Professional Doctorate in Fine Art at University of East London

The Professional Doctorate in Fine Art has been running at UEL for over 20 years. It is designed for artists working across a range of media and methodologies who wish to make their practice the basis for doctoral study. Unlike a PhD, an exhibition of artworks replaces the thesis as the main evidence of research, supported by a 15,000 - 20,000-word written report.

Faculty: School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering  |  Department: Department of Architecture & Visual Arts  |  Duration: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time  |  Study mode: full-time, part-time  |  Intake: September 2026  |  Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules include Research Methodologies and Professional Development - FA8000 (60 credits), Research (480 credits).

Career pathways

The Doctorate in Fine Art (DFA) leads to employment outcomes by requiring students to engage with the art industry of galleries, critics, publications, and artist-run spaces outside of the University. The 60-credit taught module in year 1 includes seminars in art writing and publication, funding and exhibiting.

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