Degree type
PhD, Masters by research
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart, Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Material cultures/Making cultures seeks projects that aim to expand current knowledge of making through critical, creative and experimental engagement with materials, methodologies and discourses in contemporary creative practice.
Proposals are sought for PhD projects that examine the ways we think about, construct and consume the materials and objects of everyday life, and the natural world. This could be in relation to new and emerging potentials for making in a local and global context. What innovations can be made by focusing on the material aspects of creative practice? What are the cultural components of engaging with these materials? The project may also incorporate community-engaged creative practices and site-specificity as key methodologies.
Drawing on the School of Creative Arts and Media's track record in reuse, repair and making cultures, proposals should identify a research project that fits within the broad project description with a clearly articulated project that demonstrates how the key concepts and proposed methods will contribute to new creative futures and innovation.
Applicants are encouraged to develop a proposal that aligns with one of the following intersecting areas:
-Technological and emergent raw materials and material thinking
-Future making: speculative, experimental and propositional methods
-Reclamation of waste, salvaging and environmental responsibility
-Renewal: repair, reuse and longevity
-Lifespan, decay and disposal
-The legacy, documentation, archiving and communication of ephemeral projects
-Objects, collecting, resonance
-Remix, recycling and playfulness with media materiality
This project is suitable to applicants with backgrounds in visual arts, design, and where relevant, media and communication, music, or performance. Applicants working across disciplines are also encouraged to apply.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants are expected to have a strong background and current practice in the Creative Arts Including Art, Craft, Design, Theatre, Music and Media
- Demonstrated research and analytical skills, and written communication skills
- Proposals should identify a research project that fits within the broad project description, with a clearly articulated topic and field of interest, key concepts and methods, and identify how these will contribute to new creative futures and innovation
- Applicants are required to submit a folio of creative and written work or provide a website that includes examples of these
- Applications are open to domestic students only
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, creative or professional practice in the field of the thesis
- A demonstrated knowledge of research, and research methodologies relevant to the focus of the thesis.
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Steven Carson to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 February 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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