PhD in Art & Humanities in Europe

This PhD program offers advanced academic and artistic research training within two specializations: Popular Music Performance and Arts in Context. The program includes 30 ECTS of coursework and 150 ECTS for the doctoral thesis, completed over three years. Candidates may choose between a purely scholarly thesis or a combined artistic-scholarly format. The Popular Music Performance track emphasizes research in popular music through analytical and methodological studies, while the Arts in Context track integrates interdisciplinary research in music, theater, and visual arts with a focus on societal and cultural relevance. Coursework includes philosophy of science, methods, and electives tailored to each specialization.

To be admitted to this PhD program, applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field from a recognized institution, including at least 90 ECTS in the subject area of the proposed project. Alternatively, relevant professional experience may be considered equivalent. The relevance of the degree is evaluated in relation to the specific doctoral project. Admission is granted through one of the two specializations or directly into the program and must follow institutional PhD regulations. Applicants must have confirmed funding either via a university PhD position or an external employer guarantee covering salary, project costs, and workspace. Private financial support is not accepted.

This doctoral program is designed for emerging researchers seeking new perspectives on the analysis of contemporary art and cultural contexts. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, students explore phenomena in art, visual culture, and architecture using methods drawn from the humanities, social sciences, and technology, with a strong focus on innovative research models and the creation of new knowledge.

Core coursework covers artistic texts and their research methods, contemporary architectural theory, cultural ecology, the relationship between digitality and art, empirical musicology, musical semiotics, the semiotics of architecture, transdisciplinary research methods, and the concept of urban genotypes. Alongside these subject-specific modules, students build core research competencies through a dedicated set of skills modules, including academic and technical research writing, design thinking in research, digital tools for research writing and publication, research data management, research ethics, grant management for research projects, science communication for public audiences, and systematic literature review methods.

pplicants must hold a master's degree or an equivalent higher education qualification in the humanities, social sciences, or arts. Admission is based on a weighted competition score combining the weighted grade point average from the applicant's diploma supplement (35%), their research experience (30%), and a motivation interview (35%). Applicants must reach a minimum competitive score of 8.0 to be admitted.

This doctoral program focuses on creative research in art and design, in which the artist or designer creates a new work and gives it textual meaning, treating art as something that must be interpreted and linked to its creative context to function fully within society. Over a nominal duration of four years, students undertake a substantial research project culminating in a public defense, supported by general coursework, specialized studies, and optional subjects.

The program aims to prepare researchers capable of conducting in-depth scientific and creative work at an international level, generating new knowledge and technologies through creative activity, and producing works and products of high artistic quality. It also seeks to shape research traditions within art and design, develop contemporary methods of creative research, and deepen the relationship between creative practice and the sources, methods, and societal context of that work. Students are trained to understand and apply principles of sustainable, balanced development in professional practice, to build cooperation and teamwork skills through joint projects, and to prepare for careers as top-level specialists in research, art, design, and teaching.

Across the program, students work through a structured sequence of coursework and thesis milestones each semester, including academic writing, methods in artistic research, and a continuing series of research seminars specific to art and design, alongside subjects such as research ethics, teaching and learning in a university context, practices in creative research, and organizing an academic event. Students also gain experience presenting their research through publications, conference papers, and participation in the university's doctoral school conference, as well as practical teaching experience within a university setting. The doctoral thesis itself is developed incrementally across each semester of the program, building toward a final, substantial piece of independent research.

Graduates are expected to be able to present their research findings orally, in writing, and in visual form, to demonstrate deep knowledge of their research field and its relationship to practical art and design work, to analyze trends, processes, and developments in art and design from historical, cultural, and technological perspectives, and to synthesize their experience, knowledge, and skills into an original, individual position, ultimately producing and defending a dissertation that meets contemporary international standards in the field.

Applicants must hold a master's degree in art, design, or an equivalent qualification. Doctoral students may have two supervisors, with at least one required to hold a doctoral degree while the other may be an internationally recognized creative practitioner without a doctoral degree; students with only a single supervisor must have a supervisor who holds a doctoral degree.

This doctoral program belongs to the fields of Media and Communication Studies and Art, Humanities and Creative Writing. It focuses on interdisciplinary, practice-led research in digital arts and audiovisual media, integrating artistic creativity with scientific, technological, and critical-analytical approaches. The curriculum includes modules on theory and creative practice, artistic inquiry, and peer recognition through pedagogical and organizational activities. Students develop expertise in creating innovative media and cultural projects, conducting academic research, and producing original artworks. This program prepares graduates for professional roles in the arts, media, creative industries, and academic careers.

Applicants to this doctoral program must hold an academic or professional master’s degree in the humanities and arts, along with English proficiency at a B2 level and pass an entrance exam. Candidates with degrees in social sciences, education, engineering, or computer science may also apply if they have at least 24 months of professional artistic experience or relevant coursework in art history, philosophy, or new media. Admission includes submitting a research proposal and completing an interview. Previous education and research experience are also considered during the evaluation.

This doctoral program focuses on original and independent research in media arts and creative technologies, especially in the use of digital and audiovisual platforms. It is designed for professionals and artists aiming to explore innovative methods in media and visual arts, fostering interdisciplinary work and collaboration with the creative industries. Students gain advanced knowledge of research methodologies, digital cultural processes, and creative production. They also develop skills in project implementation, communication, and entrepreneurship. The program emphasizes artistic research, international collaboration, and contributions to cultural and technological innovation.

Applicants must have a completed university degree. Preference is given to candidates with a background in humanities and arts, especially in areas like audiovisual and media arts, design, music and performing arts, applied arts, or creative industries. Those with degrees in other fields—such as social sciences, IT, education, or general humanities—can also apply if they have at least 24 months of professional experience in artistic or creative sectors or have completed at least 18 credits in subjects like art history, cultural theory, or philosophy. All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at B2 level or higher and pass an entrance exam.

This PhD program in artistic research spans three years and totals 180 ECTS credits, combining academic research training (30 ECTS) and a major artistic development project (150 ECTS). The coursework includes mandatory training through a national research school and an elective, focusing on high-level artistic practice and critical reflection. Candidates produce an original artistic result accompanied by a documented and reflective component, demonstrating both artistic innovation and scholarly insight. The degree is awarded upon successful coursework, artistic production, a reflective essay, and a public defense. The program emphasizes national and international relevance and encourages international collaboration and mobility.

To qualify for this PhD program in artistic research, applicants must have completed a master's degree in a relevant performing or creative discipline from a recognized institution. In exceptional cases, equivalent artistic competence may be accepted if it matches the scope and level of a master's degree. Admission follows national PhD regulations and requires full financial backing, either through a university fellowship or external funding from an employer or organization. This funding must cover salary, project costs, and workspace for the full duration of the program. Personal or family financial support is not accepted as a valid basis for admission

This PhD program combines individual research, a compulsory training component, and participation in scientific activities, totaling three years of full-time study. The training includes core courses in research theory, methodology, and ethics, along with participation in international conferences and academic dissemination. Students also choose elective courses tailored to their research interests, in consultation with their supervisors. Each student is guided by a main supervisor and a co-supervisor and becomes part of a research group. Specialization tracks are offered in literary studies, linguistics, education, and religion, philosophy, and history, allowing candidates to focus on their specific research area.

To be eligible for this PhD program, applicants must have completed a master's degree or an equivalent qualification in a relevant subject. International candidates must demonstrate English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS (minimum overall score of 6.0), TOEFL (minimum score of 80 internet-based, 550 paper-based, or 213 computer-based), Pearson PTE Academic (minimum score of 62), or Cambridge ESOL (B2 First with an "A", C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency). Alternatively, proficiency can be shown by completing the International Baccalaureate with English at a high level (minimum score of 4), or by achieving a grade 4 or better in English from Norwegian Upper Secondary School. Exemptions from the English test requirement are possible for those with qualifying academic experience in English-speaking countries or Nordic countries.