Victoria University of Wellington

Overview

The PhD in Art History at Victoria University of Wellington is tailored for scholars eager to engage in original research and contribute innovative insights to the field of art. Students will collaborate closely with academic supervisors and utilize extensive collections and research resources available in Wellington, culminating in a significant thesis derived from independent research.

What you'll study

This program is structured around a thesis-based model, focusing on important milestones, research development, and the completion of an original thesis. Key components include:

• Thesis research: Develop and execute an innovative research project in Art History.
• Supervision: Receive guidance from a dedicated academic supervisory team through regular meetings.
• Research training and milestones: Fulfill the required doctoral training and milestones as outlined by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
• Scholarly development: Enhance your literature review, methodology, and arguments with ongoing feedback from supervisors.
• Thesis submission: Submit a thesis that showcases a significant original contribution to knowledge and adheres to the program's examination criteria.

Possible research themes

• Contemporary art and visual culture in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Politics of art, cultural power, and public discourse
• Climate change and environmental humanities
• Art histories and narratives of Oceania
• Artists’ writing, criticism, and the interplay between text and image

Note: Specific requirements and milestone schedules may vary based on individual candidates and Faculty guidelines.

Entry requirements

To apply for this program, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree with Honours or a Master’s degree from a New Zealand university, typically with a GPA of at least 6 (equivalent to a B+ grade).
• Be currently enrolled in a Master’s thesis at Victoria University of Wellington and fulfill the criteria for transfer to a PhD.
• Provide satisfactory evidence of adequate training and capability to pursue the proposed course of study, as assessed by the Dean of the Wellington Faculty of Graduate Research.

In addition to these requirements, applicants must gain acceptance from the relevant Head of School and the Associate Dean of Postgraduate Research.

Career prospects