Visual Arts (PhD)

The PhD in Art and Visual Culture is offered by Western University's Department of Visual Arts, providing advanced training in art history, visual culture, curatorial studies and studio practices in contemporary art and new media. It is a full-time, thesis-based doctoral programme structured over 12 terms of study, equivalent to approximately four years, culminating in a dissertation or equivalent research project defended before a supervisory committee. Applicants require a Master's degree in art history, visual culture or curatorial studies, or an MFA or MVA, held with an average of at least 80 percent (A-), and must submit work samples in specified formats as part of the application. Applications are due January 15, with admission decisions typically issued in March. International applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's standard graduate English-language proficiency requirements, which may be satisfied through TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores. Graduates pursue careers in academic research and teaching, curatorial practice, and professional studio and new-media art practice.