PhD Curating
University of Essex
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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

Colchester Campus

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Full Time

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Start date

JAN

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Duration

4 years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

4 years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Colchester Campus

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Full Time

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APR-25

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4 years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Colchester Campus

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Part Time

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APR-25

Duration

7 years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

7 years

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Course info

The University of Essex is one of few research-intensive universities to offer a practice-based PhD in curating. Like a traditional PhD in art history, this degree allows you to conduct sustained, innovative research about an issue from the field of visual culture, broadly defined. Only instead of resulting in a book-length thesis of roughly 80,000 words, this degree culminates in you curating a major, research-based exhibition and writing a complementary thesis of c. 40,000 words.The premise ...Read more

The University of Essex is one of few research-intensive universities to offer a practice-based PhD in curating. Like a traditional PhD in art history, this degree allows you to conduct sustained, innovative research about an issue from the field of visual culture, broadly defined. Only instead of resulting in a book-length thesis of roughly 80,000 words, this degree culminates in you curating a major, research-based exhibition and writing a complementary thesis of c. 40,000 words.

The premise underlying this PhD is that exhibitions constitute one of the most important platforms for sharing research – a platform that may be complemented by rigorous written research, but one that reaches audiences and makes arguments not possible through writing alone.

As part of the PhD Curating, you investigate a topic of your choosing. This topic may relate to the history and theory of curating. However, you can also explore other facets of visual culture, opting instead to use curating as the vehicle for presenting your research. Regardless of your topic, you critically assess the impact of your research, both on the history of visual culture and on contemporary discourses concerning the production, distribution, and reception of exhibitions.

The practical dimension of this PhD enables you to develop your skills as a curator. To this end, you will conceive of an exhibition from start to finish, with key deliverables that include: preparing a preliminary curatorial plan of your chosen exhibition project; finding a venue; implementing a promotional plan; developing an education programme; preparing the different components of the exhibition; organising shipping; mounting and installing artworks or other objects on display (some or all of which may be loans); and, finally, presenting your exhibition to the public. If needed, you may gain professional art-handling training and further hands-on experience, which we can arrange through our ties to both university-managed and external galleries.

Alongside this practical project, you will also prepare a thesis that serves two ends: first, to explore your research question in greater detail than the exhibition itself would allow; and second, to provide a critical commentary on the process of developing your exhibition. The final degree is awarded based on an assessment of both the exhibition and the thesis.

Your future

Most of our successful graduates are now working in academic institutions, in museums or galleries, or in other arts-related professions, both throughout the UK and abroad. Several graduates are now Professors in leading art history departments, such as York and CUNY, while others have worked as curators at high-profile museums such as the Tate Modern, the Museum of Modern Art (New York), or the Royal Academy of Arts (London).

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
35/101
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
30th
What students say
O
Olatoye
16 Feb 24

It is a great university overall. I should know. I chose it I twice...Read more

S
Sofia
03 Mar 23

The atmosphere is really positive and there are always engaging events on campus. However, in my course, there's a lack of interaction between students. I believe groups projects..Read more

Modules

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Entry requirements

You will need a good master’s degree or equivalent, in a related subject. A well-developed research proposal, normally around 2,000 words is also essential.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,786 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)

£18,750 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.

£18,750 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 Curation reviews

Art Curation
Art Curation
O
Olatoye
16 Feb 24
MA Curating with Professional Placement
It is a great university overall. I should know. I chose it I twice....
Read more
S
Sofia
03 Mar 23
Curating BA (Hons)
The atmosphere is really positive and there are always engaging events on campus. However, in my course, there's a lack of interaction between students. I believe groups projects...
Read more
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Uni info

University of Essex
University of Essex , Colchester

The University of Essex prides itself on being at the forefront of research innovation and global change....

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
30th
University of Essex
University of Essex Wivenhoe Park Colchester Essex CO4 3SQ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Hythe   0.6 miles away

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