PhD Art History and Theory at University of Essex

Programme overview

PhD Art History and Theory offers supervision across European art and architecture from 1300 to the present and the art and architecture of Latin America and the United States. Research at Essex centres on the social and political implications of visual culture, space, place and locale, and art produced beyond historic institutions.

Department: School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies | Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time (part-time also available) | Intake: January 2027 | Study mode: full-time; part-time | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Supervised doctoral research in art history and theory, including the Renaissance, nineteenth-century European art, modern and contemporary art, curating and Latin American art.

Career pathways

Graduates work in academic institutions, national or regional museums and galleries, and other arts-related professions, including professorships and curatorial posts at major museums.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A good honours degree and a Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject, and a well-developed research proposal. Applicants are normally interviewed (in person or online), and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department. English language (international applicants): IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year. Fee stated per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Academic year not labelled. Source

International applicants: GBP 20,625 a year. Fee stated per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Academic year not labelled. Source

Intake: January 2027

Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time (part-time also available)

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