A Doctor of Philosophy enables a candidate to develop and use expertise at the frontier of a field of research and make a significant original contribution to knowledge through their research. Research is conducted over 3-4 years of full time equivalent (EFT) study* and normally results in a thesis (or its creative equivalent) of 80,000 – 100,000 words (depending on the discipline), written in English and independently examined by a minimum of three examiners external to, and independent of, the University. The Doctor of Philosophy (Creative Arts) creative equivalent may be presented as an exhibition and exegesis which is a studio-based enquiry project, and incorporates an exhibition of the studio work produced during the program and a supporting written exegesis of 20,000 - 25,000 words. The campus of study will vary depending on the location of the candidate, the supervisor and the research field.

The Doctor of Philosophy is a demonstration of a candidate's ability to conceptualise and implement an independent program of research, manage a project, organise resources, work and cooperate with colleagues and communicate effectively in writing at a high level. As a result, PhD graduates have the opportunity to pursue diverse career paths, including professions in research and academia, as well as a broad spectrum of professions in the public and private sector, including: practitioners, designers, curators, critics, arts administrators or the broader creative arts industries.