A PhD in art history in Brno is a unique opportunity to leave one's comfort zone and to embark, thus, on an unexpected journey. By integrating intellectual self-discipline, activating curiosity, and exchanging with others, it can become a life-changing experience. On a local and global scale, it allows to integrate an intellectual community where images, objects, and architecture become fellows to humans.

The 8-semester PhD programme consists of advanced, in-depth research into a specific topic in the history of art. Building on the bachelor's and master's degrees, the programme, constructed within an international environment, consists, first and foremost, of the preparation and defence of an extended dissertation that explores new and as yet unexamined themes in research into art history, or addresses existing themes by means of a new and original approach. The dissertation should produce significant breakthroughs on the given topic, going beyond existing ideas and knowledge. On conclusion of the dissertation, graduates will be able to contribute to ongoing scholarly discussions in the fields of theory and art history, becoming independent scholars.

In addition to research and preparation of the dissertation, students of the PhD programme will be required to attend a seminar course on research methodology, as well as attend and participate in the regular doctoral colloquium. A research stay abroad of at least one month is mandatory for successful implementation of the programme. Students will also have the opportunity to attend further training courses in foreign languages.

The PhD programme is a preparation for students to embark on a career as researchers, and students will be given support and training to enable them to prepare academic conference papers and publications, which are mandatory outputs of the curriculum. Our graduates have gone on to successful work as scholars and teachers at university level, obtained positions as curators in museums and galleries and as specialized employees in museums, galleries, and monument care, finding employment anywhere that requires a high level of art history specialization.

Doctoral Programme – The Possibilities

Doctoral studies at the Department of Art History are closely linked to the research interests of our staff. If you are considering applying for the programme you should ensure that your interests can be supported by a supervisor with expertise in your area.

There are many good reasons to apply for a doctoral degree at the Department of Art History at Masaryk University in Brno. The Department is a comprehensive educational and research centre.

• We are one of the leading departments of art history in the Czech Republic with staff who are nationally and internationally recognised experts in their field, with scholars from seven different European countries.
• The Department has an active programme of publications (including three internationally recognized scholarly periodicals) and will provide a supportive environment for students to develop their skills and knowledge as young researchers.
• We co-operate with numerous prestigious scientific institutions, internationally and in the Czech Republic, such as the Max-Planck-Institut für Kunstgeschichte (Rome), the Graduate Center (City University of New York​), Max-Weber Stiftung (Bonn), the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (Paris), the Courtauld Institute of Art History (London), the Universities of Fribourg and Lausanne, the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, the National Gallery in Prague and the Moravian Gallery in Brno.
• The Department has extensive research resources, with one of the most dynamically growing specialized libraries among Czech institutions.
• Masaryk University, the second oldest university in the Czech Republic, offers a stimulating intellectual environment for doctoral studies.

We are open to applicants with an interest in undertaking PhD research in the following areas:

• Art of the Afro-Eurasian Middle Ages
• Art of the Early Modern Period in Europe and the Globalized World
• 20th Century European and North American Art
• The History and Theory of Architecture
• Historiography and the History of Art History
• Collecting, Patronage and Art-Historical Museology
• The Theory and Methodology of Art History
• Visual Studies and the Theory of Images