Doctoral Programme in Fine Arts: Previous curricula

Published 24.5.2023 | Updated 29.4.2024

Doctoral studies pursued at the Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Helsinki provide the means and opportunity to engage in the independent and creative activity of artistic research. Artistic research is multidisciplinary research grounded in the artists and their art. The doctoral programme at KuvA produces artist-researchers specialised in fine arts.

Artist-researchers develop and renew the arts and their practice, research and instruction. They engage in pluralistic and critical dialogue with the various actors in society. As specialists in their respective fields they practice art and produce knowledge, skills and comprehension based on art practise that can be utilised and applied in both the arts and other areas of society. Doctoral studies at the University of the Arts develop the artist-researchers’ ability to apply the proficiency he or she has obtained as an artist, researcher, pedagogue and specialist.

Curriculum 1.8.2022

Academy of Fine Arts, Doctor of Fine Arts degree, enters into force on 1/8/2022: Contents and learning outcomes.
AC 1/6/2021, approved by the Board on 31/8/2021.

Structure of the target degree

The target degree of the Doctoral Programme in Fine Arts at Uniarts Helsinki, Academy of Fine Arts is Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA). It comprises of 240 ECTS, which corresponds with four years of full-time studies. The degree can be completed in Finnish, Swedish, or English.

The degree of Doctor in Fine Arts consists of the doctoral thesis and doctoral studies:

K-Jo Doctoral thesis in Fine Arts 170 ECTS

K-Ji Doctoral studies in Fine Arts 70 ECTS

• K-Ji-10 Artistic research seminars 46 ECTS
  • K- Ji-11 Thematic seminars 14 ECTS
  • K-Ji-12 Research seminar 8 ECTS
  • K-Ji-13 Thesis circle 2 ECTS
  • K-Ji-14 Methodological studies 6 ECTS
  • K-Ji-15 Writing 8 ECTS
  • K-Ji-18 Waypoint seminar 4 ECTS
  • K-Ji-17 Exhibition practices of artistic research 2 ECTS
• K-Ji-20 Research skills 14 ECTS
  • K-Ji-21 Orientation week 1 ECTS
  • K-Ji-22 Conference presentation 2 ECTS
  • K-Ji-23 Symposium 5 ECTS
  • K-Ji-24 Publishing 4 ECTS
  • K-Ji-25 Ethics in the arts and research 2 ECTS
  • K-Ji-26 General research skills 2 ECTS
• K-Ji-30 Optional studies 10 ECTS

Learning outcomes of the degree

Here are the general learning outcomes of the doctoral degree in fine arts. The more specific contents and learning outcomes of the doctoral studies and doctoral thesis are described after this section under their own titles.

A person who has completed a Doctor of Fine Arts degree is an expert in their field of study. They:

• have the skills and knowledge to engage in independent artistic research
• can carry out an artistic research project based on a motivated and well-argued research proposal
• can critically evaluate the stages of the artistic research process and their outcomes, and to take part in the social and research-based public discourse in their field of specialisation in an expert role
• know how to document the different processes of artistic research and to communicate the contents of their research in various contexts
• can identify important and topical phenomena related to their field and to engage in their critical evaluation
• know how to put their acquired knowledge to practice and to work methodically, professionally, and creatively in the arts and artistic research
• can work in collaboration with experts both from their own field and from other fields
• understand the ethical dimensions of their practice in the context of arts and research and work in a fair and responsible manner

K-Ji Doctoral studies in Fine Arts 70 ECTS

K-Ji-10 Artistic research seminars 46 ECTS

Contents: This study module consists of several thematic seminars, and it is primarily intended to be completed during the first two years of studies. The thesis circle, which can also be taken at a later stage in the studies, is an exception to this principle.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student acquires a diverse knowledge of the contexts of artistic research. They become acquainted with a variety of methods and reporting practices that can be employed in artistic research. They are familiar with the starting points of both experimental and practice-based research and know how to use them creatively in their own research. Furthermore, the doctoral student can develop a research approach that is motivated in the context of their personal project and provide arguments in support of this approach. They learn about different documentation and reporting techniques and improve their writing skills from the perspective of their own research. They acquire the skills necessary for the organisation of artistic setups that are motivated from the perspective of their research.

K- Ji-11 Thematic seminars 14 ECTS

Contents: Thematic seminars comprise a study unit with a changing annual focus. The seminars are organised independently from each other, and they provide the participants with an opportunity to examine artistic research in a broader cultural context.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student learns about the ontological, epistemological, and social questions pertaining to artistic research. They are familiar with the basic theories and concepts and can employ them in their own research. Furthermore, they can contextualise their own research setting with artistic research and other fields of research more generally.

K-Ji-12 Research seminar 8 ECTS

Contents: The research seminar is a study unit where each doctoral student organises a seminar that focuses directly on their own research and where they discuss the progress of their research project once a year. The seminar work includes group discussions of the newly developed artistic and written components of the student’s doctoral thesis. The critical assessment performed in the group is intended to facilitate the student’s progress and to allow them to reach more profound conclusions in their research. In general, the student’s supervisor(s), as well as possible external experts, are invited by the student to participate in the seminar. The successful completion of the research seminar requires that the doctoral student takes an active part in the seminar work for a minimum of two years. Participation in the Research Days can be included as part of the research seminar.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student

• can provide a well-organised account of the progress of their research to the seminar participants and knows how to introduce any acute challenges pertaining to the research project as a topic for peer discussion
• can actively seek feedback on their own research and knows how to give feedback to other doctoral students
• is able contextualise elements of their artistic practice with the research project as a whole

K-Ji-13 Thesis circle 2 ECTS

Contents: The thesis circle is a peer-support group that helps the participants make progress in their writing process. The study unit is intended to be taken in the final stages of the doctoral research project when the doctoral student is compiling the different components of the doctoral thesis into a manuscript.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student

• knows how to organise extensive written texts
• actively asks for feedback on the organisation of their doctoral thesis
• is able to provide critical comments on their peers’ research
• acquires skills with which they can analyse writing as a process and a creative practice

K-Ji-14 Methodological studies 6 ECTS

Contents: This study unit is organised as a practicum, and it familiarises the doctoral student with the essential connections and questions pertaining to artistic practices and methodological experimentations. The doctoral students formulate artistic research arrangements based on clearly defined themes that arise from their own research. These arrangements are then shared with the peer group so that they can be analysed and critically discussed. Experimental arrangements or exercises can function as a context for seeing how the artistic components work, or they can deal with topics, components, or questions that need clarification. This working method also allows the
doctoral student to clarify the structure of the methodological tools, concepts, and problems related to their artistic research and to learn to express them more clearly. If the doctoral student has completed a course on the methodology of a specialised field of study, they can be given credit for that as part of this study unit.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student

• understands the relationships between the artistic practices and methodological problems and solutions related to the construction of knowledge in artistic research
• is familiar with the international methodological discourse and concepts in the field
• knows the methodological approaches and concepts that are relevant, topical, and essential from the perspective of artistic research and the contexts of contemporary art, and knows how to apply them in a motivated way in their own research
• is familiar with the epistemological and methodological approaches employed in artistic research and can identify their diverse relationships with the multidisciplinary field of research and society

K-Ji-15 Writing 8 ECTS

Contents: The study unit of writing supports the doctoral student in their independent artistic research as part of a research community. The doctoral student learns about various practices and techniques of academic and creative writing at different stages of their studies.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student

• understands how the concepts work in relation to the artistic practice and knows how to formulate and apply them consistently in their own research
• learns about the boundary conditions and practices of academic writing and knows how to apply them in their own research
• familiarises themselves with the opportunities presented by creative writing in the field of artistic research and learns to appreciate writing as a method of conducting artistic research

K-Ji-18 Waypoint seminar 4 ECTS

Contents: This study unit is targeted at doctoral students who are hitting the halfway mark of their doctoral studies. It is organised as an intensive seminar, where the individual components which the doctoral students have already finished are discussed, and a plan for completing the doctoral thesis is formulated. The study unit includes an advance assignment pertaining to the organisation of the doctoral thesis, which the doctoral student completes before the start of the seminar.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student

• can explain the connections between the different parts of their research project
• can identify and explicate the problematic parts of their research and knows how to seek assistance in the resolution of the issues
• can make decisions that allow them to finish the doctoral thesis
• knows how to improve the documentation strategies related to their research by making them more specific

K-Ji-17 Exhibition practices of artistic research 2 ECTS

Contents: This study unit provides the doctoral student with the skills and knowledge to critically evaluate, develop, and adapt the exhibition practices of artistic research. The unit encourages the doctoral student to reflect upon the exhibition practices of artistic research, which they can use to promote their own research at its different stages either by experimenting with a more extensive component or a more detailed, but fragmentary component. The students taking part in the unit develop and critically discuss various exhibition practices of artistic research, such as the exhibition, article, intervention, studio, processes that extend beyond the walls of the studio or the practice space, and other kinds of individual and collective forms and combinations of public performance.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student

• becomes acquainted with different exhibition practices of artistic research and learns to develop them and to connect them with their own research in a motivated way
• can identify formats, methods, and experimental arrangements of public presentation that are relevant to the promotion of their research at its different stages
• recognises the benefits of the feedback received both from peers and from other people and knows how to critically contextualise the feedback so that it can lead to improvements in their personal research project

K-Ji-20 Research skills 14 ECTS

Contents: The studies included in this study module are compulsory. They are primarily intended to be completed during the first two years of study apart from the symposium, which can also be completed near the end of the studies.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student acquires the basic skills required to work in a multidisciplinary research community and becomes better acquainted with conducting artistic research in an interactive relationship with both Finnish and international agents. The doctoral student is ready to take part in academic discourse and to organise events pertaining to artistic research. They know how to pursue connections that are relevant to their own research. With supervision, the doctoral student can create an introduction of an artistic research project that is ready for publication. The individual courses included in the study module are organised as lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent work.

K-Ji-21 Orientation week 1 ECTS

Contents: The orientation week provides the doctoral student with the prerequisites to carry out their studies at the Academy of Fine Arts of the University of the Arts Helsinki. During the orientation week, the doctoral student learns to understand the doctoral studies more generally in terms of the contents of the studies and from the perspective of the advancement of their own study path. They also learn to understand the structure of the doctoral studies from the perspective of Uniarts Helsinki’s community and the peer community of the doctoral research programme.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student

• knows how to work as part of the operating environment and research community of the University of the Arts Helsinki and the Academy of Fine Arts
• understands the curriculum and the objectives of the degree and knows how to make a Personal Study Plan (PSP)
• knows the operating principles and practices of the Academy of Fine Arts
• knows how to make use of the Study Services and the Research Support Services
• knows how to seek information and to promote their studies independently
• is aware of the funding agents in research and knows how to apply for research funding
• is familiar with the contents of Uniarts Helsinki’s Ethical Code of Conduct and knows how to find information about the principles concerning research ethics
• becomes acquainted with the use of the Research Catalogue platform in order to promote their research, present it in public, and learn about the pre-examination process

K-Ji-22 Conference presentation 2 ECTS

Contents: The doctoral student learns about the practices of academic discourse by presenting their own research in relevant conferences or symposia.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student

• knows the most important conferences in their own field
• is familiar with the presentation practices of a conference in artistic research
• knows how to submit a conference abstract and to fund and budget their participation
• can prepare and present a conference paper
• can form contacts and networks that are personally relevant to them
• knows how to publish their paper in conference proceedings

K-Ji-23 Symposium 5 ECTS

Contents: The doctoral student plans, coordinates, and organises a symposium related to their own research.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student

• knows how to organise and coordinate an academic symposium
• can actively take part in academic discourse
• is able to create and maintain contacts that support their research

K-Ji-24 Publishing 4 ECTS

Contents: The doctoral student produces a publication to appear in a suitable research publication. This publication can be a written article, a mixed-media exposition, or an editorial work.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student

• knows how to make a publication proposal and to formulate a research publication
• is aware of the relevant peer-reviewed publication channels in their field and the research-based criteria employed by these publications
• is familiar with the peer-review process and understands its relevance to research
• can accept critical feedback and improve the quality of their research

K-Ji-25 Ethics in the arts and research 2 ECTS

Contents: This study unit is jointly organised for doctoral students from all the Academies of Uniarts Helsinki. The studies on ethics offered at Uniarts Helsinki include a course on the ethics of art and research (2 ECTS), the online course on research ethics (1 ECTS), as well as other courses. Both the course on the ethics of art and research and the online course on research ethics are compulsory for the doctoral students of the
Academy of Fine Arts. This is because the contents and questions pertaining to ethics are varied, on the one hand, and particular to the individual fields of study, on the other.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student

• knows what responsible conduct of research includes
• learns what is meant by research misconduct and plagiarism in the context of research and knows how to act when encountering them
• knows how to request an ethical review from the Ethics Committee of Uniarts Helsinki
• understands how shared authorship can be agreed upon with other researchers, artists, and collaborating partners
• understands the ethical values and discourses pertaining to the arts and research as well as their varied contexts
• identifies the various power relations that exist in university politics and arts politics
• recognises ethical questions that are relevant to their own research
• identifies different ways of creating and promoting art and research in an ethically, ecologically, and socially responsible way

K-Ji-26 General research skills 2 ECTS

Contents: This study unit provides the doctoral student with skills and knowledge that are necessary for researchers at various stages of their research career. The study unit increases the doctoral student’s expertise pertaining to information retrieval, data management, data security issues, and research communications, and improves their
skills in writing an abstract or a proposal for a conference or an artistic research event, as well as their data protection skills. After completing this study unit, the doctoral student has gained new skills and knowledge to identify questions that are particularly relevant at different stages of their research career and to consider how to manage work-related stress in a meaningful way. Parts of the study unit are organised jointly with the other academies of Uniarts Helsinki. This also provides the doctoral students from different academies with an organic way to meet new people and to form networks within their research community.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student

• masters the basic practical skills required in research
• acknowledges the different stages in a researcher’s career and the questions that are especially relevant to each stage
• knows how to look for references by making use of various channels of information retrieval
• recognises the challenges pertaining to data security and is aware of the relevant solutions to them
• knows how to write a brief report of their research that is suitable for the given context
• can discuss their research in general terms
• knows how to control work-related stress related to the researcher’s profession in a meaningful way
• recognises the significance of the research community/communality

K-Ji-30 Optional studies 10 ECTS

Contents: This study unit is composed of optional studies that support the doctoral student’s research.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student

• complements their expertise by becoming acquainted with specialised fields that support their research and/or with techniques or tools that are relevant to their research
• knows the essential contexts of their research and ways to acquire information that will make them appreciate these contexts more profoundly
• is familiar with the current artistic and theoretical discussions in their field
• knows how to put the relevant theories to practice and how to make use of the current artistic discourse in the context of their own research
• increases their expertise in artistic research in another relevant way

K-Jo Doctoral thesis in Fine Arts 170 ECTS

Contents: The doctoral thesis in Fine Arts is composed of an artistic component and a written component. The written component is connected to the artistic component and provides a general outline of the entire research project. The structure of the doctoral thesis is flexible and scalable. This means that the scope of the different components that comprise the doctoral thesis can be partitioned in different ways, and the number of the components may also vary. The individual components of the doctoral thesis can be published during the doctoral studies. In this respect, the doctoral thesis in Fine Arts is structurally similar to an article-based dissertation. Overall, the doctoral thesis must be planned so that it corresponds with 170 credits worth of work. A more detailed description of the doctoral thesis can be found below.

Learning outcomes: The doctoral student has a profound understanding of the fine arts and can critically analyse, articulate, and contextualise artistic research in different settings.

Full description of the doctoral thesis

A doctoral thesis in fine arts must demonstrate profound understanding of the field and show the student’s ability to analyse, articulate, and contextualise research questions critically. It consists of artistic components and a written component. The relative scopes of the components can vary case by case, but they will comprise of 170 credits in total. Based on an accepted research plan, the doctoral thesis may also consist of solely written research.

The artistic components may include art exhibitions, exhibition curations, individual artworks, or experimental arrangements and their articulation, conceptualisation, and theorisation. The artistic components of a doctoral thesis must be pre-examined and publicly displayed.

The written component relates to the artistic components and justifies the research approach and aims in relation to other research and practices within the field. The recommended scope of the written component is 50–250 pages (page = 2000 characters with spaces). The written component can be a monograph or article-based, in which case it must consist of 2–4 peer reviewed journal articles and a summary of 15–30 pages. The form of the written component can be a web publication or other multimedia entity.

The doctoral thesis may include co-authored publications or projects. If so, the thesis must have a concluding summary written by the doctoral candidate, explaining their own view and contribution to each such component.

The thesis can be published in Finnish, Swedish, or English. When submitted for pre-examination, the language of the doctoral thesis must be the same as that of the final, publicly examined thesis. As a rule, the chosen language will also be the language of the public examination event.

The doctoral thesis is an electronically archivable publication that clearly identifies all components of the thesis. The doctoral thesis can also be published as a printed version.

Curriculum 1.8.2018

The 2018 curriculum, or degree requirements, are described here.

Old transition instructions from the 2018 to the 2022 curriculum are found below. Please note that it is no longer possible to switch from the 2018 curriculum to the 2022 curriculum, as they both expire on 31.7.2026 and doctoral students must switch over to a newer curriculum by then.

Degree objective and structure

Doctorate in Fine Arts (DFA)

K-Jo Doctoral thesis in Fine Arts: 170 ECTS

K-Ji Postgraduate studies in Fine Arts: 70 ECTS

• K-Ji 10 Artistic research seminars 46 ECTS
  • K-Ji 11 Theme seminars 16 ECTS
  • K-Ji 12 Research seminar 8 ECTS
  • K-Ji 13 Thesis circle 4 ECTS
  • K-Ji 14 Methodical studies 8 ECTS
  • K-ji 15 Writing 8 ECTS
  • K-Ji 16 Interfaces of artistic research 2 ECTS
• K-Ji-20 Research competency 14 ECTS
  • K-Ji-21 Introduction to doctoral studies 1 ECTS
  • K-Ji-22 Conference presentation 2 ECTS
  • K-Ji-23 Symposium 5 ECTS
  • K-Ji-24 Publication 4 ECTS
  • K-Ji-25 Research ethics 2 ECTS
• K-Ji-30 Optional studies 10 ECTS

The Doctoral Programme in Fine Arts’s degree objective at the Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Helsinki is a doctorate in fine arts. The degree extends to 240 ECTS which corresponds to four years of full-time studies. The doctoral degree in fine arts consists of the Doctoral Thesis in Fine Arts (170 ECTS) and Postgraduate Studies in Fine Arts (70 ECTS). The Postgraduate Studies comprise 60 ECTS of compulsory study modules and 10 ECTS of optional studies.

Degree proficiency objectives

Persons who have completed a doctoral degree in fine arts are specialists in their field of research who can:

• conduct independent artistic research
• realise an artistic research project based on a sound plan
• critically evaluate the various phases and end result of an artistic research project as well as
  engage in academic dialogue related to their research subject
• document artistic research processes and talk about their research in various contexts
• identify important current developments and evaluate them critically
• apply assimilated knowledge and engage in art and the research of art in an organized,
  informed and creative manner
• co-operate with actors in their own field as well as specialists in other fields
• understand the ethical implications of their research and activity and act in a fair and
  responsible way

K-Jo Doctoral Thesis in Fine Arts (170 ECTS)

The doctoral thesis in fine arts can include art exhibitions, exhibition curating, individual artworks, artistic processes, experimental arrangements and their articulation, conceptualisation and theorisation. Typically a doctoral thesis consists of one or several visual art components (a maximum total of 140 ECTS) and a written component (30-170 ECTS). In addition, the thesis must be documented and electronically archivable. The artistic components are public artistic research findings. The written component runs parallel to the visual art components and justifies the research approach and goals in relation to other research and practices within the field. On a discretionary basis the dissertation can also consist exclusively of a written study.

The doctoral thesis must demonstrate that the student has a profound understanding of their field and the ability to analyse, articulate and contextualise research questions critically. If the doctoral thesis consists of a separate pre-examined visual component and a written component then the recommended scope of the written component is 50-250 pages (page = 2000 characters with spaces). If the thesis is entirely theoretical then the recommended length is 150-250 pages. The written component can be realised in various ways: as a monograph, web publication or other multimedia whole. It can also be article-based in which case it must consist of at least three peer-reviewed journal articles and a summarising chapter (15-30 pages).

The doctoral thesis can also consist of co-authored publications and projects provided that the doctoral student’s contribution can be clearly identified. The aim, methods, structure and findings of the research must also be clearly apparent in the doctoral thesis as a whole. The thesis can be published in Finnish, Swedish or English and by decision of the Academic Council in some other language. The language of the thesis submitted for pre-examination must be the same as in the final examined publication. This language must also be the main language at the public examination.

The credits awarded to the visual and written components are to be evaluated on a case by case basis in relation to coverage of the subject and number of components and scope in such a way that the written component comprises 30-170 credits while the artistic component corresponds to 140 ECTS at most.

K-ji Postgraduate Studies in Fine Arts (70 ECTS)

K-Ji-10 Artistic research seminars (46 ECTS)

This module consists of several thematic seminars and as a rule should be completed during the first two years of study. The exception being the thesis circle which can be included in the final stages of studies.

Proficiency objective: The doctoral students familiarise themselves with a diverse range of artistic research within their field of interest. The student also explores various methods and reporting tools that can be applied to artistic research. He or she should also be familiar with the starting points of artistic, experimental and practice-based research and be able to apply these creatively in their own research. In addition, the student should be able to develop the most suitable approach for their research and argue its merits. The student should also be familiar with documentation and reporting techniques, as well as writing to the extent required by their research. The student should also be able to set up artistic arrangements relevant to their research.

K-Ji-11 Theme seminars (16 ECTS)

The theme seminars comprise a multidisciplinary and diverse cross-section of the arts with a yearly changing emphasis in which artistic research is viewed in a wider cultural context.

Proficiency objective: The doctoral students should familiarise themselves with the ontological, epistemological and societal issues related to artistic research. The student must be familiar with the rudiments of theory and concept formation and capable of applying them to their own research. In addition, the student must also understand the connection between their artistic research problem and artistic research as well as other fields of research.

K-Ji-12 Research seminar (8 ECTS)

Each student must present a working seminar with a direct connection to their research
demonstrating its progress once a year. The new components in the student’s research will be examined in group discussions. The feedback engendered by critical teamwork deepens and further develops the student’s research. Supervisors and possible external specialists will be present at the working seminars. The research seminar requires at least two years of active participation that may include participating in the research days.

Proficiency objective: Doctoral students

• can analytically present their research progress
• can actively seek relevant feedback for their research
• can correctly apportion their artistic practice elements to the research as a whole

K-Ji-13 Thesis circle (4 ECTS)

During the preparation of their thesis students also participate in a thesis circle which serves as a peer support group for the completion of their theses.

Proficiency objective: Doctoral students

• can analyse large units of textual material
• can actively seek feedback for the analysis of their thesis as a whole
• can critically comment upon the written part of their colleagues’ research
• gain the skills required to analyse writing as a process and creative activity

K-Ji-14 Methodical studies (8 ECTS)

This module is designed to familiarise the student with the methodological issues relevant to artistic research.

Proficiency objective: Doctoral students

• understand problems and solutions pertaining to knowledge formation in artistic research
• are familiar with the conceptual apparatus and international theoretical discussions within their field
• are familiar with current theoretical approaches within artistic research and can apply them in their own research in a suitable manner
• are familiar with the history of domestic artistic research and current challenges
• are familiar with the central channels and platforms for artistic research
• are familiar with the basic foundations of scientific theory formation and the ontological, epistemological, as well as societal problems related to artistic research
• can utilise central concepts in the contexts of contemporary art within the articulation of their own research

K-Ji-15 Writing (8 ECTS)

At different stages of their studies, students familiarise themselves with the various practices within research writing.

Proficiency objective: Doctoral students

• understand how concepts work and can formulate and use them in a coherent way
• understand the practices and preconditions of academic writing
• familiarise themselves with the possibilities that creative writing can unlock within the sphere of artistic research

K-Ji-16 Interfaces of artistic research (2 ECTS)

This module familiarises the student with the societal impact of artistic research and the various aspects of artist-researcher agency.

Proficiency objective: Doctoral students

• understand the various aspects of societal agency related to the artist-researcher
• are familiar with the central thinkers, theorists, and philosophical currents in the field of visual art research
• understand the various links their own research has to related disciplines
• can place their own research within the inter-artistic field of artistic research
• can participate in the theoretical and societal discussion of contemporary art

K-Ji-20 Research competency (14 ECTS)

The studies within this module are compulsory (14 ECTS) and should as a rule be completed during the first two years of study with the exception of the symposium which can also be undertaken during the final stages of studies.

Proficiency objective: The doctoral student acquires the basic skills to function in a multidisciplinary and inter-artistic research community and is trained in the pursuit of artistic research in exchange with the domestic and international actors within their respective fields. The doctoral student is able to engage in academic debate and realise events related to artistic research. He or she is also able to seek the relevant academic connections for their own research. Furthermore, he or she is able to present their artistic research with guidance in such a manner that it can be accepted for publication. The study periods included in this study module can be realised as lectures, seminars, workshops or independent work.

K-Ji-21 Introduction to doctoral studies (1 ECTS)

Mode of study: Participation in the orientation week and the completion of its attendant exercises.

Proficiency objective: Doctoral students

• are able to function in the environment and research community of Uniarts and the Academy of Fine Arts
• understand the requirements and objectives of the degree and curriculum and can draw up their own personal study plan (PSP)
• are familiar with the practices and operating principles of the Academy of Fine Arts
• can utilise student and research support services
• can seek information and advance their studies independently
• are familiar with the central research funding bodies and can apply for relevant financial assistance
• can act in accordance with good ethical research principles

K-Ji-22 Conference presentation (2 ECTS)

Mode of study: Appearances at conferences or symposia

Proficiency objective: Doctoral students

• are familiar with the central conferences within their field of interest
• can apply to attend at conferences, as well as budget and finance their participation
• can structure and hold a conference appearance
• can publish their talk as a conference publication

K-Ji-23 Symposium (5 ECTS)

Mode of study: The student can plan and organise a public symposium with a view to disseminating new information about their research in the field of visual art. The symposium can for instance include the production of a publication, exhibition curating or some other co- operative auxiliary event/happening. The symposium can be compensated by at least three international conference appearances at the discretion of the Academy.

Proficiency objective: Doctoral students

• can arrange and coordinate academic symposia
• can actively participate in academic discussion
• can create and maintain contacts in support of their research

K-Ji-24 Publication (4 ECTS)

Mode of study: The formulation of a public research presentation

Proficiency objective: Doctoral students

• can submit a publication proposal and formulate a research publication
• are familiar with the central peer-reviewed research channels and attendant research criteria
• are familiar with the peer-review process and understand its significance for research
• can accept critical feedback and use it to further one’s own research

K-Ji-25 Research ethics (2 ECTS)

Learning outcome for Research ethics: The doctoral student

• knows what good scientific conduct means
• knows what deception and plagiarism in research mean and is able to act when encountering them
• knows how to apply for preliminary ethical review from the Ethics Committee of the University of the Arts
• realises how ownership can be negotiated with other researchers, artists and partners
• recognises ethical values and discussions within arts and research
• identifies power relations in arts politics and university politics
• identifies ethical questions in one’s own research
• identifies different ways of creating and promoting ethically, ecologically and socially responsible arts and research

K-Ji-30 Optional studies (10 ECTS)

This module consists of optional studies supporting the doctoral student’s own research which the student can complete as for instance JOO studies or in a reading circle. This module can also include teaching activities that support the student’s own research. The maximum extent of these studies is 10 ECTS.

Proficiency objective: Doctoral students

• can complement their expertise by exploring specialist fields which support their research subject and/or various techniques and methods that can justifiably be employed in their own research
• are familiar with the central contexts of their research and can independently acquire knowledge that deepens said contexts
• are familiar with the artistic and theoretical discussions within their specialist field
• can apply chosen theories and the content of artistic discussion in the treatment of their research subject
• can develop their capabilities to engage in artistic research in some other manner that is deemed significant