We offer a different experience to our online Masters’ level programme; OU doctorates are NOT distance learning programmes. Firstly, it is helpful to know that the academics who work with you on your project are known as your ‘supervisors’. This is rather different to the role of an undergraduate tutor; in a doctoral programme, you are expected to be highly self-directed in how you develop and refine your research, so we don’t tutor you, but we do read, comment and advise on your work as you produce it.

Your primary relationships are with your supervisors (usually two academics) within your department. We expect to meet with you, online or face to face, as often as ten times a year (full-time), so you are not left alone. You will be asked to write something as you go along, particularly across your first year (full-time).

Art, Architecture and Design History PhD theses require a range of scholarly resources; the OU library is available for a good range of online publications, but you are strongly advised to consider how you can use your nearest university library as well, gaining access through the SCONUL scheme. This is important for Arts and Humanities research, where much of the research literature is still in print-only form. You may also need to travel in order to visit relevant research materials in archives, museums and galleries, as well as specialist library collections; your key sources and their locations will need to be identified in your research proposal, so this also needs to be feasible for you.

Finally, you will be part of the wider OU research degrees community. Particularly in your first year (full-time), you will be expected to identify and develop any skills necessary to conduct your research by joining the OU training sessions offered across the year. This might include technical training on specific IT needs, or support on developing academic writing. You will have access to the online OU Graduate School Network, which is your ‘one stop shop’ for support and guidance.

Find out more about 'How to apply for a PhD in Art History'.