About the Program
The PhD in Arts program at GOU is designed for conducting cutting-edge critical research work in various areas of specialization in the fields including, Creative Arts, Fine Arts, Visual Culture, Art & Design, Art History, Media & Arts, History of Design, Arts and Culture, Philosophy of Art, Digital Media, Arts, and Computational Technologies among others.
Candidates enrolled in the program are expected to undertake, under academic supervision, a substantial piece of original research work in a chosen specialization area for a prescribed study period.
The program, which is offered under both the PhD by Thesis and the PhD by Publication options, is designed to develop high-standard academic research skills of our PhD candidates to be able to:
- demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and reflect critically on that knowledge and their practice
- think critically, evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation and reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge
- apply expert creative, technical, and professional skills to the field of research
- explain and critique theoretical propositions, empirical research findings, methodologies, and conclusions
- present a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards
- communicate complex research concepts, plans, and outcomes to the general community, peers, and the national and international research community
The outcome of the PhD research is expected to be a comprehensive treatment of the research subject area of study. The standard duration of the PhD in Arts program at GOU is three years. PhD students are expected to complete their Mandatory Courses and Doctoral Seminar work in the first year to progress to PhD candidature in the second year successfully.
PhD by Thesis Candidates: The PhD Candidate, under the supervision of their assigned PhD Advisor (s), is expected to devote the final two years of the PhD program to their core research work; publishing mandatory five SCOPUS-rated high-impact factor peer-reviewed journal research publications out of their research work and completing their PhD Thesis for submission to the PhD Examination Process.
PhD by Publication Candidates: The PhD Candidate, under the supervision of their assigned PhD Advisor (s), is to continue with their core research work, publishing the remaining of the stipulated number of ten to twelve SCOPUS-rated high-impact factor peer-reviewed journal research papers and developing and forming their PhD Research Portfolio (‘Thesis’) for submission to the PhD Examination Process.
- Key Information
- Program Outcomes
- Program Structure
- Targeted Learners
- Admission Requirements
- Fees
- Scholarship & Financial Aid
Key Information
Mode of Delivery
Online
Duration
36 – 48 months
Number of Modules
5
Number of Credit Hours
30
Apply Date
January 2025
Start Date
September 2025
Language
English
Program Outcomes
The PhD in Arts program at GOU sought to produce and graduate PhD degree holders who have demonstrated academic leadership, increasing independence, creativity, and innovation in their research and acquired a wide range of advanced and cutting-edge research skills. In addition, the PhD program provides advanced training designed to enhance professional knowledge in a specialist area of Arts. The University expects its doctoral graduates on the program to have the following qualities and skills:
- an ability to initiate research and formulate viable research questions;
- a demonstrated capacity to design, conduct, and report sustained and original research;
- the capacity to contextualize research within an international corpus of specialist knowledge;
- a developed ability to evaluate and synthesize research based on scholarly literature;
- a deep understanding of key disciplinary and multi-disciplinary norms and perspectives relevant to the field;
- highly developed problem-solving abilities and flexibility of approach;
- the ability to analyze critically within and across a changing disciplinary environment;
- the capacity to disseminate the results of research and scholarship by oral and written communication to a variety of audiences;
- a capacity to cooperate with and respect the contributions of fellow researchers and scholars;
- a respect for truth and intellectual integrity and the ethics of research and scholarship;
- knowledge in the management of information, including the application of computer systems and software where appropriate to the Candidate’s field of study;
- an understanding of the relevance and value of their research to national and international communities of scholars and collaborators; and
- an awareness, where appropriate, of issues related to intellectual property management and the commercialization of innovation.
| Number of Modules | Credit Per Module | Total Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Phd Mandatory Courses | 5 | 6 | 30 |
| Total | 30 |
The PhD Mandatory Courses
- Research Philosophy, Approach & Methodology (6 Credits)
- Doctoral Seminar (6 Credits)
- Advanced Doctoral Seminar (6 Credits)
- Advanced Statistical Methods for Research (6 Credits)
- Three Independent Study Mandatory Core Courses relevant to the Candidate’s area of research specialization (3 Credits each) [Competency-Based Flexible Entry Candidates ONLY]
The PhD Reserch Output Submission and Examination
PhD by Thesis Candidates
Candidates enrolled in the PhD by Thesis option of the program must undertake comprehensive and intensive cutting-edge critical research work based on their approved PhD research topic under guidance. Candidates are expected to write and submit a PhD Thesis based on their research work for examination through the viva voce process. They may also be required to occasionally attend and present progress reports on their research work at special online seminar sessions hosted by the relevant subject matter PhD Research Committee.
PhD by Publication Candidates
Candidates enrolled in the PhD by Publication option must undertake comprehensive and intensive cutting-edge critical research work based on their approved PhD research topic under guidance. Candidates are expected to write and submit a PhD Research Portfolio based on their research publications for examination through the viva voce process. They may be required to occasionally attend and present progress reports on their research publications at special online seminar sessions hosted by the relevant subject matter PhD Research Committee.
The PhD Examination Process
The PhD in Information Technology examination process at GOU is the same for the PhD by Thesis and the PhD by Publication programs. Based on their submitted PhD Thesis/PhD Research Portfolio, candidates will undergo a PhD examination process involving assessment of their Thesis/Research Portfolio document by Examiners and go through a PhD viva voce examination process to defend their work.
Targeted Learners
Academic Requirements
Academic Qualification Requirements
TRACK A – DIRECT ENTRY
The Direct Entry Candidates for admission to this program must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university.
TRACK B – COMPETENCY-BASED FLEXIBLE ENTRY
The Competency-Based Flexible Entry Candidate must:
- Possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university with five years post qualification experience
- Provide evidence of relevant Prior Learning/Work Experience
- Take and pass a Research Competency Flexible Entry Examination at GOU.
Upon admission to the PhD program, Competency-Based Flexible Entry Candidates will also be required to take three mandatory core courses relevant to their research subject area through Independent Study.
English Requirements
Proficiency in the English Language is a requirement for admission to this program. Applicants who need to improve their English to the required proficiency level can enroll in GOU’s English Language Proficiency Course.
PhD/Doctorate Degree is $2500/Trimester
GOU has in place a competitive Scholarship and Financial Aid scheme for qualified and needy students seeking admission to any program of study. Prospective students should contact the Student Admissions Office (admissions@gou.university) for eligibility details and on the application process.
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