Overview

This Art History and Visual Studies programme offered by University of Gothenburg examines images, visual representation, and visual culture from interdisciplinary perspectives. Research explores the role of images within the Western art tradition and investigates their functions in areas such as science, education, journalism, cultural heritage, and social life. Studies address topics including visual communication, image interpretation, accessibility, gender, semiotics, and the representation of women in art and visual culture.

Key Facts

The programme is connected to broad research environments focused on urban culture, cultural heritage, visual culture, and creative practices. Doctoral candidates investigate how images, narratives, archives, architecture, art, and cultural expressions shape knowledge, identity, power relations, and democratic processes. Research spans both historical and contemporary contexts and engages with questions of perception, memory, spatial development, public culture, and the social significance of visual media.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Art History
Visual Studies
Visual Culture
Image Analysis
Visual Culture Theory
Semiotic Interpretation
Gender Theory

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

You can apply for and start this programme anytime.

More details

Prospective doctoral students apply for vacancies.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

62

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

240 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Göteborg, Sweden

Disciplines

Visual Arts Art History

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

62

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

E2 Language Test Prep

Trusted by 7M+ Students

Start Studying Today

Admission to your dream university starts with a high IELTS or PTE score. Earn your target score with E2's guided test preparation.

Study on your own schedule
Live classes with current and ex-examiners
Accurate score assesment, always
E2 Score Guarantee - Get your score or your money back!

Other requirements

General requirements

A person meets the general entry requirements if he or she has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle.

To be admitted to doctoral education in Art History and Visual Studies the following is also required:

30 credits in Art History and Visual Studies at second-cycle level, of which at least 15 credits consist of an independent project or equivalent knowledge

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Gothenburg and/or in Sweden, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

PhD students do not pay tuition fees.

Living costs

Göteborg

Sweden

7552 - 13932 SEK / month

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