Doctorate at the Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA)

Is it worth it?

The purpose of doctoral study at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Brno University of Technology (programme Research in Art and Design) is to provide highly specialised artistic and academic education to graduates of art universities and faculties, as well as to graduates of non-art disciplines concerned with the operation of contemporary art in its various aspects (curatorship, gallery practice, cultural management, art criticism and the history of contemporary art). This high level of specialisation among admitted applicants presupposes that the study is strongly individualised – supervisors and expert consultants support students primarily through feedback and by directing them towards relevant issues, sources, institutions and people – while still including a core set of courses that are compulsory for all student(s) in the programme. Whereas graduates of art disciplines are guided towards further deepening their knowledge of art theory and/or contemporary art and design, graduates of non-art disciplines, by contrast, gain a deeper insight into artistic research, i.e., current artistic practice. Research in which artistic thinking (i.e., artistic competence) is applied is referred to as artistic research.

See also the “Florence Principles” on doctoral study in the arts [Doctoral programmes in the arts aim to develop artistic competencies, generate new knowledge and advance artistic research. (…) The doctoral thesis (hereafter the doctoral project), undertaken during doctoral study in the arts, includes the creation of an original and specific artistic research project. This project employs artistic methods and techniques, thereby producing original insights and knowledge. The project consists of an original artwork(s) and includes a discursive component that critically reflects upon and documents the research process. Internationality, interdisciplinarity and interculturality are implicitly present in many artistic approaches, and doctoral programmes in the arts further support this direction], Doctoral Study in Fine Arts: nonsense or an opportunity? [The criterion for obtaining a doctorate is the successful defence of the dissertation, which has two parts – practical and written (neither is assessed independently). Two strands of study lead to their completion: the practical and the theoretical. The aim of the practical strand of doctoral study, which takes place under the supervision of the head within a studio, unit or department, is the realisation of a long-term and systematically developed artwork/project, or a new technological process. The aim of the theoretical strand, supported by consultants and shared theoretical teaching provided by the Department of Art Theory and History, is to develop visual artists’ self-reflection on their own work, the ability to engage with more demanding texts, and the distance expressed through the capacity to write a longer scholarly text about one’s work, or to communicate the results of one’s research within the pedagogical process], or current calls of the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic [vedavyzkum.cz: Art as part of research and innovation – might Rudolf II have enjoyed the ÉTA programme?].

Recommended literature: Wilson, M. & van Ruiten, S. (2013): SHARE Handbook for Artistic Research Education; Cotter, L. (2019): Reclaiming Artistic Research; Smith, M. (2020): Research: Practitioner / Curator / Educator; The Vienna Declaration on Artistic Research (2020); Cramer, F. & Terpsma, N. (2021): What Is Wrong with the Vienna Declaration on Artistic Research?

What do I need to accomplish?

A doctorate (a 4-year doctoral programme) is the highest level of university education. Doctoral study has two complementary parts: the study component (completed by passing the state doctoral examination) and the creative component (completed by defending the dissertation). In contrast to bachelor’s and master’s qualification theses, considerably greater emphasis is placed here on independent artistic and/or research activity. Each doctoral candidate has a supervisor and, in collaboration with them, defines a research task. Under the supervisor’s guidance (and, where necessary, in cooperation with consultants), the candidate then conducts research throughout the programme that should lead to the fulfilment of the defined task. The candidate documents this process and its outcomes in their dissertation, which they defend at the end of the programme before an expert committee. Defending the dissertation is not the only requirement for obtaining the degree. Another requirement is the successful completion of compulsory courses. Further obligations include reporting one’s artistic and/or research activity (typically exhibitions, realised design work, publishing scholarly articles, and participation in conferences).

What is the difference between full-time and combined study?

In the combined mode of study, students are not required to complete unpaid teaching practice in the second and third years; however, they are also not entitled to a regular monthly doctoral stipend for the standard duration of study. The obligation of a foreign stay of at least one month also applies in the combined mode. Students in the combined mode also tend not to have the opportunity to be principal investigators of certain types of grants. The mode of study is also taken into account when fulfilling compulsory courses.

Who can I contact with further questions?

The doctoral study agenda is administered by the doctoral studies officer Dagmar Červenková. Her office is located on the first floor to the right in building U1 (FFA, Údolní 53/Úvoz 33, Brno, Czech Rep.). For conceptual matters, please contact the programme guarantor directly.

Admissions

What do I need to meet in order to be admitted to doctoral study? How does the admission interview work?

Applicants must have completed a Master’s degree, or be close to completion (so that the degree will have been completed before enrolment in the doctoral programme). The dissertation topic must be agreed in advance with a supervisor (the list of available supervisors is published here at least 4 months before the application deadline). Applicants must be able to communicate in English; the opening part of the interview is conducted in English. The assessment focuses primarily on how well the applicant has thought through the procedure and overall logic of the dissertation project. The personal interview (in exceptional circumstances via videoconference) with members of the committee is not limited to the submitted doctoral project, but also addresses the applicant’s prior practice in the field of art and/or design, and its outcomes and reception. The dissertation project proposal must be formulated using the prescribed form.

Can I work full-time elsewhere while doing a doctorate? How time-demanding is the programme?

It is possible to work while studying. Doctoral candidates’ activities are evaluated annually, so it depends on the extent to which a full-time position restricts the candidate’s progress. Naturally, higher demands are placed on full-time students (participation in consultations within studio teaching, etc.; see the answer above to “What is the difference between full-time and combined study?”). We aim to aggregate compulsory courses each year into several teaching blocks – in recent years this has typically meant 4–5 Tuesdays per semester – and, by agreement with the supervisor, the individual study plan can be arranged flexibly, so that study can be combined with work as well as family life. The schedule for the current academic year can be found here.

Financial Matters

What is the amount of the regular monthly stipend?

From September 2025 onwards, doctoral candidates have a guaranteed monthly income, which significantly improves the financial conditions of doctoral study. This entitlement applies provided that: you study in the full-time mode in a doctoral programme, you are in your first cycle of doctoral study, and you have not exceeded the standard duration of the programme (4 years). The doctoral income corresponds to 1.2 times the minimum wage valid as of 1 July of the year in which the academic year begins. For the academic year 2025/2026, the doctoral income amounts to CZK 24,960. More information is available here. FFA does not apply incremental increases of the doctoral income/stipend based on the year of study. Students in the combined mode do not receive a (regular monthly) doctoral income.

What other scholarships and financial support can I expect during my studies?

In addition to the regular monthly stipend for full-time doctoral student(s), you may apply for support for your own creative and/or pedagogical activities. A basic overview of scholarships can be found here and here. Doctoral candidates may also compete for Specific University Research funding (within the faculty as well as in interfaculty university projects; each grant typically CZK 50,000–200,000/year). Together with academics, they may apply for faculty funds from the artistic activity fund to support artistic realisations (up to CZK 30,000 per project), and from institutional support funds for publication support (up to CZK 500,000 per publication). Within internal competitions, funding may also be awarded for support for pedagogical work. Based on results recorded in the Register of Artistic Outputs (RUV) and the BUT Information System (RIV), doctoral candidates receive an extraordinary stipend once per year in November/December of the given year (up to CZK 150,000 per doctoral candidate). At the university level, additional grant opportunities also exist, e.g. KInG BUT from OP VVV funding (in 2021, FFA was successful with two out of three submitted projects: a one-year project with a budget of CZK 480,000 and a two-year project supported by CZK 960,000). FFA doctoral candidates have also been successful investigators of projects funded by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA ČR): Decentralised collection, analysis, visualisation and interpretation of large datasets in artistic practice, 1 March 2018 — 31 March 2021; Institute of forensic interdisciplinary research, socio-emancipatory design and architecture; 1 April 2020 — 31 March 2022.

Are there any non-financial benefits?

Yes. Doctoral candidates can use discounted calling services (BUT mobile), cloud services (Google, Microsoft, Cesnet), university-wide software, and have access to faculty ICOM cards (free entry to cultural institutions in the Czech Republic and abroad). They may also use faculty-wide facilities (library, wood workshop and metal workshop, bookbinding workshop, laminating room and spray-painting room, computer study room, video studio, sound studio, video editing suites, 3D studio etc.). The same rules apply to borrowing A/V equipment and reserving production spaces as for students in bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes. For further information, see www.favu.vut.cz/en/phd#facilities. 

Study Process

Which courses do I have to complete during my studies?

Courses in the doctoral programme are compulsory. For a clear overview (over time), see the table.

Do I have to go abroad as part of my studies?

The study regulations assume that the student (in both full-time and combined modes) will gain international experience during the programme, for a period of at least one month. This month may be composed of several shorter stays, each lasting at least 7 days. Most doctoral candidates go abroad during their studies (typically in the 5th semester) for one semester (i.e., 4–6 months) in the form of an Erasmus+ practical and/or study placement; however, there are also cases where a student spends an entire year abroad. We naturally recommend participating in relevant international conferences and symposia, finances permitting. All of this broadens experience of research work and its presentation, and should ultimately facilitate successful completion of the programme. Placements and active participation in conferences are also taken into account during the ongoing evaluation by the Doctoral Board. Basic statistics on doctoral mobility at the faculty can be found here.

How long can I study for a doctorate?

The maximum period of study at BUT is twice the standard duration, i.e., eight years in the case of a four-year doctoral programme. However, this does not mean an automatic possibility to study at the faculty for the full period – it is an absolute time limit, within which the dissertation must be successfully defended without exception. The decisive timetable for progression through the programme is the approved individual study plan of the doctoral candidate; failure to comply with it constitutes grounds for termination of studies. All interruptions of study count towards the maximum period, except interruptions for serious health reasons, due to pregnancy, childbirth or parenthood, or in connection with taking a child into care replacing parental care.

What are the responsibilities of a supervisor? Are they required to secure funding for my project and provide appropriate facilities? How can I respond if they do not fulfil their obligations?

Doctoral study is conceived as an individual mode of study, where the expert relationship between the supervisor and the student is decisive. The supervisor must fulfil the so-called Supervisor Standard. Implementing the individual study plan is the expression of mutual communication. The role of the supervisor is therefore indispensable in doctoral study. The supervisor is responsible for the quality of the doctoral project and for expert guidance of the dissertation. Students and supervisors should understand one another both professionally and personally, and be able to provide mutual feedback. The supervisor is obliged to guide the student so that they complete the dissertation project on time and to an appropriate standard. The supervisor should also advise on how to secure funding for the realisation of the dissertation project (for which they have accepted supervision). The supervisor is also obliged to ensure basic facilities for the doctoral candidate at the training workplace on the basis of mutual agreement, if shared spaces are insufficient – doctoral workrooms (rooms 333 and 334, building U2, third floor on the right, 30+35 m²) and the doctoral studio (building U1, ground floor, 110 m²). If the supervisor does not fulfil their obligations, it is necessary to change the supervisor through official channels: on the basis of a written request, which is considered by the Doctoral Board and approved by the Dean of the faculty. Disagreements and misunderstandings between students and supervisors are usually addressed by the programme guarantor, i.e., the Doctoral Board. It is, of course, also possible to contact the Faculty Ombudsperson (see also the pages devoted to counselling).

Completion of Studies (Dissertation Defence)

How does the dissertation defence work (presentation length, language, etc.)?

In the semester specified in the individual study plan, the dissertation must be submitted; you apply for the defence by submitting a written application including attachments. The dissertation defence is an expert discussion between the doctoral candidate and the opponents, members of the Dissertation Defence Committee, and other participants. At FFA, a dissertation is understood as a bound volume containing: an overview of the current state of the topic addressed by the dissertation; the objective of the dissertation; the results of the dissertation, including new findings; their analysis and their significance for practical implementation or for further development of the field; a bibliography; a list of the candidate’s own works related to the dissertation topic; documentation and an author’s report on the realised creative dissertation project (the practical output of doctoral study). No minimum length is stipulated. The dissertation may also take the form of a thematically organised collection of published texts and works accepted for publication (see BUT Study and Examination Regulations); in this case, documentation and an author’s report on the realised practical output of doctoral study must also be submitted. The dissertation may be submitted in Czech, English, or Slovak. ––– The defence itself proceeds as follows: the chair opens the defence, introduces the doctoral candidate, announces the dissertation topic and presents the committee with an overview of the candidate’s activities during the programme (publications, artworks produced, etc.); the candidate presents the essential content and main results of the dissertation (typically a 30-minute presentation); the supervisor presents their position on the candidate and on the defended dissertation; (two) opponents present the main points of their reports; the candidate responds to the opponents’ reports, especially to objections, comments and questions; the chair opens the discussion. Finally, the committee deliberates in private and, by secret ballot, decides whether the candidate has successfully defended the dissertation. The outcome is announced immediately (after the private session). The defence typically does not exceed two hours. The defence is public and may be conducted in English if the dissertation has been submitted in English. The defence protocol is usually prepared by the doctoral studies coordinator or the doctoral studies officer.

Do I need the consent of co-authors of publications, manuscripts, or artworks I wish to include in my dissertation?

Explicit consent from all co-authors does not have to be included in the dissertation; however, it must be declared what the contribution of the dissertation author was to each individual work (see BUT Study and Examination Regulations). The dissertation author’s declaration of authorship contribution should form part of the dissertation. It is advisable to substantiate the truthfulness of the declaration by a statement/confirmation from one of the significant co-authors.

What about “declarations” in dissertations? Some state they worked independently :), others say they were an important member of a team. Must such declarations be included? Which principles of dissertation formatting should I follow?

Declarations must form part of the dissertation, must be truthful, and their wording depends to a considerable extent on the author. The following wording is recommended: “I declare that this thesis has not been submitted for the purpose of obtaining the same or any other academic degree earlier or at another institution. My involvement in the research presented in this thesis is expressed through the authorship order of the included artworks, publications and manuscripts. All literature sources I used when writing this thesis have been properly cited.“

In order to achieve a standard format for texts (in the field of art), we recommend using the formatting guidelines used by the journal Umění or Sešit pro umění, teorii a příbuzné zóny (i.e., citing sources in the text using a footnote apparatus – full references on first occurrence, shortened citations thereafter, and a bibliography/list of sources at the end, recommended to be structured into primary sources, monographs, periodicals, online sources, etc.).

Counselling and Social Safety

Information on counselling in cases of psychological difficulties, etc., can be found at: www.favu.vut.cz/en/students/counselling. The Dean’s Directive Social Safety at the Faculty of Fine Arts also sets out binding rules for ensuring social safety, the observance of which is overseen by the Ombudsperson. The Faculty Ombudsperson is an independent person who, through their work, creates space for dialogue and confidential support for students, employees and staff, particularly in matters of ethics, workplace culture and the prevention of abuse of power.