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University of Exeter: Art History and Visual Culture
| Institution | University of Exeter View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Languages, Cultures and Visual Studies |
| Web | https://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate |
| Study type | Research |
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
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.
MPhil/PhD Art History and Visual Culture by Practice
-
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.
To learn more about modules, assessment methods, facilities and our staff research expertise please visit our course page.
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| 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 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 For full details, including English language requirements and international equivalencies, please visit our course page. |
| Location | University of Exeter - Streatham Campus Northcote House The Queen's Drive Exeter Devon EX4 4QJ |
Summary
You will have the opportunity to study a topic which incorporates a number of established subject areas, including art history and cultural studies.
Supported by colleagues from across the Humanities disciplines with research interests in Visual Culture, we offer PhD supervision on a range of topics:
-
From the old masters to contemporary practitioners
-
From the traditional arts to new media and technologies
-
and from elite production to popular culture.
You will also be able to conduct cross-disciplinary research in collaboration with other relevant fields of study.
This programme will particularly appeal to you if you have a background or interest in
-
The history of art
-
Cinema
-
Cultural history
-
Philosophy
-
Sociology
-
Visual culture.
Beyond the University we have good relations with UK museums and galleries, as well as academic and research institutions internationally, attracting research students from all over the world and many cultural backgrounds.
To learn more about modules, assessment methods, facilities and our staff research expertise please visit our course page.
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| 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. For full details, including English language requirements and international equivalencies, please visit our course page. |
| Location | University of Exeter - Streatham Campus Northcote House The Queen's Drive Exeter Devon EX4 4QJ |
Summary
You will have the opportunity to study a topic which incorporates a number of established subject areas, including art history and cultural studies.
Supported by colleagues from across the Humanities disciplines with research interests in Visual Culture, we offer PhD supervision on a range of topics:
-
From the old masters to contemporary practitioners
-
From the traditional arts to new media and technologies
-
and from elite production to popular culture.
You will also be able to conduct cross-disciplinary research in collaboration with other relevant fields of study.
This programme will particularly appeal to you if you have a background or interest in
-
The history of art
-
Cinema
-
Cultural history
-
Philosophy
-
Sociology
-
Visual culture.
Beyond the University we have good relations with UK museums and galleries, as well as academic and research institutions internationally, attracting research students from all over the world and many cultural backgrounds.
To learn more about modules, assessment methods, facilities and our staff research expertise please visit our course page.
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| 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. For full details, including English language requirements and international equivalencies, please visit our course page. |
| Location | University of Exeter - Streatham Campus Northcote House The Queen's Drive Exeter Devon EX4 4QJ |
Master of Philosophy - MPhil
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.
MPhil/PhD Art History and Visual Culture by Practice
-
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.
To learn more about modules, assessment methods, facilities and our staff research expertise please visit our course page.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| 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 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 For full details, including English language requirements and international equivalencies, please visit our course page. |
| Location | University of Exeter - Streatham Campus Northcote House The Queen's Drive Exeter Devon EX4 4QJ |
Summary
You will have the opportunity to study a topic which incorporates a number of established subject areas, including art history and cultural studies.
Supported by colleagues from across the Humanities disciplines with research interests in Visual Culture, we offer PhD supervision on a range of topics:
-
From the old masters to contemporary practitioners
-
From the traditional arts to new media and technologies
-
and from elite production to popular culture.
You will also be able to conduct cross-disciplinary research in collaboration with other relevant fields of study.
This programme will particularly appeal to you if you have a background or interest in
-
The history of art
-
Cinema
-
Cultural history
-
Philosophy
-
Sociology
-
Visual culture.
Beyond the University we have good relations with UK museums and galleries, as well as academic and research institutions internationally, attracting research students from all over the world and many cultural backgrounds.
To learn more about modules, assessment methods, facilities and our staff research expertise please visit our course page.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| 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. For full details, including English language requirements and international equivalencies, please visit our course page. |
| Location | University of Exeter - Streatham Campus Northcote House The Queen's Drive Exeter Devon EX4 4QJ |
Summary
You will have the opportunity to study a topic which incorporates a number of established subject areas, including art history and cultural studies.
Supported by colleagues from across the Humanities disciplines with research interests in Visual Culture, we offer PhD supervision on a range of topics:
-
From the old masters to contemporary practitioners
-
From the traditional arts to new media and technologies
-
and from elite production to popular culture.
You will also be able to conduct cross-disciplinary research in collaboration with other relevant fields of study.
This programme will particularly appeal to you if you have a background or interest in
-
The history of art
-
Cinema
-
Cultural history
-
Philosophy
-
Sociology
-
Visual culture.
Beyond the University we have good relations with UK museums and galleries, as well as academic and research institutions internationally, attracting research students from all over the world and many cultural backgrounds.
To learn more about modules, assessment methods, facilities and our staff research expertise please visit our course page.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| 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. For full details, including English language requirements and international equivalencies, please visit our course page. |
| Location | University of Exeter - Streatham Campus Northcote House The Queen's Drive Exeter Devon EX4 4QJ |
A Russell Group university offering outstanding career prospects
At the University of Exeter, we provide study opportunities in beautiful and historic surroundings in South West England. Studying with us will give you the opportunity to become an expert in your field, develop valuable skills and help you build the foundations for your career.
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of top UK research universities, ranked in the country’s top 15 in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. We are proud to produce ambitious alumni who progress to successful global careers …
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