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.
