Research postgraduate programmes

Apply now. The Academy of Visual Arts of the Hong Kong Baptist University invites applications from highly qualified prospective students for its Doctor of Philosophy (four-year full-time) and Master of Philosophy (two-year full-time). The Research Postgraduate Programmes provide great opportunities to develop artistic research in rich and international research community. 

Research Postgraduate Programmes (PhD and MPhil) 
AVA Research Postgraduate Programmes are based on identifying, understanding and developing creative practice as a specialised field of knowledge production. It is particularly focused on practice-led research strategies and methodologies in the visual arts with the intention of supporting the development of individual creative arts practitioners’ works and research. Students will engage with theory and writing and often include studio-based creative practice to fully address a research topic in the visual arts. The programme enables them the production of new bodies of work within a structure of tutorials, seminars, and lectures that requires research candidates to evaluate and reflect on a range of conceptual, philosophical, material and theoretical frameworks, and demonstrate their understanding of contemporary critical thinking and visual art practice.   

Current areas of research expertise include but not limited to: Body Aesthetics and Performance Art, Chinese Arts (practical and theoretical), Contemporary and Modern Art, Design, Hong Kong Art and Culture, Interactive Media, Time-based Media, Material Culture, Transcultural Studies, Public Art and Community, and Visual Culture Studies. 

Studentships and funding support: Hong Kong PhD fellowship scheme (by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council) / Conference and research-related allowance. 

Application deadlines for 2023/24 intake: Regular round deadline December 1, 2022 / Clearing round deadline April 15, 2023.

Academy of Visual Arts 
Academy of Visual Arts (AVA) of the Hong Kong Baptist University is the first professional and practice-based art academy in Hong Kong, combining studio-based research into contemporary visual arts issues and sustainable service to the cultural and creative sector of Hong Kong as well as to the community at large. Committed to nurturing creative and professional talents of international renown, the Academy links the studio-based curriculum to international exchange, current arts development and the fast-growing creative industries.