Course details

Summary

The PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree, the highest level of degree you can achieve. PhD students are critical, curious, creative thinkers who undertake original research over at least 3 years. As well as your supervised original research, through your doctoral programme you will have opportunities to expand and develop your personal and professional skills. Doctoral candidates present their work at local and international conferences, and are encouraged to network and collaborate with a wide range of experts in their research field.

This course is also offered at overseas and Manukau location.

Art History

Art History is the study of visual images and objects. We explore not only painting, drawing and sculpture, but also architecture, photography, video, performance, design and the decorative arts.

Art History develops the skills necessary to analyse and interpret a world that is saturated with images. It provides a deeper understanding of different cultural traditions and historical periods, and teaches us the importance of creativity and the freedom of the imagination.

Studying Art History can build skills in creative thinking, design and planning, which are useful for careers in communication and media, marketing, journalism, conservation, exhibition management, galleries and auction houses, tourism, diplomacy, intellectual property and copyright law, and business management.

Art History has inspired curators, artists, performers, musicians, writers, politicians and entrepreneurs. It has also laid the basis for partnerships and joint projects with psychologists, social workers, community leaders and architects.

Research opportunities

• European art and visual culture since antiquity (especially from the Renaissance to the present)
• 毛利 and Polynesian Art and visual culture
• The art of Aotearoa/New Zealand (history and contemporary practice)
• Museums and Cultural Heritage
• Contemporary Art
• Art Theory
• The Psychology of Art

Programme structure

The University of Auckland PhD is a three-to-four year full-time advanced research degree.

On entry to the PhD programme, you will be enrolled provisionally. By the end of your first year, you must meet a number of goals to be confirmed into the PhD programme, including developing a full thesis proposal. After confirmation, you will continue to work on your research before submitting your thesis for examination after three years and within four years of your start date. The examination process includes an oral exam.

As part of your PhD study, you can take part in our doctoral skills programme, designed to help you achieve success in your research and develop skills for your future. We have a dedicated postgraduate careers advisor, and our library service includes specialist subject librarians to help you in your research. The central School of Graduate Studies provides dedicated support and advice for the doctoral community.

Where could this programme take you?

Our PhD graduates are successful in a wide range of fields and careers, as well as the traditional academic research career path. The PhD gives you extensive specialist and transferable skills, which are sought after in many sectors, including industry and government, and can even help you to develop entrepreneurship skills to run your own startup.

Entry criteria

The usual requirement is a master's degree with Honours (First Class or Second Class, First Division) from The University of Auckland, or an approved equivalent qualification. You must also have demonstrated an ability to pursue doctoral level research.

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.5; TOEFL (iBT) 90; TOEFL (paper-based) 575; CAE or CPE 176; PTE 58; MELAB 85.