PhD Garden History

Program Overview

The PhD in Garden History at the University of Buckingham is a research-focused program that equips students with the skills and knowledge to conduct independent research and contribute to the field. The program offers a broad range of potential thesis topics and is suitable for a variety of backgrounds, including those with no prior experience in academia. Students benefit from individualized supervision, regular meetings with their supervisors, and opportunities to present their research at graduate Research Days. The program develops transferable skills valuable in both academic and non-academic careers.

Program Outline

PhD in Garden History - University of Buckingham

• Awarded on the basis of a thesis and an oral examination.
• Completion time: 3 years (full-time) or 6 years (part-time).
• Early submission possible for rapid progress.
• Broad range of potential thesis topics:
• History of garden design and specific gardens.
• Evolving attitudes towards nature and the built environment.
• The Sublime and the Picturesque.
• Critical assessment of garden designers.
• Suitable for a variety of backgrounds, including those with no prior experience in academia.
• Designed to develop independent research and writing skills valuable in both academic and non-academic careers.

Outline:

Content:

• Focus on independent and original research on a chosen topic within Garden History.
• Thesis expected to be 70,000-80,000 words (excluding auxiliary materials).
• Thesis must demonstrate familiarity with the subject, its sources, and critical analysis of existing research.
• Potential for original contribution to the field through new knowledge or critical approaches.
• Attendance at Humanities Research Institute's graduate Research Days in the student's area of research.

Structure:

• Individualized research project supervised by two expert faculty members.
• Regular meetings with supervisor for guidance and feedback.
• Additional support from other faculty members during progression through the program.
• Annual review meetings with a senior professor to monitor progress and plan future studies.

Schedule:

• Starts in September, January, or April.
• Full-time or part-time options available.

Assessment:

• Primary assessment through the submitted thesis.
• Additional assessment through oral examination.
• Thesis evaluation criteria:
• Familiarity with the subject and its sources.
• Critical analysis and evaluation of existing research.
• Original contribution to the field.
• Overall quality of writing and presentation.

Teaching:

• Individualized supervision by two faculty experts.
• Regular meetings with supervisor for guidance and feedback.
• Skills-training meetings relevant to research and writing.
• Research seminars and workshops.
• Opportunities to present research at Humanities Research Institute's graduate Research Days.

Careers:

• Potential careers in academia include research positions, teaching roles, and museum/gallery work.
• Non-academic career paths include research and writing roles in various industries.
• The program develops transferable skills valuable in diverse fields like critical thinking, analytical writing, and independent research.

Other:

• The program welcomes students from all backgrounds, including mature students and those with professional experience.
• International students are encouraged to apply.

Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.