Examining doctoral writing in the creative arts

Creative arts dissertations at doctoral level traditionally comprise a major creative work such as a performance, a work of art, film or sustained piece of creative writing, and an accompanying written exegesis or theoretical work/dissertation that in some way supports, explains or expands the creative output. While the suitability and outcomes of this bifurcated model remains debated, it is apparent that the exegetical component of creative arts doctoral theses demands a high level of written expression. Drawing on data gathered for an Australian government funded project, ‘Examination of doctoral degrees in creative arts: process, practice and standards’, this chapter discusses current examination practices and processes in the creative arts, with particular attention paid to the written component of creative arts dissertations and their examination. In this we address doctoral writing from the point of view of both candidates and examiners.