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The Department of Art History at the University of Hong Kong is one of Asia’s leading centres of art historical research. We offer research postgraduate (RPg) programmes leading to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. For information on our taught postgraduate (MA) programme, go to the MA section. Please note that we do not offer any applied degrees in studio art or design.
Our MPhil is a two-year full-time (or three-year part-time) programme, while the PhD takes three or four years full-time (four-and-a-half or six years part-time). Both programmes are based primarily on the writing of a dissertation in English under the close supervision of a full-time faculty member from our department. It is possible to have a co-supervisor within or outside our department.
The Graduate School handles the overall management of the degrees; it sets policies for admissions and examinations, and also provides compulsory courses and optional workshops for RPg students. The Arts Faculty’s Higher Degrees Committee provides academic oversight of all RPg programmes and students. And the School of Humanities office handles most of the day-to-day administrative work for RPg students once they have begun their studies.
Note that we do not currently participate in the King’s College London and Hong Kong University Joint PhD programme.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art History
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
The Department of Art History at the University of Hong Kong is one of Asia’s leading centres of art historical research. We offer research postgraduate (RPg) programmes leading to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. For information on our taught postgraduate (MA) programme, go to the MA section. Please note that we do not offer any applied degrees in studio art or design.
Our MPhil is a two-year full-time (or three-year part-time) programme, while the PhD takes three or four years full-time (four-and-a-half or six years part-time). Both programmes are based primarily on the writing of a dissertation in English under the close supervision of a full-time faculty member from our department. It is possible to have a co-supervisor within or outside our department.
The Graduate School handles the overall management of the degrees; it sets policies for admissions and examinations, and also provides compulsory courses and optional workshops for RPg students. The Arts Faculty’s Higher Degrees Committee provides academic oversight of all RPg programmes and students. And the School of Humanities office handles most of the day-to-day administrative work for RPg students once they have begun their studies.
Note that we do not currently participate in the King’s College London and Hong Kong University Joint PhD programme.
Admission Requirements
80+
7+
Admission is highly competitive, with only two or three funded research postgraduate places available in our department each year. To apply for the MPhil, applicants must have a bachelor degree and substantial experience in art history or in a related area of historical or cultural expertise (a degree in studio art is not a sufficient foundation for admission). If your art historical background is not strong, our MA programme will be a more suitable option. To apply for the PhD, applicants must already hold an MA or MPhil degree, usually in the history of art or architecture.
01 Dec 2025
4 Years
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
PhD in Art History
HKU Main Campus, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
# 12QS Subject Rankings
48 monthsProgramme duration
01 Dec, 2025Application Deadline
Art HistoryMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art History
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
The Department of Art History at the University of Hong Kong is one of Asia’s leading centres of art historical research. We offer research postgraduate (RPg) programmes leading to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. For information on our taught postgraduate (MA) programme, go to the MA section. Please note that we do not offer any applied degrees in studio art or design.
Our MPhil is a two-year full-time (or three-year part-time) programme, while the PhD takes three or four years full-time (four-and-a-half or six years part-time). Both programmes are based primarily on the writing of a dissertation in English under the close supervision of a full-time faculty member from our department. It is possible to have a co-supervisor within or outside our department.
The Graduate School handles the overall management of the degrees; it sets policies for admissions and examinations, and also provides compulsory courses and optional workshops for RPg students. The Arts Faculty’s Higher Degrees Committee provides academic oversight of all RPg programmes and students. And the School of Humanities office handles most of the day-to-day administrative work for RPg students once they have begun their studies.
Note that we do not currently participate in the King’s College London and Hong Kong University Joint PhD programme.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art History
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
The Department of Art History at the University of Hong Kong is one of Asia’s leading centres of art historical research. We offer research postgraduate (RPg) programmes leading to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. For information on our taught postgraduate (MA) programme, go to the MA section. Please note that we do not offer any applied degrees in studio art or design.
Our MPhil is a two-year full-time (or three-year part-time) programme, while the PhD takes three or four years full-time (four-and-a-half or six years part-time). Both programmes are based primarily on the writing of a dissertation in English under the close supervision of a full-time faculty member from our department. It is possible to have a co-supervisor within or outside our department.
The Graduate School handles the overall management of the degrees; it sets policies for admissions and examinations, and also provides compulsory courses and optional workshops for RPg students. The Arts Faculty’s Higher Degrees Committee provides academic oversight of all RPg programmes and students. And the School of Humanities office handles most of the day-to-day administrative work for RPg students once they have begun their studies.
Note that we do not currently participate in the King’s College London and Hong Kong University Joint PhD programme.
Admission Requirements
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
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