PhD History of Art

Program Overview

The History of Art PhD/MA by Research program at the University of Birmingham provides comprehensive training in art history, equipping students with research skills. The program features expert guidance, research seminars, and access to the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. Graduates pursue careers in academia, museums, galleries, and the creative industries, working at prestigious institutions worldwide.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Name: History of Art PhD/MA by Research (On-Campus or by Distance Learning)
• Duration: Full-time: PhD – 3 years, MA by Research – 1 year
• Course Type: Postgraduate, Distance learning, Doctoral research
• Objectives: The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history of art, allowing them to conduct independent research and contribute to the field.
• Description: By pursuing research in History of Art at Birmingham, students will join a vibrant research community with expertise spanning from medieval and Renaissance art and architecture to contemporary global art.
Expert academics guide students through their learning in innovative ways, ensuring engaging and transformative studies.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Guidance from expert academics:
Renowned academics in their fields provide guidance and mentorship.
• Research seminars: The department hosts research seminars where postgraduate students are encouraged to participate.
• Annual symposium: The department hosts an annual symposium where postgraduate students can present their research.
• Faculty: The department boasts a diverse faculty with expertise in various areas of art history.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates from the History of Art program develop a broad range of transferable skills, preparing them for careers in:
• Academia:
Research positions at universities and other institutions.
• Museums and Galleries: Curatorial roles, research positions, and other museum-related careers.
• Creative Industries: Roles in art writing, art criticism, and other creative fields.
• Gain hands-on experience:
Students can gain experience at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.
• Develop transferable skills: Students develop skills in research, critical thinking, writing, and communication.
• Network with professionals: Students can network with academics, museum professionals, and other professionals in the field.
• Outcomes: Graduates from the History of Art program have gone on to work at prestigious institutions, including:
• Barber Institute of Fine Arts
• Birmingham Museums Trust
• National Trust
• National Portrait Gallery
• Royal Birmingham Society of Artists
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Lincoln
• Warwick Business School
• Ben Uri Gallery and Museum
• Henry Moore Foundation
• University of Cambridge
• University of Exeter
• University of Birmingham
• Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust

Other:

• Research Excellence: The University of Birmingham's Art History department is ranked 8th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education).
• Facilities: The department is based in the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, which features works from the 13th to the 20th century, including Old Master and Impressionist collections.
• Postgraduate Community: Students join a thriving postgraduate community with opportunities to participate in public lectures, research seminars, and an annual symposium.
• Graduate School Language Skills: Postgraduate students have the opportunity to learn graduate academic languages free of charge.
• Barber Institute Refurbishment: The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is undergoing a £10 million improvement program, which includes temporary closures until late autumn 2025.
• University Ranking: The University of Birmingham is ranked in the top 100 for Arts and Humanities in the world (QS 2024).

• UK: £4,786 full-time; £2,393 part-time
• International: £21,840 full-time; £10,920 part-time (distance learning only)