Overview

The DPhil programme in Architectural History at the University of Oxford draws on considerable experience in providing advanced tuition in architectural history. It profits from the close links within the department between the disciplines of architectural history, art history, English local history and landscape archaeology.

It also has links with other parts of the University, particularly the Faculty of History, the Department of History of Art, and Kellogg College, amongst the fellows of which is the largest concentration of architectural historians associated with the University.

Key facts

The course has links with other parts of the University, particularly the Faculty of History, the Department of History of Art, and Kellogg College, amongst the fellows of which is the largest concentration of architectural historians associated with the University.

Supervision is possible in most areas of British architectural history from the middle ages to the present, and some European and American topics. In terms of Great Britain, academic staff currently have particular research interests in ecclesiastical buildings; country houses and their landscapes; the British home since 1700; railway stations; the history of building conservation; Regency architecture; architecture of the period 1880-1940; Gothic Revival; urban and institutional architecture, especially of London and Oxford, from 1660 to the present.

The course is overseen by the Continuing Education Board of the University. Admission is through the Department for Continuing Education.

The part-time DPhil regulations require a period of five to eight years’ part-time study. You may be required to undertake appropriate research training provided within the department. Doctoral training is provided through the department’s Graduate School, and other agreed learning requirements (eg foreign languages) can draw on the resources of both the department and the wider University.

You will be strongly encouraged to participate in seminars and informal meetings with staff and other researchers both within the department and elsewhere in the University. The major commitment of time will be to individual study and research, involving wide and intense reading, data collection (which may include fieldwork) and analysis, and writing.

Programme Structure

In broad terms, supervision is possible in most areas of British architectural history from the middle ages to the present, and some European and American topics. In terms of Great Britain, academic staff currently have particular research interests in:

ecclesiastical buildings
country houses and their landscapes
the British home since 1700
railway stations
the history of building conservation
Regency architecture
architecture of the period 1880-1940
Gothic Revival
urban and institutional architecture, especially of London and Oxford, from 1660 to the present

Key information

Duration

Part-time
- 60 months
- Flexible

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-03-01 00:00:00

More details

If places are still available, applications may be accepted after 1 March.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

110

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Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Architecture Art History View 44 other PhDs in Art History in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

110

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Other requirements

General requirements

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a related subject
a master’s degree, preferably with a Distinction
the PGCert in Architectural History, showing consistent performance at the highest level

Applicants who have a Level 4 vocational qualification rather than an undergraduate degree may be considered. In exceptional circumstances, applicants who have substantial experience in a relevant profession (eg one related to building analysis and recording or to historic conservation) may also be considered.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA normally sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

You must have a sound research proposal, be up to date with previous work in the field, and aware of the academic context of your proposed research.

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Tuition Fee

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International

12935 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 12935 GBP per year during 60 months.
National

4925 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 4925 GBP per year during 60 months.

Living costs for Oxford

939 - 1530 GBP /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships, if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant January deadline. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Architectural History.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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