Description[edit]

Doctoral programmes leading to DFAs in the UK are of equivalent level to a PhD, with the same requirement to demonstrate new knowledge, but typically contain a practical component and a more structured programme of learning than a PhD. DFA programmes are offered by universities including the University of Hertfordshire and the University of East London. The research outputs required may include a thesis and an exhibited body of work or an exhibition combined with a written report.^[1][2] At Yale University in the US, the DFA may be conferred as an earned degree on students who have graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama and who have completed a dissertation.^[3]


In 2016 ELIA (European League of the Institutes of the Arts) launched the Florence Principles on the Doctorate in the Arts.^[4] The Florence Principles, relating to the Salzburg Principles and the Salzburg Recommendations of the European University Association, name seven points of attention to specify PhDs and other doctorates in the arts. The Florence Principles were endorsed by the European Association of Conservatoires, the International Association of Film and Television Schools, the International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and Media, the European Association for Architectural Education and the Society for Artistic Research.^[5]


As an honorary degree, the DFA is typically conferred on a recipient who has made a significant contribution to society in the fine arts. Notable individuals who have received honorary DFAs include: Georgia O'Keeffe,^[6] Taylor Swift,^[7] Frank Stella,^[8] Carmen De Lavallade,^[9] Anna Deavere Smith,^[9] Jacques d'Amboise,^[10] Bill Pullman,^[11] Abelardo Morell,^[12] Twyla Tharp,^[13] Gordon Parks^[13] and Jack Nicholson.^[14]