Doctor of Philosophy in Film, Television and Digital Media (Practice-based PhD)
The aim of this four year full-time/ six year part-time research programme is the generation of a contribution to knowledge and understanding in Film, Television and Digital Media by means of enquiry conducted through practice-based research methods. During the programme, students receive training in research methods and complete a research project based on a key research question. Students are also expected to:
PHD ADMISSIONS
To be eligible to enter on a course of study and research for the Degree of PhD., a candidate must have reached a high Honours Standard, at the Examination for the Primary Degree, or presented such other evidence as will satisfy the Head of School and the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies of his/her fitness.
Stage 1 Students should approach the Assistant Director of Research at the Huston School (niamh.doheny@nuigalway.ie) with their proposal, references and portfolio of work. There will then be a detailed discussion of the possibility of pursuing a PhD. All eligible applicants are interviewed.
Stage 2 Applicants submit a revised research proposal for discussion and further revision that is suitable for formal application and registration through PAC.
Please click here to download the PAC user guidelines
PROGRAMMES OF ENQUIRY
We welcome proposals for practice-based PhDs in the following aspects of film and digital media:
Students may also propose research projects outside these criteria for consideration by the Huston School of Film & Digital Media. A proposal for a research project should outline the field of enquiry and the key research question, together with an indication of the research methods envisaged. We welcome informal enquiries in advance of a formal application, and we will assist shortlisted applicants to develop their proposals. Guidelines for PhD applications are given on our website www.filmschool.ie In the first year students may take courses in research methods and critical studies at the Huston School and participate in the PhD induction programme of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies at NUI, Galway.
SUPERVISION
Supervision is undertaken by a supervision committee led by the Director, Rod Stoneman and including members of other Departments and Centres at the National University of Ireland, Galway and the Burren College of Art, as appropriate. Prior agreement by a member of staff to mentor a new student is an important consideration in acceptance of students into the PhD programme.
ASSESSMENT
Students will receive an oral examination in the first year so as to ‘confirm’ her/his status as a doctoral student
- This examination will be conducted by the student’s supervisory committee during the period April to June; a second opportunity to present for the oral will be provided before the end of August
- The supervisory committee will provide continuous scrutiny of the student’s progress throughout the duration of the programme
- Students whose PhD status remains ‘unconfirmed’ after the second attempt at the oral may be recommended for transfer to the standard MLitt (year 2)
- The opportunity for transfer may also be provided at the end of second year
- The supervisory committee will report to the College Office on student progress, recommending either continuation on the PhD track or a change of status to MLitt
- In normal circumstances the principal supervisor will remain in place for the duration of the M.Litt
There are two stages in the final assessment: at the end of the first year to determine eligibility for progression; and at the end of the programme of research to determine the outcome of the project. Two defined pieces of work (at least one of which must be written) must be achieved by the end of the first years in order to progress further towards completion. The final examination is in three principal parts: the submission of a body of work that embodies the contribution to knowledge and understanding, normally by a finished film or films; a reflective analysis of the theoretical and historical context of the research; and a critical review of the process of the research. The reflective analysis and the critical review are subject to a maximum combined word count of 60-80,000 words and a minimum word count of 10,000 words each. Students also submit a 500 word summary of the contribution to knowledge and understanding together with documentation of the work, and participate in a viva voce examination. All three elements of the examination must be passed. The submission is examined with reference to the initial aims of the research project.
OUTCOME
By the time of graduation, students should also demonstrate a mastery of knowledge-based, research-based and practice-based competencies appropriate to their specialisation. Professional doctoral dissertations are usually based on an in-depth research project by the student and are intended to permit the student to apply relevant theory and knowledge as well as demonstrate skills in analysis of a major problem and to contribute to the improvement of practice in the student's area of specialisation. Completion of a Practice-based PhD demonstrates that the student has learned investigative techniques, has made a contribution to knowledge and has developed skills that will prove useful in assuming a professional role.
AWARD OF PHD
The PhD is awarded by the National University of Ireland, Galway within the regulations and terms for the PhD degree and subject to the guidelines and protocols of the University, as published in the General Calendar of the University, and other sources as may be in place from time to time.
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