Program Overview
Art History (PhD)
Research at the heart of a museum-rich city
At the University of Basel's Department of Art History, doctoral students can complete a PhD in the following fields:
- Medieval Art History; from late antiquity to the end of the Middle Ages (Professor Aden Kumler)
- Early Modern Art History; the production of art from the early Renaissance to Classicism (Professor Dr. Andreas Beyer)
- Modern Art History, tracing the development of art from the late eighteenth century to the twenty-first century (Professor Ralph Ubl)
- Theory of Art, examining questions of art theory, methodology and image theory (Professor Markus Klammer, Schaulager Professor)
The Laurenz Professor of Contemporary Art provides the Department of Art History with scholarly expertise on developments of contemporary art.
The Department of Art History is an internationally recognized center for scholarship on the theory and history of the image. This is reflected in the university's establishment of the focal area visual studies, a field devoted to the empirical and historical conditions of visual communication that supports theoretical work on the foundations of image criticism. The promotion of PhD research represents a key factor in maintaining the vitality and innovation capacity of art historical scholarship in Basel.
The eikones graduate school offers outstanding doctorate students who are pursuing an interest in the history and theory of images a structured program of study characterized by sustained advising, internationality, interdisciplinarity, regular exchange with visiting scholars, and career-related opportunities.
Application & Admission
To be admitted to a doctorate, applicants must hold a master's degree in a field related to the desired subject of doctoral research with an average grade of at least 5.0 rounded to the nearest tenth. Other degrees from a higher education institution recognized by the University of Basel may be deemed partially or fully equivalent on the condition that the applicant acquires any missing credits. A continuing education program qualification from a university does not entitle an applicant to be admitted to a doctorate.
Admission to a Doctoral Program
Before being accepted onto a doctoral program, applicants must successfully apply for admission to doctoral studies in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Basel. Once admitted, they can begin their search for a place on a doctoral program.
Language Requirements
The main languages of instruction in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences are German and English. To ensure successful studies, applicants should be proficient in the languages of instruction for their doctoral subject to at least C1 level as defined in the European Framework of Reference.
Process for Doctorate
A doctorate usually lasts between three and five years and includes a dissertation, curriculum-based courses, and the doctoral examination. Curriculum-based courses make up at least 12 credit points in individual doctorates and at least 18 credit points in doctoral programs.
Doctoral Committee
Every doctorate is supported by a doctoral committee, which usually consists of a first and second supervisor but can also include a third person. The first supervisor is primarily responsible for ensuring that the doctoral project is conducted correctly and that suitable supervision is provided.
Graduation & Publication
Once doctoral candidates have written their dissertation, passed all curriculum-based courses, and fulfilled all other requirements, they can apply for admission to the doctoral examination.
Registering for the Doctoral Examination
Candidates should register for the doctoral examination at the latest four months before the desired oral examination date. The examination is held at the latest within two months of acceptance of the dissertation.
Doctoral Degree Transcript and Graduation Ceremony
The degree transcript is presented at the graduation ceremony. Candidates who pass their exam between February 1 and July 31 attend the ceremony held the following September; candidates who pass between August 1 and January 31 attend the ceremony held the following March.
Financing
A doctorate usually lasts between three and five years. It is essential to start thinking about financing for a doctorate at an early stage and to work with the first supervisor to find a solution before starting studies.
Financing Options for Doctorates
Doctoral students should consider preparing a competitive application for a scholarship or a project position during the first project phase to continue and successfully complete their doctorate within the framework of third-party funding.
Printing Cost Contributions for Dissertations
The Max Geldner Dissertation Fund grants contributions to the printing costs of dissertations at the Faculty of Philosophy and History. Applications for language editing can also be submitted if the dissertation was not written in the author's first language or if the author's language skills are not sufficient for a high-quality final editing.