Fine Art

DPhil in Fine Art

Course Code | 003400 

The Ruskin is, first and foremost, an art school, and 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, and art theory and criticism.

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 Ruskin has a good working relationship both with many of the museums, collections and departments in the University, and with Modern Art Oxford.

Students can opt to pursue their DPhil studies in one of two ways: either by thesis alone or by practice.

The DPhil in Fine Art is awarded either 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.

Shared studio spaces and workshop facilities

The Ruskin Library

The Ruskin Research Laboratory

Information on academic staff profiles

Practising artists, fine art teaching, art writing, curators and gallery professionals in public and private galleries and for arts councils and organisations, academic careers.