Art History and Visual Culture (Research)

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.