Doctor of Philosophy in Art History and Visual Culture

This program focuses on the Canadian heritage in the visual arts, including works of art made by Canadians as well as works that have been brought to Canada and remain here on a permanent basis. They offer a range of courses, placement and visual resources. Part-time students, especially those with experience in the discipline, are encouraged to apply. Where possible, students should be prepared to devote themselves to full-time study at least during their first year in the graduate program.

Choose to study a diverse range of subjects including art and architecture history, critical theory and writing, curatorial studies in visual culture, and gallery and museum practices. They offer a one-year diploma in Curatorial Studies. Students may also earn a joint MAMBA degree in the cultural policy field.

The doctoral program in Art History & Visual Culture at York offers an exceptional opportunity for research, teaching and professional development within a department that is unique in terms of its resources, location, faculty and areas of interest.

In the doctoral program, each of the fields is broadly conceived and students may incorporate research on non-Western topics, minority cultural practices and interdisciplinary issues and approaches. The four fields of study represent the significant areas of teaching and research strength of York’s Art History faculty, and provide a frame within which students can pursue diverse theoretical and practical engagements in their study of art and visual culture.

The PhD in Art History and Visual Culture is a four-year program of study. Program requirements include one year of full-time coursework and a dissertation. The first-year focuses on the development of research skills in all aspects of the program, including graduate seminars, one-on-one supervision and funded graduate assistantships. Students write their comprehensive exams and dissertation proposal in the second year. It is expected that the dissertation research and writing process will take an additional two years.

Applicants for admission should hold a master’s degree in art history or a relevant discipline from a recognized university with a minimum A- average. This requirement may be waived if the student has had a long period of significant professional activity.

Language Requirements

A minimum of two languages: English and one other, which is usually French. The minimum TOEFL score for the program is 600 for paper based and 250 computer based or students may demonstrate their English language proficiency by completing YELT with a score of 1.

The application deadline is Jan 15.