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Doctor of Philosophy – Fine Arts and Music

PhD / Doctoral.
The University of Melbourne

37

in world overall ranking*

1

in local overall ranking*
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About the course

The Doctor of Philosophy (Fine Arts and Music) is a graduate research degree focused on undertaking a substantial piece of original research under proper academic supervision within a research environment. The thesis is expected to demonstrate authority in the field, a command of relevant knowledge, and strong methodological capability, while making a distinct and original contribution to knowledge. In some disciplines, the thesis may be submitted as an integrated Creative Work and Dissertation.

What you might learn

Students develop advanced research capability through designing and executing an original research project and producing a rigorous thesis (or integrated creative work and dissertation where applicable). The program aims to build deep disciplinary expertise, critical and methodological sophistication, and the ability to communicate research findings effectively in professional and international contexts. It also supports the transition from research apprenticeship to independent scholarship within the academic community.

Career outcome

Graduates may pursue academic careers in universities and conservatoria as researchers, lecturers, and scholarly leaders in fine arts and music disciplines. The degree also supports professional pathways in arts research, creative practice with research components, cultural institutions, and specialist areas such as music therapy, music psychology, and creative arts therapies (where aligned with the research discipline). PhD training strengthens advanced skills in critical inquiry, project leadership, and high-level communication applicable across the arts and cultural sector.


Living Costs in Melbourne**


living costs restaurant icon
Restaurant
(Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant)
A$ 15 - 20
living costs house icon
Rent per Month
(1 bedroom in City Centre)
A$ 1,583 - 2,094
living costs house icon
Rent per Month
(1 bedroom Outside of Centre)
A$ 1,207 - 1,596
living costs transportation icon
Transportation
(Daily)
A$ 7 - 9
living costs utilities icon
Utilities per Month
(Electricity, Mobile & Internet)
A$ 240 - 318

Average Salary***


Salary Chart
*Source: QS World University Subjects Rankings (2026)
**Source: numbeo.com
***Source: PayScale.com (2026)

Costs

tick icon International:

A$46,976 per year

Contact us for more details

Information

tick icon Duration

4 years

tick icon Upcoming Intakes

Flexible

campus icon Campuses

Southbank

tick icon Course Code

DR-PHILFAM

hotline icon Hotline

+61 3 9663 5333

email icon Email

australia@augstudy.com

Scholarships

tick iconMELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP

Up to A$56,000

tick iconMELBOURNE GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP

Up to 100% of tuition fees

tick iconINTERNATIONAL GRADUATE MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Up to 50% of tuition fees

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