DPhil in History of Art at University of Oxford

Programme overview

An advanced research degree awarded on the basis of an individual research thesis and an oral examination. The Department of History of Art offers research supervision across a broad range of art history and visual culture, from medieval European architecture to modern Chinese art.

What you will study

Original thesis research under the guidance of a specialist supervisor, with research skills training and the opportunity to draw on supervisors across anthropology, classics, history, Asian and Middle Eastern studies and the Ruskin School of Art.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Doctoral entry (2027-28 entry): a master's degree with a minimum of 68% overall and 68% for the dissertation, and an undergraduate degree with a minimum of 68% overall and 68% for the dissertation. US applicants: normally a minimum GPA of 3.6/4.0 at both bachelor's and master's level (most successful applicants have 3.75 or higher). Applicants without a prior degree in history or history of art should link the proposed thesis topic to their previous expertise. English language (higher level, for applicants whose first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 overall with minimum Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24; C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall and 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall and 155 per component. Tests must be taken no more than two years before the course start.

Domestic applicants: GBP 15,030 a year (2027/28). Full-time annual course fee Source

International applicants: GBP 39,300 a year (2027/28). Full-time annual course fee (overseas) Source

Intake: 3 October 2027

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 6-8 years part-time

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