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MPhil/PhD in History of Art (2024 Entry)

History of Art student at the University of Warwick

Find out more about our MPhil/PhD in History of Art.

Undertake original research on the MPhil/PhD in History of Art at the University of Warwick. Ranked in the top 10 in all major UK league tables (Complete University Guide 2022, The Guardian University Guide 2022, The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022), Warwick's History of Art department offers you an advanced research degree with specialist guidance from department academics.


Course overview

The MPhil/PhD in History of Art is an advanced research degree, consisting of original research and engagement with current scholarship. It is awarded on the basis of successful completion of an individual research thesis of 80,000 words (60,000 words for MPhil) and an oral examination.

Find a supervisor

Research proposal guidance


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in History of Art or related subjects and a Master’s in History of Art or a related subject.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

  • Band B
  • IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Areas for PhD supervision and examples of current research interests of the department’s academic researchers include:

  • • European Medieval (including British)
    • Renaissance and Early Modern Art, Architecture and Material Culture
    • British Art and Architecture from the 18th to 21st Centuries
    • Colonial Art and Empire
    • Historiography, Theory and Aesthetics
    • French Painting
    • American Art
    • Colour
    • Scandinavian Art
    • Exhibition and Display
    • Art and Science
    • Video and Performance Art
    • Modern and Contemporary Architecture and Urbanism
    • Craft and Design

Find a supervisor

Please establish whether the department will be able to supervise and support your research. You will probably already have in mind a member of staff who works in your field as a potential supervisor. However, if you are unsure whether our department has the necessary expertise to supervise your project you should:

Contact our Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Giorgio Tagliaferro, who will be very happy to advise on whether we can support your research and, if so, will put you in touch with a potential supervisor

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.Link opens in a new window

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.


Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Department content block about careers

History of Art at Warwick

Take the perspective that brings you closer

Art history is about getting closer to art, immersing yourself in art, seeing art from the perspective of the artist. But it is also about bringing your own perspective – your knowledge and experience – to bear. Art is where you and the artist meet.

Get to know us better by exploring our departmental website.Link opens in a new window


Our courses

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

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Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.

Postgraduate Fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Live chats

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.