Research Degrees
The School of Art History and World Art Studies is one of the leading centres in the world for the study of art and material culture and is the only institution in the UK concerned with the study of art worldwide.
The excellence of the School was recognised in the Government's most recent Research Assessment Exercise, which placed the School first in the UK for its world-leading research.
Research degrees
There are 3 research degrees. The Masters by Research and the MPhil are taken over 2 years full-time (4 years part-time) and the PhD over 3 years full-time (6 years part-time). The School offers a lively and supportive environment.
Research and supervision
A multidisciplinary community of art historians, archaeologists, anthropologists and museum professionals span research subjects from prehistory to the present. The School's distinctive concerns include the study of art, material and visual culture, as well as cultural heritage. We welcome research applications in any of the areas represented by the faculty interests. Approaches may be established or innovative, with a focus on artefacts and/or theory.
Research culture
The School is located in the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. Designed by Norman Foster, the Sainsbury Centre is ‘perhaps the greatest resource of its type on any British campus' (Times Good University Guide, 2005). Under one roof, it provides a range of resources for students in the School, including the Robert Sainsbury Library, an extensive photographic collection, the renowned Sainsbury collection of art, dedicated student computing facilities, and relaxing light-filled communal areas which bring students and staff together in an informal environment.
The School also has active links with Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service. It benefits from the thriving arts and culture scene in Norwich, which hosts the largest contemporary art festival outside London (Contemporary Art Norwich) and the annual Norwich and Norfolk Festival. Norwich has a number of museums, galleries and arts centres, including the Castle Museum and Art Gallery located in the city's Norman castle. The Norwich University College of the Arts is a leading educational centre for fine arts, design and media, which has many links with the School. And Norwich is home not only to the 12th-century cathedral but also to 36 medieval parish churches – more than any other city in northern Europe.
Enquiries and how to apply
The School welcomes research enquiries from prospective students. Please contact individual academics or John Mitchell, the School's Postgraduate Research Director, to discuss your proposal.
For admissions enquiries and general information contact the PGR Office:
Telephone: +44 (0)1603 591709; pgr.enquiries.admiss@uea.ac.uk