Fine Art (DPhil): University of Oxford

DPhil in Fine Art

The Ruskin is, first and foremost, an art school, and in saying this we would stress that the prime focus of the Department is on sustaining a broadly inclusive and inquisitive space in which to practise, and to test attitudes towards, contemporary art. Those applying to spend time here come from a wide variety of backgrounds and have experience of a number of different avenues within the contemporary art world. As well as artists, they include those wishing to pursue research in 20th century and contemporary art, art theory and criticism, exhibition curating and organisation, problems of conservation in a field that now includes much that is either easily reproducible or, whether by design or otherwise, highly perishable, and the implications of new technologies for art.

Students can opt to pursue their DPhil studies in one of two ways: either by thesis alone or by practice. In the latter case they would produce for exhibition a work or number of works together with a supporting thesis.

The Ruskin has a good working relationship, both with many of the museums, collections and departments in the University, and with Modern Art, Oxford. The Ruskin Laboratory has a decade of experience in conceiving, setting up and securing funding for projects of varying length that have allowed artists to spend time at the University, often in collaboration with another department. Also, through formal and informal arrangements, and through furthering the projects of many individual students over the years, the School has made connections with departments throughout the University. Links of this kind suggest that interdisciplinary and collaborative work at DPhil level could well be a feature of research for some students.

The DPhil in Fine Art is awarded on the basis of a research thesis of 80,000 words, or, for those offering studio practice as part of the final submission, an exhibition of work and a supporting thesis of 40,000 words.

Entry Requirements

Master’s degree in Fine Art or related subject

English Language Requirements

• Research degrees: Higher level
• Taught degrees: Higher level

Contact Graduate Admissions Office

• Postal address:
        The Graduate Admissions Office
        PO Box 738
        University of Oxford
        Wellington Square
        Oxford, OX1 9FB
• Tel: +44 (0)1865 270059
• Fax: +44 (0)1865 270049
• Email: graduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk