Program Overview

Overview

The Fine Art MPhil and PhD programs at Newcastle University involve studio-based practice and research in Fine Art, or research in Art History. Students engage in independent practice and research, with research support from the academic supervisor team. The team can also include academic supervisors from other areas of the university when appropriate.

How You'll Learn

The Fine Art MPhil can be practice-led or theoretical, with a final text submission of no more than 40,000 words, or an equivalent combination of studio practice and text. The Fine Art PhD can be practice-led or solely text-based. The final submission for a practice-led PhD is a combination of an exhibition of creative work made over the period of study and a thesis. The thesis would typically be between 20,000 and 50,000 words. A text-based PhD is submitted as a thesis of between 80,000 and 100,000 words.

Your Development

You'll be encouraged to attend and make presentations at the regular fine art postgraduate seminars. These sessions aim to enhance research skills and encourage intellectual and practical exchange between you and the academic staff and visiting artists. You can also engage with research across the University to increase your awareness of cross-disciplinary potential and impact potential of your own research.

Your Future

Fine art staff will encourage and support you to present at national and international conferences. You'll also be able to maintain and develop your professional career through exhibiting, networking, and other activities.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of the research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 100 for Performing Arts - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 125 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 150 for Art and Design - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

The School of Arts and Cultures is in the top five of all UK art schools. It's concerned with the education and training of artists, together with the associated discourses around the practice, exhibition, history, and theory of art. The school provides dedicated and well-resourced workshops (all with full technical support) and student studios. It offers:

• Purpose-built painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital media studios
• 24/7 access to the studios
• Wood, Metal, Casting, Digital, and Ceramics workshops
• Designated gallery and project spaces
• Seminar rooms
• Large lecture theatre

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year):

• MPhil Full-time: Home students - Not set, International students - £24,400
• MPhil Part-time: Home students - Not set
• PhD Full-time: Home students - Not set, International students - £24,400
• PhD Part-time: Home students - Not set

Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 honors degree or higher (or international equivalent), in a related subject. PhD applicants also require a Master's degree at Merit standard or higher (or international equivalent).
• English Language requirements: IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or other qualifications.

How to Apply

Before you apply, you should contact the Head of Postgraduate Studies to discuss your proposed research project. You will need to produce a clear and concise research proposal for your application. You should follow the guidelines on the School of Arts and Cultures website. For practice-led research, you need to include visual documentation of your art work. The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.