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History of Art (MPhil/PhD)

Find out more about our History of Art MPhil/PhD

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P-V4P0

MPhil/PhD

4 years full-time;
Up to 7 years part-time

28 September 2026

History of Art

University of Warwick

Undertake original research on the MPhil/PhD in History of Art at the University of Warwick. Ranked in the top 10 (The Guardian University Guide 2024, The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024), Warwick's History of Art department offers you an advanced research degree with supervision from world-leading experts.

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. In addition to working closely with your supervisors, you will be involved in our vibrant research culture, which includes regular seminars, workshops, symposia and reading groups, and the PGR Research Collective, which allows PhD students to organise their own research programme.

Find a supervisor

Research proposal guidance

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
• Exhibition and Display
• Sex, Sexuality and Gender
• Environmentalism and Ecology
• Video and Performance Art
• Russian, Soviet and Eastern European Art
• Modern and Contemporary Architecture and Urbanism
• Craft and Design
• Art of the Global South (Africa, South Asia, Latin America)
• Environmental humanities
• Art and politics

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:

• Check our staff research pagesLink opens in a new window

Contact our Director of Graduate Studies, Dr Otto Saumarez-Smith, 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

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, preferably with Distinction.

• 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.

Applicants will be asked to attend an online interview to assess their suitability for the course.