PhD Programme | Requirements

The PhD curriculum of the University of Arts Linz provides only a few requirements regarding achievements to be completed. In order to structure the PhD programme individually and in accordance with the respective project, PhD candidates and supervisors must draw up a supervision agreement in the course of the first semester.

The supervision agreement is an individual research contract between PhD candidates and supervisors and clearly and transparently defines the relationship between PhD candidates and supervisors as well as the PhD work process in terms of content and time. It includes all performance elements that must be completed by the end of the PhD programme. The definition of these performance elements is to be coordinated and agreed upon individually. The research contract is geared to the respective strengths and weaknesses of the PhD candidates and to their future professional career. Performance elements may include teaching at university institutions, participation in or implementation of conferences or exhibitions, artistic productions, publications, contributions to specialist media, own teaching activities, etc. These activities must be documented and reflected upon in a comprehensible manner.

The supervision agreement, signed by all participants, must be submitted digitally to susanne.dujardin@kunstuni-linz.at, including an exposé and a time and work schedule, no later than six months after enrolment in the PhD programme.

Supervision agreements are submitted to the Research Board for review. The meetings of the Research Board take place around mid-March, the beginning of April, mid-October and the beginning of November. You will be informed promptly of the outcome of the review (approval or rejection).

Sample forms of a supervision agreement as well as a handout with recommendations for drafting a supervision agreement can be found in German and in English here.

The performance elements agreed upon in the supervision agreement must be fulfilled by the end of the degree programme.

Furthermore, participation in the PhD colloquia of the University of Arts Linz is expected. PhD colloquia are internal university conferences at which PhD candidates can present their projects in a protected setting. Furthermore, the colloquia serve the purpose of networking with and between the PhDs and colleagues from the institution. Dates can be found at www.kunstuni-linz.at/phd/aktuelles

In the course of the PhD programme, an active contribution on one's own PhD project must be given at least once in the context of a public event at the University of Arts Linz.