This professional development degree, with an integrated program of independent research and coursework, will help you extend your studio research and practice and make original conceptual advancements in your discipline. You will develop the expertise needed to provide leadership in your field, and you will gain research skills and the ability to articulate a theoretical position within a visual arts discourse.

Doctor of Visual Arts
About
Requirements
Entry Requirements
For admission as a candidate, an applicant will:
- hold a Bachelor degree with first-class or second-class Honours (Division A) or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution; or
- hold a Masters degree from a recognised institution or equivalent qualification deemed by the Dean, Griffith Graduate Research School to be of a standard comparable at least to a Bachelor degree with second class Honours (Division A); or
- possess a record of research or a qualification granted by a professional or other body, deemed by the Dean, Griffith Graduate Research School to be of a standard comparable at least to a bachelors degree with second-class Honours (Division A)
- have been enrolled in a research Masters degree at the University for not less than one year as a full-time candidate and two years as a part-time candidate and will have had their work as a research Masters candidate certified by the Dean to be of a standard required for candidature in a professional doctorate.
Students admitted to the Doctor of Visual Arts program will normally hold previous qualifications in the visual arts area.
Prospective students must confirm prior to application that their chosen project can be conducted within the appropriate concentration area (i.e. check the availability of supervision, resources etc). If specialist equipment or computer programs are required, this must be stated on the student's application form.
When applying, applicants must submit a written research proposal outlining the nature of the studio project they wish to undertake and the supporting research question for their dissertation. Applicants will also be requested to present a current folio of their most outstanding work and a curriculum vitae.
Refer to the Equivalent Qualifications for HDR Program Admission web page.
The following University policy will apply to Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs:
English Requirements
- PTEMin 58
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English.
All Higher Degree Research (HDR) applicants are expected to have reached an appropriate level of proficiency in English. International applicants must provide documentary evidence of their English Language Proficiency (ELP). Further, there may be occasions when a Head of Element or Dean feels it is appropriate to seek confirmation of ELP from applicants for whom there is no formal requirement to provide evidence of ELP (for example, Australian citizens or applicants with permanent resident status whose tertiary studies were not conducted in English or International applicants who have undertaken some studies in English). Full documentary evidence in support of English proficiency must be submitted with applications for candidature.
The minimum English Language proficiency requirements for applicants to Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs are as follows:
- A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0
- OR a minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE
- OR a score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19
- OR a score of no less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
- OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
- OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.
Only in-person tests are accepted.
English test results must be no more than two years old prior to the commencement of the program.
Applicants should be aware that these test scores are the minimum scores required by Griffith University for most disciplinary areas and that some elements may require higher levels of proficiency.
An applicant may be exempted from the requirement to provide an ELP test score if the applicant's tertiary level studies were completed within the specified timeframe and in one of the countries listed in the University's Admission Schedule: English Language Proficiency.
An applicant may also be exempted from the requirement to provide an ELP test score if the applicant has completed at least two years full-time work experience in an English speaking professional work environment or has successfully completed the Griffith English Language Institute (GELI) Direct Entry Program (DEP) in accordance with the requirements as specified in the University's Admission Schedule: English Language Proficiency.
The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.
Career
Build on your expertise to provide leadership in your respective field, enhance the quality of your professional practice, research skills, and the ability to articulate a theoretical position within a visual arts discourse.
Fee Information
How to Apply
1. Choose the degree
At Griffith we offer hundreds of study options. Our study website will help you find the best degree for you.
2. Entry requirements
Check you meet the academic and English language entry requirements in the Degree finder.
Consider a pathway option if you don’t meet the direct entry requirements.
3. Check if you are eligible for credit
If you have existing formal qualifications or relevant work experience, you may be eligible to receive credit which will reduce the duration of your study.
To apply, provide details of your previous qualification or work experience in the ‘credit for previous study’ section when you submit your application. You may be required to supply detailed course outlines of your previous qualification(s) in English.
4. Prepare supporting documentation
Prepare supporting documentation including:
- a certified* copy of your academic results (translated into English if applicable)
- a certified* copy of your English test results (if available) and
- if you are applying for a music or visual arts degree you may need to submit a portfolio of work, or audition (see individual program for details)
Sponsored students
Sponsored students must also supply documents confirming:
- sponsor
- program(s) being supported
- duration of support
- inclusions such as tuition fees and Overseas Student Health Cover.
*To certify your documents, a Justice of the Peace or other public notary—lawyer, policeman, solicitor, embassy official—must see your original documents, and sign and stamp the copies for you.
5. Apply
Apply online or through an international registered recruitment representative.
If you are currently studying at an Australian high school you may apply through QTAC.
Application dates
We recommend you apply for undergraduate and postgraduate programs by:
- 31 January (to start Trimester 1)
- 3 June (to start Trimester 2)
- 30 September (to start Trimester 3).
You must allow enough time for your visa application to be processed, to allow you to arrive in time for Orientation. Some programs have different application closing dates. Check if this applies to your program on the
Track your application
If you applied online, login to our International Application System.
If you applied through an agent, check with your registered Griffith agent or provider.
Doctor of Visual Arts
Griffith University
Australia, Southport