Arts - 0020
Doctorate/PhD
Monash Arts PhD is an unrivalled graduate research degree that brings big picture thinkers together with world-leading academics, field experts and sector partners to uncover the change that needs to be made in our world. Your critical, inquiring and dynamic mind will explore the challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed and embraced, and translate findings into applicable, relevant and truly impactful solutions.
At the core of the PhD degree is the Arts Advantage PhD program. This consists of an extensive, independent research project supported by at least two expert academic supervisors, enhanced by a range of activities that provide you with the skills to make an impact in academia, industry, government or the wider community.
What we offer in the Arts Advantage PhD program:
- An innovative, customisable degree that offers a range of industry and relevant professional development opportunities to support and realise your research and career ambitions.
- Immersive research partnerships with world-renowned experts in our world-class facilities, amplifying your potential to make positive change in your field and in the world.
- An unparalleled global footprint and a Guaranteed Mobility offer with our domestic and international partners, to connect you to local, national and international opportunities, expand your perspective and help you create the most relevant, influential and scalable research outcomes.
- Belonging to a tradition and network of the brightest research minds, leaders and peers in Australia and internationally, providing the reputation and networks that will enhance and propel your work.
- Your work will be housed alongside our world-renowned research centres such as the Gender, Peace and Security, Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, Monash Indigenous Studies Centre and Monash Migration and Monash Inclusion Centre.
This customisable, innovative degree is specially designed for PhD candidates who want to pioneer the change-making research in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences that will make our world a better place for all.
At a glance
Course Details
| Note: | See locations for this course on the current Handbook. |
|---|---|
Duration |
3-4 years (full time) |
Start date |
Throughout the year |
Qualification |
Doctor of Philosophy |
A PhD (Arts) involves the independent investigation of a research problem formulated by you in consultation with your supervisors. You will be required to produce a research thesis of no more than 80,000 words. A key strength of our research lies in its diversity. This is reflected in our academics who are some of the world’s most inspiring and distinguished researchers. To learn more about our cutting-edge researchers’ work across humanities, arts and social sciences, listen to our podcast and watch our documentary series.
We offer supervision across seven graduate research programs:
- Film, Media, Communications & Journalism
- Historical Studies, including History, Religious Studies, Jewish Studies and Indigenous Studies
- Linguistics & Applied Linguistics
- Literary & Cultural Studies, including Creative Writing, Languages and World Literature, Translation and Interpreting Studies
- Philosophy, including Bioethics
- Social & Political Sciences, including Anthropology, Criminology, Human Geography, Politics & International Relations, Sociology
Gender Studies - Theatre, Performance & Music
Visit the Faculty of Arts Graduate Research Website.
Amy Gibbs, Editor in Chief Pulse, PWC
PhD, Media and Comms
"[A PhD] is an investment which will never go to waste. No matter what industry you want to work in, you’ll be able to apply what you’ve learnt. The skills you gain through an Arts degree are a long-term sure thing."
Sustainable water
"I’m aiming to build a framework...[so] institutions in Melbourne and around the world can adapt to future droughts. This PhD has the capacity to inform policy, and policy will lead to strategies being put in place."
-Rhoda Darkwah, Social Sciences
Artificial intelligence
"I’ve been amazed at the number of opportunities that presented themselves as soon as I started my PhD. We need more research into these issues, because otherwise we as a society aren’t going to be equipped for their future implications."
- Josh Hatherley, Bioethics
Entry Requirements
You need to satisfy the following entrance requirements to be considered for entry to this course.
Minimum Entry Requirements (International students)
Qualifications
All applicants must be able to demonstrate a capacity to carry out independent research and have adequate training and ability to pursue the proposed course of study.
Detailed information on the admission criteria for Monash graduate research courses is available here.
English entry requirements
Sound English language skills are required for academic programs at Monash University.
Detailed information on our English language proficiency requirements is available here.
University entrance requirements
Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.
Making the application
Future students
Applications for this course can be accepted at anytime.
Applications for this course are submitted via the My.App portal.
Fees
International fee
Fees are per 48 credit points which represents a standard full-time course load for a year. The fees for 2026 are:
A$46,000
Other costs and fees
For information on other study costs and fees, see other study costs.
CRICOS code: 037831M
- Creative writing - 3940: 069109F
- Journalism - 4103: 077804E
- Music composition - 4067: 069110B
- Music performance - 4088: 072749C
- Theatre performance - 4066: 069111A
- Translation studies - 4080: 074679G