Art

Overview

The MPhil/PhD Art at the Goldsmiths, University of London is a 3-4 year (full-time) or 6-8 year (part-time) research project, the pursuit of which may involve your already-established practice or may require the development of new modes of practice specific to the project.

The University understands that the shape and trajectory of your research may change as you make connections and develop your practice throughout the course of your research. We will work with you to develop the most appropriate – and generative – means of pursuing, documenting and disseminating your findings, as best befits your project.

It is important to note that the MPhil/PhD is not an extension of the MFA. The MFA is geared specifically to the development of your art practice and is academically recognized as the terminal professional degree for fine artists. 

The PhD is also distinct from ongoing studio practice or a residency. A PhD asks you to place your work in relation to that of other practitioners in a contemporary and/or historical context, be they artists or other cultural workers, philosophers, sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists, or others. In this respect, the model of the PhD encourages you to follow your curiosity for – and make connections with and between – the thought, work, and action of others.

Skills

The art programmes aim to equip you with the necessary skills to develop independent thought and confidence in your practice. In addition, these skills are of use in other career paths you may wish to follow.

Careers

The researchers have been successful in many fields including media, museums, galleries, education, the music business and academia. Many have continued to be successful, practising artists long after graduating, and have won major prizes and exhibited around the world.