The Professional Doctorate in Fine Art has been running at UEL for over 20 years. It is designed for artists working across a range of media and methodologies who wish to make their practice the basis for doctoral study. Unlike a Ph.D., an exhibition of artworks replaces the thesis as the main evidence of research, supported by a 15,000 – 20,000-word written report. The program is designed for artists from the UK and abroad and is undertaken 3 years full-time and 5 years part-time. Students are engaged in any of the forms of contemporary art, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, film, installation, photography, text-based and digital work. They arrive with a creative practice to be analyzed and developed rather than a research question or a project to be carried out. Work-in-progress seminars are the backbone of the program, building critical, creative, and presentational skills and peer support. Along with twice-yearly exhibitions within and outside of the university, students are given the support to develop their creative practice, professional practice, and theoretical research to a doctoral standard.
Prof Doc Fine Art (DFA)
Modules
- Research methodologies and Professional Development (60 points, Core)
- Advanced Professional Practice (120 points, Core)
- Advanced Professional Practice (180 points, Core)
- Advanced Professional Practice (180 points, Core)
Employability
The Doctorate in Fine Art (DFA) leads to employment outcomes by requiring students to engage with the art industry of galleries, critics, publications, and artist-run spaces outside of the university. The 60-credit taught module in year 1 includes seminars in art writing and publication, funding, and exhibiting. Many doctoral students are already in employment as academics, teachers, curators, or artists, and the DFA often leads to an extension of their professional roles or to new employment.
Key Facts
Requirements
- MA in Fine Art or related discipline, an established creative and professional practice, and excellent knowledge of contemporary art OR
- Exceptional creative and professional practice and excellent knowledge of contemporary art
- Overall IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening (or recognized equivalent).
Duration options
Full-time, 1 year
Start date
September
Fees and Applying
EU/Home – Tuition Fees:
- Full-time: £5,420 UK
- Part-time: £2,710 UK
International – Tuition Fees
- Full-time: £14,460
- Part-time: £7,230
