Preparing for a Practice-based PhD in Fine Art, Design, and Film

Young scholars, starting – or wanting to start – a PhD often find themselve confronted with a number of obstacles. PhD programs in fine art, design, and film can present unique challenges compared to traditional academic disciplines.

Balancing theory and practice PhD programs in creative fields typically require to produce a significant body of original creative work, while also engaging in rigorous academic research and writing. Finding the right balance between these two aspects can be challenging, as scholars need to be able to justify their practice decisions through research and/or analysis.

Subjectivity of evaluation In creative fields, evaluations of the research work can be highly subjective and influenced by personal taste. Scholars need to be able to justify their practice-work choices in a way that is compelling to a certain range of audiences, including those who may not share their artistic perspective.

Limited job opportunities Unlike some other academic fields, jobs in fine art, design, and film can be highly competitive and difficult to secure. Scholars may need to be prepared to pursue alternative career paths or seek out non-traditional job opportunities.

Long program length PhD programs in creative fields can take longer to complete than programs in other academic disciplines, often requiring several years of research and creative work. Scholars will need to be prepared for a long-term commitment to their studies and the theoretical as well as practice-oriented process.

Limited funding opportunities While some PhD programs in creative fields may offer funding opportunities, these are often limited compared to other disciplines. Scholars may need to be prepared to self-fund their studies or seek external funding sources.

For those who are interested in practice-based research, an online course developed by Axel Rachel Mader and Axel Vogelsang at HSLU might be of interest. The free online course ‘Preparing for a Practice-based PhD in Fine Art, Design, and Film’, starting on May 6, 2023, provides insight into specific projects and guides through the various stages of a PhD. The course takes six weeks (2 hours per week), can be started at any time, and completed at one’s own pace. Until six weeks after enrollment, the course is accessible free of charge. Afterwards, the usual course fees apply. Starting on the 6th of May until the 16th of June, it will offer a facilitated run. The course authors will support participants with their individual concerns and questions. In this teaser, Rachel Mader and Axel Vogelsang talk about the motivation and goals for the online course.