History of Art - Postgraduate Research Opportunities

Conduct your own research project in an area of History of Art that interests you. Join a renowned Art History, Curating and Visual Studies Department and benefit from exceptional resources including an on-campus fine art gallery.

We offer a range of research expertise from medieval and Renaissance art and architecture to contemporary global art. One of our research strengths is British art, but we're excited to hear about research proposals exploring art from across the world.

Join a research driven department with a variety of interests across History of Art. Our research has real-world impact and includes collaborations with cultural organisations across the Midlands region.

• Home to Midlands Art Papers, an open-access online journal and collaborative curatorial programme.
• Contribute to the Department's research blog The Golovine sharing life in the Department for our students and researchers. 
• Take part in the Department's annual symposium and gain invaluable experience presenting your research.
• Conduct your PhD research from anywhere in the world by distance learning.

Application process

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.

When proposing your own research topic you’ll need to make sure the department offers the necessary expertise. We ask that you identify an appropriate supervisor before you submit your application and contact them in the first instance to discuss your research proposal.

If there is a good fit between your proposed research and our research strengths, we’ll be able to give you advice on a draft of your research proposal before you make a formal application.

When contacting a member of our staff, it would be helpful to include the following:

• A draft research proposal or a summary of your research ideas
• Details of university-level qualifications and any relevant professional experience
• Details on how you propose to fund your research

Please contact only one member of staff in the first instance. 

Find a supervisor

View our list of research supervisors in Art History, Curating and Visual Studies. 

Funding Notes

You devise your own PhD topic, find a supervisor, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. If you’re offered a place at Birmingham, you can then apply for studentships or funding from various sources. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.

Funding your Postgraduate Research

A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.

Explore scholarships and funding