Art History PhD
University of Aberdeen
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.4) View reviews

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

Main Site

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

JAN

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Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

3 Years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

3 Years

SELECTED

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

5 Years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

5 Years

SELECT

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Course info

Research the history of art, architecture and visual culture, from the Middle Ages to the present day, and become part of a thriving and supportive research community. The Art History Department is an active group of researchers, offering expert supervision to research students in a wide range of topics, including late medieval art and architecture, early modern British and European art, art theory and historiography, contemporary art and visual culture, the history of collecting and ...Read more

Research the history of art, architecture and visual culture, from the Middle Ages to the present day, and become part of a thriving and supportive research community. The Art History Department is an active group of researchers, offering expert supervision to research students in a wide range of topics, including late medieval art and architecture, early modern British and European art, art theory and historiography, contemporary art and visual culture, the history of collecting and exhibitions from medieval and early modern art through art theory to contemporary visual culture. Art historical research in Aberdeen benefits from an exceptional archive and museum at the University, whilst at the same time, members of staff foster strong links with researchers worldwide. The University Library has been built up over five centuries and is home to an excellent collection of research literature, but also to an important historic collection. Aberdeen’s special collections are particularly strong in areas such as illuminated medieval manuscripts, archaeology, and travel literature. The unique George Washington Wilson archive contains over 45,000 original glass plate negatives made by this pioneer Victorian photographer. Visual resources are equally rich. The north-east of Scotland has a distinguished architectural heritage from the Middle Ages onwards, while Aberdeen Art Gallery has a fine collection of French and British (including Scottish) art. In addition to its important William Dyce archive, it has one of the best collections of Victorian painting outside London, with examples of work by Rossetti and Dyce. Our research students are embedded in a thriving and close-knit research community, benefitting from regular seminars and training opportunities. Current PhD students are affiliated with the George Washington Wilson Centre for Art and Visual Culture, the Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies, and RIISS.

Key stats

  IDP Connect
WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2025 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
10/279
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
30th
What students say
E
Eliza
21 Oct 25

Love the campus and classes! Think accommodation is pretty average and could be cleaner, but I love my flat and the friends I’ve made in flatmates. Not the biggest range of..Read more

SR
Student Reviewer
21 Oct 25

It's a beautiful campus and the majority of the staff are absolutely amazing and lovely. I wish there were more drinking (alcohol) socials and music events in the union though as..Read more

Entry requirements

Normally, the minimum entrance requirement for admission to the PhD is a degree with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in an appropriate field, or equivalent. It is preferable that you hold a Masters in the chosen area of study as well.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£5,006 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£21,700 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£21,700 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Art History & Criticism reviews

Art History & Criticism
Art History & Criticism
E
Eliza
21 Oct 25
Archaeology and Art History - MA (Hons)
Love the campus and classes! Think accommodation is pretty average and could be cleaner, but I love my flat and the friends I’ve made in flatmates. Not the biggest range of...
Read more
SR
Student Reviewer
21 Oct 25
Art History - MA (Hons)
It's a beautiful campus and the majority of the staff are absolutely amazing and lovely. I wish there were more drinking (alcohol) socials and music events in the union though as...
Read more
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How Art History & Criticism students rated:

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( 4.3) 7 reviews
5 star
43%
4 stars
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3 stars
14%
2 stars
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How all students rated:

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( 4.4) 1,132 reviews
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Uni info

University of Aberdeen
University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen

With over 530 years of history, the University of Aberdeen offers a meaningful postgraduate study experience which places an emphasis...

Student rating
( 4.4) View reviews
CUG ranking
30th
University of Aberdeen
University Office Regent Walk, King's College Aberdeen AB24 3FX United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Aberdeen  0.9 miles away

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