Overview

PhD in Art History and Theory at University of Essex features a dynamic group of art historians investigating the production and reception of images and built environments, across cultures and media from the early modern period to the present.

We provide good facilities for postgraduate study, with access to a range of resources and support mechanisms to foster progression. Our School is home to the Centre for Curatorial Studies, which brings together research in the field of museology, exhibition studies and curatorial practice, and also delivers our postgraduate courses in each of these areas.

Your future

Many of our graduates are now working in academic institutions, in national or regional museums or galleries, or in other arts-related professions, both throughout the UK and abroad. Several graduates are now Professors in leading art history departments such as CUNY, while others have worked as curators at high-profile museums such as the Tate Modern.

Programme Structure

Example structure

A research degree doesn't have a taught structure, giving you the chance to investigate your chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding.

In communicating that understanding, through a thesis or other means, you have a rare opportunity to generate knowledge.

A research degree allows you to develop new high-level skills, enhance your professional development and build new networks. It can open doors to many careers.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-08 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2027-01-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-24 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-04-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-09 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-03-09 00:00:00 , National

More details

We recommend that you apply as soon as you are able to as courses may occasionally close early.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Colchester, United Kingdom

Disciplines

History Art History Modern History View 41 other PhDs in Art History in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You will need a good honours degree and a Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject. A well-developed research proposal is also essential.
You will normally be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20625 GBP / year

≈ 20625 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5006 GBP / year

≈ 5006 GBP / year

Additional Details

Part-time:

Home/UK fee: £2,503 per year
International fee: £10,313 per year

Living costs

Colchester

United Kingdom

660 - 1140 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Art History and Theory.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Your future

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Colchester

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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