Higher degree research candidates' initial expectations in fine art

A range of research studies in the past decade have yielded a much fuller understanding of the nature of higher degree research candidature, student experiences and the changes in this population. Nonetheless candidate attrition continues to be a source of concern and there is still much territory to explore in connection with barriers to progress and their successful resolution. One aspect that is rarely explored is research candidates' initial expectations at masters and doctoral level. Drawing on interviews with fine art masters and doctoral level candidates, this paper explores candidates' recollections of their initial expectations of candidature in a practice-based discipline, and any 'mismatch' or incongruence between their expectations and academic requirements. We found initial expectations clustered under two main areas: expectations about the research degree and expectations about the institutional environment. Suggestions for supervision practice are presented from the findings.