Art History
The Art History programme at the University of Aberdeen provides students with an extensive knowledge of the history of art from the Middle Ages to the present day, covering a wide range of media and techniques
Integrated PhD
What is the Integrated PhD?
The School offers two Integrated PhDs, one in Divinity and one in Christianity and the Visual Arts. Both are four-year programmes that combine one year of taught course work (equivalent to a MTh or MLitt) with three years of independent doctoral research working with an expert supervisor in Divinity and/or Art History.
- Who is this for?
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The integrated PhD is a great option for students who could benefit from additional preparation for a PhD programme while enjoying continuity of study and a streamlined transition from Masters level work to a PhD. For example, students would find this option helpful if their current educational experience would not qualify them for admission to the PhD programme, or perhaps they could benefit from developing particular skills such as facilities with additional languages for their doctoral research. Candidates with either a relevant undergraduate degree or a first postgraduate degree (such as an MDiv) are welcome to apply.
This degree may also be of benefit to students who come from an academic context where taught coursework is standardly part of the PhD programme.
International students may also find that applying for an integrated four-year programme is more straight forward in terms of immigration and visa requirements than applying for a one-year Masters followed by a separate PhD.
- How does it work?
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The integrated PhD programme is split into two stages. In stage one, the first year of the degree, the student will take 180 credits of coursework, usually four 30-credit courses and a 60-credit dissertation. Stage two of the degree runs between years 2-4 and functions like a traditional British PhD programme, leading to a 100,000 word thesis.
The courses you select will be shaped by your research trajectory so that you are well prepared for the doctoral phase of the programme.
For the Integrated PhD in Divinity you can focus on any of the following specialist subject areas: Systematic Theology, Theological Ethics, Church History and Historical Theology, Practical Theology, Old Testament and Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Philosophical Theology and Religion.
In order to progress from stage one to stage two of the programme, the student must meet the following criteria:
- Attain an average of 16/22 (B) on their coursework
- Attain 17 (B+) on their dissertation
- Pass a Research Proposal Revision Exercise
- Have two letters of recommendation
Students who meet these criteria will automatically progress onto the PhD programme. If a student does not meet this higher threshold for progression to stage two of the integrated PhD but does pass the coursework and dissertation at a standard masters level, then they will be able to exit at the end of the first year with a Masters in Theology.
- How to apply?
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The application process for the Integrated PhD is the same as for a standard PhD. Therefore, the student must apply with a coherent and feasible research proposal. Admission decisions will bear in mind that the applicant will have additional preparation, research, and revision of the research proposal during the first year of the programme. It is advisable to make contact with a potential research supervisor before applying to discuss your research ideas and your application to the programme.
