PhD
Course code: 101
INTRODUCTION
The Doctor of Philosophy is the major research degree offered by the University of Melbourne. The Centre offers a supervised research program in cultural material conservation, culminating in a thesis of 80,000 words. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in cultural materials conservation.
The program may be undertaken over 3 years full time or 6 years part time.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The usual minimum requirement for admission to PhD candidature is a four-year honours degree from an Australian university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent. In exceptional circumstances, a person who does not have qualifications equivalent to a four-year honours degree may be considered for admission, if that person's experience in research and the results of that experience, are so outstanding that the person is likely to have the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Centre will consider applicants who have a three year undergraduate degree in cultural material conservation or equivalent with at least a H2B (70%) level average in relevant subjects, and at least five years of documented professional work experience as a conservator. In considering these applications, the Selection Committee will take into account the applicant's likelihood of success in completing the research and writing the thesis. In making its decision the Selection Committee will consider the applicant's previous research and publication experience, and the research potential of the proposed topic.
The Selection Committee may require the applicant to provide referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.
Applicants require a high level of English language proficiency. International students require an overall English language score of not less that IELTS 7.0, with a minimum score on each band of not less than 6.0. For full details of the University's english language requirements, see the Future Students page.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy are strongly advised to contact the PhD coordinator at the Centre, in the first instance, to discuss their proposed area of research. A preliminary research proposal of at least 600 words is required before submitting a formal application. Applicants should provide as much information as possible about their research interests and should outline the area of intended research. The proposal should indicate familiarity with important relevant literature in the area. A comprehensive literature review is not required at this time, however a short bibliography should be included. This information is needed to determine whether the University of Melbourne can provide the supervision and the resources to facilitate the proposed field of research.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
PhD graduates in Cultural Material Conservation from the University of Melbourne will be able to:
- demonstrate academic leadership in the field of cultural material conservation;
- demonstrate a capacity for articulating conservation research questions and increasing independence, creativity and innovation in their research work;
- appreciate and contribute to national and international debates, protocols and conventions relevant to cultural material conservation;
- act as informed advocates for cultural material conservation and play a leadership role within the sector, actively engaging in critical policy issues;
- bring an appreciation of cultural diversity, community sensitivities and a changing social context to the scientific and historical paradigms that exist within the cultural heritage and conservation sectors;
- can apply critical and analytical skills and methods, and a cross disciplinary understanding and approach, to the identification and resolution of conservation issues;
- can express research findings in lucid, well constructed arguments which use appropriate scientific and social conventions of documentation.
In addition, graduates will develop the following more generic skills:
- an advanced ability to initiate research and to formulate viable research questions;
- a demonstrated capacity to design, conduct and report sustained and original research;
- an advanced ability to evaluate and synthesize research-based and scholarly literature;
- highly developed problem-solving abilities and flexibility of approach;
- the ability to analyse critically within and across a changing disciplinary environment;
- a capacity to cooperate with and respect the contributions of fellow researchers and scholars;
- a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of research and scholarship.
For further information about the Doctor of Philosophy research degree please contact:
Marcelle Scott
Academic Programs Coordinator
The Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation
AND
Visit the School of Graduate Research website for further information and application forms.