Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
Art History
Introduction
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.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Degree Qualification: MLitt or PhD
Research Area Navigation
- Overview
- Our Research
- Entry Requirements
- Fees
- Careers
- Contact Us
Research Interests
British and Scottish Art
The many exceptional archives and collections at the University, and in north-east Scotland more broadly, are an excellent resource for original and innovative research projects. Dr Helen Pierce is a specialist in British art of the early modern period (c.1550–1750), with a particular focus on works on paper and the history of political satire. Dr Hans C. Hönes has published widely on the history of archaeology and antiquarianism in Britain, as well as on British art writing.
Art and Christianity
Art History at Aberdeen has close ties with the School’s Divinity Department, and both disciplines co-ordinate the innovative MLitt in Christianity & the Visual Arts. Dr Joanne Anderson is a specialist in the imagery of Mary Magdalene and the saint’s visualisations in a range of media: from paintings and altarpieces, through prints and glass, to contemporary video art. Dr Karl Kinsella is an expert in medieval architecture and book illumination.
Contemporary Art and Visual Culture
Dr Catriona McAra specialises in feminist surrealism and performance art, with a background in research curation and an interest in Scottish women artists. Dr Isabelle Gapp specialises in landscape and environmental art history, focusing on the visual and material cultures of the Arctic and wider Circumpolar North. Both welcome PhD applications on the intersection of art, science, and the environment.
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.
Alongside your application form, you will need to upload the following supporting documents online:
- Copies of your undergraduate and graduate degree certificates
- Academic transcripts for your undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- Two academic references; either the details of your referees provided on your application form or uploaded online with your application.
- Your research proposal
- If English is not your first language and you have not studied previously at an institution in the UK, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency in English by taking an IELTS, TOEFL or PTE academic test.
Fee Information
View the tuition fee rates
Funding Opportunities
The McBey Studentship
Applications are invited for the McBey Studentship in Art History for a project titled James McBey: Art and Autobiography.
Scholarships
Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Careers
Past graduates have gone into academic careers, heritage work (National Trust of Scotland, English Heritage, Historic Scotland, Historic Monuments Commission), arts administration, museums and galleries, art trade (Auction Houses, Dealers), publishing and media.
Related Postgraduate Taught Degrees
- Christianity and the Visual Arts
The Historic Collections
The Historic Collections include medieval manuscripts and estate papers. The George Washington Wilson archive contains over 45,000 original glass plate negatives.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
MLitt or PhD in Art History
This program provides you with the opportunity to research the history of art, architecture, and visual culture from the Middle Ages to the present day. You'll become part of a thriving research community and receive expert supervision from experienced academics.
Objectives:
- Develop your research skills and knowledge in a specific area of art history.
- Produce a high-quality thesis that makes an original contribution to the field.
- Become a confident and independent researcher.
Description:
The program offers a flexible approach to research, allowing you to tailor your studies to your individual interests and career goals.
Careers:
Past graduates have gone into a variety of careers, including:
- Academic careers
- Heritage work (National Trust of Scotland, English Heritage, Historic Scotland, Historic Monuments Commission)
- Arts administration
- Museums and galleries
- Art trade (Auction Houses, Dealers)
- Publishing and media
Other:
- The Art History Department is an active group of researchers with strong links to researchers worldwide.
- Aberdeen has a distinguished architectural heritage from the Middle Ages onwards.
- Aberdeen Art Gallery has a fine collection of French and British (including Scottish) art.