Course summary
Art History and Visual Culture at Exeter is a renowned hub of research, practice, and teaching, offering a supportive and stimulating environment for postgraduate research that attracts students from all over the world. Our interdisciplinary ethos fosters scholarly inquiry and practice-based investigation, supported by established connections beyond the University with prominent national and international museums, galleries, and research institutions. We currently offer two PhD programmes: MPhil/PhD Art History and Visual Culture
- This programme enables students to undertake a substantial research project within the field of art history and visual culture, aligned with the scholarly expertise of staff in the department.
- Research specialisms encompass a wide range of periods and methodological approaches, from the Renaissance period to the present day.
- The programme culminates in the submission of a comprehensive written thesis, typically between 80,000 and 100,000 words in length.
- This programme is designed for candidates who seek to integrate technical, practical, and creative skills within advanced cultural, aesthetic, and critical contexts.
- Candidates are required to produce a substantial portfolio of practice, which may encompass artistic production, curatorial initiatives, community-engaged research, or digital heritage projects.
- The practical component is accompanied by a critical analytical commentary, approximately 40,000 words in length, that articulates and interrogates the research objectives of the chosen practice.
Modules
For a full list of compulsory and optional modules please visit our course page.
Assessment method
Please visit our course page for current assessment methods.
How to apply
International applicants
Our International Student Support can help you with what you need to do before you arrive and when you get here as a new international student. They offer ongoing support throughout your studies whether that be setting up a bank account or arranging healthcare. Our Global Chums Buddy Scheme and our Intercultural Cafe provide opportunities to meet staff and connect with students. INTO University of Exeter provide pre-sessional English courses for international students as well as free insessional support. For more information about entry requirements, bursaries and scholarships and how to apply please visit our course page.
Entry requirements
Students applying to enter directly into the MPhil/PhD programme would normally be expected to have a Masters degree with Merit or equivalent in a related subject, or other relevant qualifications such as a doctorate in another subject. If you are an international student, please visit our international equivalency pages to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements. Applying for MPhil/PhD study You may wish to read our general advice for PhD applicants, which give tips on how to put together a successful research degree application. Applicants for research programmes are also advised to visit the Department's webpages to check for specific advice. Here you will be able to find out about staff research interests and make preliminary enquiries about supervision. We advise that you do this before applying. Requirements for international students If you are an international student, please visit our international equivalency pages to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements. For full details, including English language requirements and international equivalencies, please visit our course page.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
In addition to tuition fees and living costs, your programme of study may have other costs associated with it, such as laboratory equipment or field trips. For more information about fees and additional costs please visit our course page.
Sponsorship information
We invest heavily in scholarships for talented prospective Masters students. This is in addition to the UK Government’s Postgraduate Loan Scheme. For information on how you can fund your postgraduate degree at the University of Exeter, please visit our course page.
Provider information
University of Exeter
Northcote House
The Queen's Drive
Exeter
EX4 4QJ
Course contact details
Visit our course page Enquiry Form
Postgraduate Admissions
Enquiry form