Course summary

The MSc by Research programme is for students with a good general knowledge of the subject area, who wish to focus their interests and deepen their knowledge of a specific topic. Assessment and progression To complete the programme you will normally submit two independent research essays (5,000 words each) on topics chosen in consultation with your supervisor. You will also be required to complete the History of Art core course, “Research Theories and Methods” (which is assessed by means of a 3,000-word essay) and another relevant course (usually chosen from a broad range of taught postgraduate option courses, assessed by a 4,000-word essay, or a credit-bearing language course). At the end of the summer, you will be required to submit a 15,000-word dissertation. MPhil and PhD degrees The MPhil and PhD degrees are both major pieces of independent research, preparing you for a future in academic scholarship. These degrees are obtained by research and presentation of a thesis of up to 60,000 words (MPhil) or 80,000–100,000 words (PhD). The first year of a PhD is probationary, meaning that you must pass a First Year Review before you are permitted to continue to the second year of the PhD. At your review, you will be required to give an oral presentation about the project and discuss with a review panel a proposed chapter plan, timeline for completion, and a draft chapter of at least 10,000 words. words.