Doctoral Programme – Theory and History of Modern and Contemporary Art

Programme of study: Theory and History of Modern and Contemporary Art
Level of study: Doctoral
Duration of programme: 4 years
Mode of study: full-time or combined full-time/distance
Language of instruction: Czech
Structure of curriculum: according to the student’s individual curriculum compiled on agreement with the supervising lecturer, including lectures, seminars and consultations
Completion of study: state doctoral examination, doctoral thesis defence
a defense of the doctoral thesis
Profile: academic
Award to be conferred: Doctor (Ph.D.)
Programme code: P0288D320002

The programme focuses on the history of modern and contemporary art (from the development of industrial capitalism to the present), on art theory and on art criticism. At UMPRUM, the term "art" is understood to encompass a wide range of disciplines, from free art to graphic and industrial design, applied art to architecture. This is reflected in the composition of the Department of Theory and History of Art (KTDU), which includes not only leading figures in art theory and history, but also younger generations and is dominated by female teachers. The programme therefore offers a unique opportunity to study at a high professional level not only classical art historical assignments, but also less frequent, nowadays very topical theoretical topics in the field of digital culture. Equally unique is the involvement of the students in active collaboration with artists of all types and media in a wide register, ranging from cloistered committees and consultation of undergraduate theses to joint seminars with PhD students in the arts to individual synergistic projects and collaborative exhibitions.

The doctoral thesis topics are formulated quite broadly and we welcome individual suggestions from interested students. Collaboration with teachers on grant projects is a matter of course. In addition to foreign stays and excursions, the school supports the Student Grant Competition, which contributes to postgraduate research needs, including foreign study trips, without unnecessary administration. For the publication of successfully defended dissertations, the UMPRUM publishing house has a separate editorial series.

Students in this study programme are prepared to work in museums, galleries, scientific institutions, as well as in studios dealing with design and new media. At the same time, graduates can apply themselves to the formation of professional discourse in the much neglected field of art criticism and journalism. The art education sector also offers opportunities for graduates, as there is a large deficit of professionals, especially in contemporary art and design.

Contents of studies

Doctoral studies are designed as a four-year programme, so the curriculum is divided into eight semesters.

Teaching in the PhD programme relies on individual consultations, which complement the block-taught seminars (collegia).

In addition to compulsory subjects, students can take optional subjects, such as the social skills module (presentation skills, lectures and consultations within soft and business skills as well as copyright) and the pedagogical module.

During the course of their studies, students should also complete an internship abroad, optimally for one term, and actively participate in learning (workshop) with a foreign teacher. This is an annual several-day long intensive meeting with renowned personalities in the field of history and theory of art, design or architecture, conveying intellectual incentives from other than local contexts and strengthening the ability to communicate and critically reflect.

The study also includes active participation in the committees for diploma examinations and state final examinations of students of art and architecture; and consultation with art students on textual parts of their bachelor theses.