Doctor of Visual Arts in Photography

VUT Research offers students the chance to complete a Doctor of Visual Arts in Photography. This qualification attests to the highest level of academic and/or professional competency in the chosen discipline and related professional domain. Students who are accepted into the programme need to show levels of critical and creative competence that are in line with the level and complexity required to contribute to the field of investigation. The curriculum consists of a full research thesis or a thesis integrated with a body of creative work, requiring independent thought and creative competence that results in knowledge contribution within the field.

Doctor of Visual Arts in Photography

Build Your Future In Photography

  • International Focus -VUT Research’s degrees and academic programmes are internationally recognised
  • Facilities -At VUT Research we have world-class research facilities and resource access.

Doctor of Visual Arts in Photography Course Requirements

In order for students to gain admission to complete a Doctor of Visual Arts in Photography they need to have successfully completed a relevant Masters or equivalent approved by SAQA with an average of 65% and a minimum of 60% for the Research Methodology module or course. Students also need to submit proof of previous research experience as well as their CV regarding academic history. This needs to be submitted to the head of the department.

In addition to the academic qualifications stated above, the following admission criteria also need to be satisfied before a recommendation for admission to complete a Doctor of Visual Arts in Photography can be made:

  • The proposed topic must be appropriate for higher degree research and it must be consistent with the academic aims and objectives of the student.

  • The student must have access to the necessary resources, facilities and the necessary budget in order to complete the degree within the timeframe.

  • There must be a qualified staff member holding confirmed, continuous or fixed-term appointments of sufficient length for the purposes of supervision of the proposed research and student.

  • The proposed program of work must be able to be completed within the maximum period of submission for the degree.

  • A suitable level of contact with the university supervisors must be maintained.

  • Where the applicant is currently employed, capacity to meet the timelines and other requirements must be considered.

  • The proposed research cannot reproduce research that has previously been submitted for the award of a degree or diploma.

  • Where the intellectual property rights of the applicant may be a consideration, a suitable agreement protecting the rights of the student needs to be signed. If the student is unwilling to sign an agreement, the research proposal may not be approved and the student may be required to choose another topic in an area that is not commercially sensitive.

  • The applicant should have no outstanding financial obligation with the University and in the case of international applicants, they should be able to verify the necessary financial capacity to undertake the program.

  • The applicant must possess sufficient English language proficiency.

Photography Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Doctor of Visual Arts in Photography can enjoy career opportunities in a variety of industries, including marketing and advertising, art galleries, publishing companies as well as being able to start their own businesses in photography where they will be able to choose what they want to focus on. Students who have completed a Doctor of Visual Arts in Photography have achieved the highest qualification within their field and can now be considered experts at what they do. They are able to take up management positions and to further advance their careers in photography. Graduates have the skills and knowledge to make a contribution to their industry as well as leading others in further academic studies in the field.

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