Charles Sturt University

What you'll study

The PhD in Arts Education is an independent, research-focused programme. Candidates undertake an original research project under academic supervision, culminating in a doctoral thesis and an oral examination. Research topics commonly address areas such as curriculum and pedagogy in visual arts, music, drama and media arts; arts integration across the curriculum; assessment and portfolio practices; community and cultural arts education; arts-based research methodologies; and policy and equity in arts provision.

Although there are no prescribed taught units like a coursework degree, candidates normally participate in a suite of research training activities. Typical components include:

• Research methods and ethics training — advanced qualitative, quantitative and arts-based methods, and institutional human research ethics processes.
• Research proposal and confirmation — developing and defending a detailed research plan early in candidature.
• Professional development — academic writing, publication and presentation skills, grant-writing, and teaching in higher education where relevant.
• Milestones — periodic progress reviews, milestone reports, and a final thesis submission and oral viva voce examination.
• Engagement — expectation of presenting at conferences, publishing in peer-reviewed journals and engaging with schools, arts organisations or community partners as appropriate to the project.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a relevant postgraduate qualification, typically a research master’s degree (with a substantial thesis component) or an honours degree with first-class or upper second-class (division 1) honours in a related discipline. Applicants with substantial professional experience in arts education and evidence of research capacity may also be considered, usually supported by a research proposal and academic references.

All applicants must submit a research proposal outlining the intended project, proposed methods, potential supervisors and how the project aligns with Charles Sturt’s research strengths. Shortlisted candidates are usually interviewed by potential supervisors. International applicants and those whose prior study was not in English must meet the university’s English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Arts Education pursue a range of careers in higher education and beyond. Common career pathways include:

• Academic roles — university lecturer, researcher and postdoctoral fellow in arts education, curriculum studies or related disciplines.
• School leadership and curriculum development — roles as head of department, curriculum coordinator or specialist advisor in K–12 systems.
• Policy and advocacy — positions in education departments, cultural policy units or arts advocacy organisations shaping arts education policy and funding.
• Community arts and museum education — leadership roles designing and evaluating community arts programs, outreach and informal learning initiatives.
• Consultancy and professional development — independent consultant providing teacher professional learning, program evaluation and arts education resources.

Why study at Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt has a longstanding reputation in teacher education and applied research in regional and community settings. The university offers dedicated support for higher degree by research candidates, including supervisory teams with expertise in arts education, regular research training workshops, and opportunities to collaborate with schools, museums and arts organisations across regional campuses.

Candidates benefit from flexible study modes, including on-campus and distance-supervised options, which suit practising educators. The Faculty of Arts and Education and allied research centres provide access to specialised facilities, networks for dissemination, and a collegial HDR community. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact potential supervisors to discuss project alignment and available supervisory expertise before applying.