Entry requirements
You should have a 2:1 or first-class undergraduate degree, or equivalent. For the PhD, you should also have or be currently completing an MA degree, and we normally require an MA dissertation mark, where one is awarded, of at least 65 or equivalent.
Exceptions can be made if you've had an unusual career profile, but still have substantial related experience.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your ability.
Check your English language requirements
Applying
Apply for the PhD in History of Art
Apply for the PhD in History of Art (distance learning)
Find a supervisor
Before you apply, you should contact a potential supervisor for your research. We welcome enquiries and encourage you to get in touch as early as possible. However, a scattershot approach - emailing all staff members regardless of the relationship between their research interests and yours - is unlikely to produce positive results. You're advised to make your research proposals as specific and clear as possible.
Sample of writing
You should submit a 1,500-word sample of academic writing. Where possible, the subject should concern art history, but if your background lies in other areas, we would welcome work in another field such as literature or history.
Personal statement
We are keen to hear about your academic and other experience. Please explain your interest in the subject, which may include approaches as well as periods or artists. Explain what has attracted you to our programme and what you would like to do here. If possible, please tell us your cohort position in your previous degree, based on your final award mark (for example, 2nd in a cohort of 50).
Interview
We'll invite you for an interview at York with your potential supervisor and the Director of Research Programmes, either before or after your submission.
You should be prepared to discuss the research proposal in depth, although we recognise that details may change over the course of your degree. You should be prepared to be flexible in adapting your interests to the sources and expertise available to you.
Overseas applicants will be interviewed by phone or Zoom.
If you need guidance, please email histart-admissions@york.ac.uk.
Have a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.
Find out more about how to apply.
