission and scholarship deadlines, go to UNSW Research.

 

Timelines for assessment

We advise you to allow four to six weeks for your EOI to be assessed by your school. 

Your EOI must be approved before you can apply formally.

We then require at least eight weeks to process your formal application-only application. If applying got a scholarship, timelines will depend on the specific scholarship round you are being considered for.  

Please refer to the HDR applicant Key Dates for relevant term start dates and scholarship round deadlines. 

Contact us

Get in touch if you have any questions about studying at UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture.