History of Art

The History of Art program at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of visual culture from antiquity to the present day. This distinguished course aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the development of art, architecture, and visual imagery within their historical, cultural, and social contexts. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent research, students will engage critically with a diverse range of artistic movements, styles, and mediums, developing their analytical skills and broadening their appreciation of global artistic traditions.

The program emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, incorporating perspectives from history, archaeology, theory, and criticism to foster a nuanced understanding of how art functions within society. Students will examine key works of art, architectural monuments, and visual artifacts, exploring their historical significance, stylistic features, and underlying themes. The curriculum includes specialized topics such as medieval, renaissance, baroque, modern, and contemporary art, as well as regional focuses that highlight the richness of artistic production across different cultures and periods.

Students benefit from access to the University’s world-class collections and libraries, complemented by opportunities for research at renowned museums and galleries. The program also promotes critical engagement through essays, presentations, and collaborative projects, preparing graduates for careers in academia, curatorial work, art criticism, education, and cultural heritage management. The faculty comprises leading experts in the field, whose mentorship and insights inspire students to develop their own scholarly voice.

Graduates of the course will leave with a sophisticated understanding of the history of art, equipped with the skills to analyze artworks critically, communicate ideas effectively, and contribute meaningfully to conversations surrounding cultural heritage and visual history. The program’s rich academic environment and vibrant intellectual community make Oxford an ideal setting for aspiring art historians looking to advance their knowledge and pursue impactful careers within the arts and cultural sectors.

Full-time DPhil students are expected to submit their thesis three, or at most four, years from the date of admission. Part-time DPhil students are expected to submit their thesis six, or at most eight years from the date of admission.

All students for the DPhil in History of Art will be supported by a supervisor or supervisors who will help them develop a programme of research and writing. You will also benefit from the advice and support of other members of the department who will be involved in the progression of students through the transfer and confirmation stages of the degree, and can draw on the expertise of scholars and colleagues throughout the faculty and University.

All DPhil students are expected to attend and to contribute to the wide range of research seminars, conferences and workshops organised by the department and faculty. You also have access to specialist training courses offered by the Bodleian Libraries and IT Services.

Part-time DPhil

The faculty is able to offer the programme in full-time as well as part-time mode of attendance. Please note that any published statistics as regards acceptance rates are not an indication of applicants having a better chance of acceptance in part-time mode. All DPhil applications are assessed together and compared with each other, irrespective of the mode of study.

The faculty's research degrees are not available by distance learning. Although there will be no requirement to reside in Oxford, part-time research students must attend the University on a regular basis (particularly in term-time: October and November, mid-January to mid-March, and late April to mid-June) for supervision, study, research seminars and skills training.

The faculty appreciates that part-time research students will have non-standard attendance and work patterns. To ensure a comprehensive integration into the faculty's and University's research culture and with their full-time peer groups a pattern of attendance at training events and research seminars would form part of the general part-time study agreement as well as the individualised arrangements between supervisor and student. If you need a visa to study in the UK you cannot register for the part-time course.

Applicants are expected to have completed, or be predicted to complete, a master's course at a distinction or high pass level before starting the DPhil. When assessors judge that a formally qualified and otherwise promising applicant requires strictly limited further training to embark on a doctoral programme, a doctoral place may be offered but only on the stipulation that the student successfully complete relevant elements of one of the department's master's courses before attempting 'transfer' to full doctoral status, meaning that the student may be asked to attend seminars or classes intended for master’s students.

Professional experience in research, such as holding a research assistantship with an individual researcher or on a research project, may be an appropriate substitute for a master's degree.

Applicants are also normally expected to have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in history or cognate disciplines.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.75 out of 4.0.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a cumulative GPA of 3.8, a first-class degree or the equivalent.

Applicants without a prior degree in history or history of art should be aware that competition for a place on the DPhil is extremely tough and that even some of Oxford's own master's students are not able to secure a place on the DPhil. You should consider that most of your competitors will have a solid background in the discipline and the appropriate training for academic research in a historical context, with a first class or distinction grade. If you decide to apply without a prior master's degree in history, please ensure that you link your proposed thesis topic with your previous expertise when you present it in your application. You should also show that you have already done a considerable amount of background research into the topic. Your submitted written work should show your writing and research skills in their best light as it will be important to show that you have the necessary skills for historical research and writing. 

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

Professional experience in research, such as holding a research assistantship with an individual researcher or on a research project, may be an appropriate substitute for a master's degree.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: 500 to 1,500 words, typically two to four pages double-spaced
• Written work:Two essays of 2,000 words each or one essay of 4,000 to 5,000 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme 

The study of the History of Art at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive exploration of visual culture from ancient times to the present day. Students have the opportunity to examine a wide range of artistic styles, periods, and genres, developing a deep understanding of the cultural, historical, and societal contexts that shape works of art. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with the development of critical and analytical skills, enabling students to interpret and evaluate artworks both physically and theoretically. The curriculum includes modules on medieval, renaissance, baroque, modern, and contemporary art, as well as specialized topics such as iconography, art theory, and the history of different geographical regions. Students benefit from access to world-class collections and museums, including the university’s own libraries and archives, which support research and study. The program also encourages engagement with current debates and methodologies in art history, including digital humanities and conservation techniques. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences, fostering a vibrant academic community. The course structure is flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests, and includes opportunities for independent research and fieldwork. Graduates of the program often pursue careers in museums, galleries, academia, art criticism, and cultural heritage management. The University of Oxford’s Department of History of Art is renowned internationally for its research excellence and its contribution to the study of visual culture, making it an ideal environment for students passionate about art history.