phd in fine arts in italy

80 Best Art & Design schools in Italy

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Italy ranked based on their research performance in Art & Design. A graph of 2.73M citations received by 184K academic papers made by 80 universities in Italy was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

Please note that our approach to subject rankings is based on scientific outputs and heavily biased on art-related topics towards institutions with computer science research profiles.

1. University of Bologna

For Art & Design

2. Sapienza University of Rome

3. Polytechnic University of Milan

4. University of Padua

5. University of Milan

6. University of Florence

7. University of Pisa

8. Polytechnic University of Bari

9. Federico II University of Naples

10. University of Turin

11. Polytechnic University of Turin

12. University of Genoa

13. University of Trento

14. University of Rome Tor Vergata

15. University of Bari

16. University of Salerno

17. University of Parma

18. University of Perugia

19. University of Verona

20. University of Pavia

21. University of Catania

22. University of Palermo

23. University of Milano-Bicocca

24. University of Siena

25. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

26. Roma Tre University

27. University of Cagliari

28. University of Udine

29. Bocconi University

30. Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

31. Ca' Foscari University of Venice

32. University of Calabria

33. University of Aquila

34. University of Trieste

35. Polytechnical University of Marche

36. University of Messina

37. Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies

38. University of Ferrara

39. University of Brescia

40. University of Salento

41. International School for Advanced Studies

42. Normal School of Pisa

43. University of Sassari

44. University of Bergamo

45. Free University of Bozen

46. Carlo Bo University of Urbino

47. G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti

48. University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli

49. Basilicata University

50. Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria

51. University of Eastern Piedmont

52. Parthenope University of Naples

53. University of Cassino and Southern Lazio

54. University of Insubria

55. University of Sannio

56. University of Tuscia

57. University of Foggia

58. University of Camerino

59. IUAV University of Venice

60. University of Macerata

61. LUISS University

62. University of Molise

63. Vita-Salute San Raffaele University

64. University of Naples "L'Orientale"

65. Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome

66. IULM University

67. University of Teramo

68. University of Catanzaro

69. Kore University of Enna

70. Maria Santissima Assunta Free University

71. Pontifical Gregorian University

72. Carlo Cattaneo University

73. Suor Orsola Benincasa University of Naples

74. Foro Italico University of Rome

75. University of Italian Studies for Foreigners of Perugia

76. University of Gastronomic Sciences

77. Pontifical University of the Holy Cross

78. Salesian Pontifical University

79. University of Italian Studies for Foreigners of Siena

80. Pontifical University Antonianum

The best cities to study Art & Design in Italy based on the number of universities and their ranks are Bologna , Rome , Milan , and Padua .

Art & Design subfields in Italy

• Italiano| English

Phd in HISTORY OF ART

• HISTORY OF ART

Presentation

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Universities

Study in Venice offers single courses, summer courses, bachelor degrees, master degrees and PhD programmes taught in Italian and English in the fields of arts, culture, architecture, design, fashion, music, economics and business, linguistics and sciences, in the heart of Venice at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice , Iuav University , Music Conservatory Benedetto Marcello and Academy of Fine Arts of Venice .

Click here to learn more about the Italian Higher Education System .

Ca’ Foscari University of Venice

Ca’ foscari university of venice is an international leader in higher education committed to preparing students for the global challenges of the xxi century..

It offers innovative Degree Programmes , English taught courses, international joint degrees in economics, management, languages and linguistic, art and humanities, science and technology, public policies and social changes, international studies and globalization, conservation and cultural asset management that meet the most rigorous international standards and intended learning outcomes for scholarly excellence, interdisciplinary expertise and critical thinking. As a partner of the Venice International University , an international network of universities in the beautiful island of San Servolo, it offers joint Summer School Programmes with Harvard University and Columbia University and supports the International College .

Ca’ Foscari is a magnet for successful academics from across Europe and beyond, and with a thriving community of internationally acclaimed scientists, high-profile politicians and economists, visiting Nobel laureates, famous writers and influencers in all disciplines. The university is listed among the top-150 in ‘Modern Languages’ and in the top-250 for ‘Linguistics’ and ‘Economics & Econometrics’ (Qs Rankings), and is the third public Italian university for research quality (ANVUR). Graduates from Ca’ Foscari benefit from a better work placement compared to Italian average.

With over 800 cultural and scientific events organized each year, Ca’ Foscari is a driving force for culture and change in Venice and throughout Italy. Ca’ Foscari has a long history of engagement with the Venetian and global community. With U4Refugees it provides students and researchers with international protection dedicated scholarships. Furthermore Ca’ Foscari commits to the environment as the greenest university in Italy and among the top-65 international universities (UI GreenMetric).

• Study at Ca' Foscari
• Welcome guide (english)
• More pictures
• VIDEO presentation

Università Iuav di Venezia

Università iuav di venezia, founded in 1926 as one of the first universities of architecture in italy, is a special place: the only university in italy that offers courses in all the disciplines of project planning - architecture, urban planning, design and multimedia, fashion, visual arts and theatre..

Iuav University distinguishes itself for its efficient and innovative approach to teaching that includes laboratories and intensive workshops with internationally renowned faculty and professionals and reflects both its internationally recognized reputation for excellence and an awareness of the current transformations in the fields of project planning.

Iuav offers 5 bachelor’s and 7 master’s degree programmes , 25 executive masters , 2 post-graduate courses , a Specialization School , and a PhD School with 8 curricula.

Research at Iuav engages with a wide variety of subject areas including architecture of spaces and art of building, conservation, landscape, the city and the environment, heritage, history and restoration, sustainable planning, new frontiers of design, fashion, image theory and theatre.

The university has highly specialized laboratories that are available to external players and a collection of books of national importance in the fields of project planning.

Iuav has international exchange programmes in place with 130 European universities to promote mobility for students, researchers and faculty members as well as 60 established conventions for cooperation and exchanges with institutions and universities outside Europe.

Foremost experts in the fields of architecture, planning, design and arts as well as artists are part of our university’s history, including: Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn, Frank Lloyd Wright, Carlo Scarpa, Carlo Aymonino, Manfredo Tafuri, Vittorio Gregotti, Gino Valle, Aldo Rossi, Giovanni Astengo, Giancarlo De Carlo, Tadao Ando and Richard Serra.

• Welcome Guide (english)

Music conservatory Benedetto Marcello

Conservatorio di musica benedetto marcello was founded in 1876 and stands as one of the oldest conservatories in europe..

Palazzo Pisani, the main building, is within walking distance from St Mark's Square and Rialto Bridge. Beautifully decorated spaces dating back to the 18th century, monumental staircases and valuable paintings are part of what makes Palazzo Pisani an ideal venue to study music. A wide selection of practice rooms for choral and orchestral ensembles are available to students enrolled at the conservatory. Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello also offers a rich variety of instrument studies to its students. The electronic music department, founded by Giuseppe Sinopoli, has state of the art equipment. Alongside more traditional disciplines, students can also choose to study Early Music.

The music conservatory has one of the most important libraries of its kind in Italy with about 50,000 books; a museum collects ancient instruments, manuscripts, and antiques, including objects donated by Richard Wagner.

Alongside its music courses that attract students from all across the world, the conservatory also organizes laboratories , seminars and master classes , and hosts intense artistic production and research activities . International exchanges with other European institutions are organized through the Erasmus and Leonardo programmes. Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello’s location in the heart of Venice, an international city with a rich and varied cultural scene, enables the conservatory to collaborate with La Fenice Opera House, the Municipal Theatre of Treviso, the Cini Foundation, the Istituto Veneto di Scienze Lettere ed Arti, the Ateneo Veneto and many other institutions. Job opportunities thus arise for graduates in Venice itself.

Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello counts important composers and musicians such as Marco Enrico Bossi, Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari, Gian Francesco Malipiero and Ugo Amendola among its directors and teachers. The conservatory upholds its tradition of academic rigour, discipline and selectivity alive, as these have always been the cornerstones of its prestige.

Academy of Fine Arts of Venice

The accademia di belle arti di venezia is one of the oldest academies of fine arts in italy: it was founded in 1750 in st mark's “fontegheto de la farina” with giovan battista tiepolo as its first president and renowned artists such as arturo martini, virgilio guidi, alberto viani and emilio vedova among its faculty members..

The Accademia's reputation for teaching quality and research is currently amongst the most prestigious in Italy.

The Accademia has a well-endowed book archive , conserved in the library and in the Archivio Storico and recently digitized for the use of academics and young researchers in Europe and beyond, organizing exhibits, cultural events and seminars with the main most important national and international higher education institutions.

The Accademia di Belle Arti offers bachelor’s and two year master’s degree programmes in painting, sculpture, decoration, graphic art, scenography and new technologies for the arts, as well as one year master’s degree programmes, workshops and internships.

The Accademia di Belle Arti’s main building is located at the Zattere in the former Ospedale degli Incurabili designed by Sansovino and has facilities in the Island of San Servolo and Forte Marghera. The Accademia also runs a recently restored exhibition space of historic relevance at the Zattere in Magazzino del Sale n. 3, close to the main building.

• Student Guide Italian version -International projects: Study in Venice

PhD Art programs in Italy

New Academy of Fine Arts

Communication design, architectural design.

Polytechnic Institute of Milan

Interior design, design and engineering, design for the fashion system, innovation design.

University of Ferrara

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings is the only global university performance table to judge research-intensive universities across all of their core missions: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

Comics and illustration

Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna

Decoration specialising in art and environment, web and app design.

LABA Free Academy Fine Arts

Interior and urban design.

Academy of Fine Arts of Brescia "Santagiulia"

Artistic design for business.

Academy of Fine Arts of Catanzaro

ACME Academy of Fine Arts and Media

Brera Academy

Design of communication, graphic design and art direction.

Novara ACME Academy of Fine Arts and Media

Business artistic design.

Academy of Fine Arts in Rome

Multimedia and technological arts, multimedia and technological arts — multimedia visual arts, multimedia arts and design.

Rome University of Fine Arts

Art direction and product design.

Verona Academy of Fine Arts

Genoa Ligustica Academy of Fine Arts

Compositional forms analysis.

Conservatory of music Nicolo Paganini

Lucio Campiani Music Conservatory

Sound design.

European Design Institute (Rome)

Graphic and communication design.

Quasar Design University

Design and arts.

Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

Architecture design.

Polytechnic University of Milan

Design and engineering — design and engineering of the industrial product, design and management of social interventions.

University of Florence

Design of sustainable tourism systems — planning of tourism systems.

University of Parma

Communication, design and publishing.

Sapienza University of Rome

Engineering and building techniques.

Tor Vergata University of Rome

Albertina Academy of Fine Arts

Deadline information, best universities with art in italy.

Bachelor Art programs in Italy

Master Art programs in Italy

Most Popular Art programs in Italy

PhD Art programs in Italy

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21 Fine Art degrees in Italy

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• Fine Arts Studies

BA in Fine Arts

The american university of rome.

• Rome, Italy

Full time, Part time

The program in Fine Arts combines training in traditional artistic media with a critical approach to making art. Courses at all levels, on-site and in the studio, emphasize technical ability, visual expression, creative innovation, critical observation, and analysis. Rome is our classroom, studio and inspiration. From the monuments of the ancient city, through the rich tradition of the Renaissance and Baroque to the vibrant contemporary art scene, Fine Arts students are uniquely placed in the Eternal City to learn and develop their own vision.

Bachelor of Arts in Painting

Rome university of fine arts (rufa).

English, Italian

Visual arts are the most ancient creative activities. The skills and talents of the artist are still in need today. RUFA teaches young people how to express themselves. They start from tradition while mastering contemporary techniques: painting, video, performance art, installations, and electronic art. The modern visual artist must be aware of history as well as of the times in which we live.

Fine Arts Certificate

Lorenzo de' medici - the italian international institute.

• Florence, Italy

Certificate

Develop your fine art talent and techniques in one of the most inspiring artistic cities in the world - at the LdM Institute in Florence.

Master in Sacred Art

Sacred art school.

• Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy

The Master in Sacred Art aims at offering theoretical and practical training in the field of sacred and religious art. This sector, deeply rooted in Italian culture and tradition constitutes a significant percentage of the Italian artistic heritage. The three specializations to choose from for the Master are Painting, Sculpture, and Goldsmithing.

Master of Arts in Fine Arts with 3 different specializations (Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture)

The Master in Fine Arts is the natural continuation of the Bachelor of Arts in Painting and Visual Arts and Sculpture and Installations. Nevertheless, it may also be attended by students who come from other educational backgrounds and who wish to complete their studies by studying contemporary art.

Painting and Artistic Drawing Summer Course

Accademia di belle arti aldo galli - ied network.

• Como, Italy

Summer Course

This two-week course is structured as a painting and artistic drawing atelier, where, under the guidance of professional artists, you will expand on your core drawing and painting skills and experiment more with colors.

Painting and Digital Art

Explore the field of artistic production, considering the relationship of art with contemporary phenomena, aesthetics, science and technology, social and environmental dynamics, getting ready to be a protagonist in the international art system.

Summer Course in Discovering Medieval and Renaissance Paintings - Technique and Conservation

Through this Discovering Medieval and Renaissance Paintings - Technique and Conservation course of study, you will have the opportunity to delve deeper into and experience the basics of the restoration and conservation of tables between the 12th and 15th centuries. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to discover and paint with the ancient technique of egg tempera painting and you will be able to directly experiment with the technique with pictorial retouching exercises.

Summer Course in Live Drawing in Rome

Quasar institute for advanced design.

• Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy

The Summer Course in Live Drawing in Rome offers a unique opportunity to uncover the secrets of the city and master the ancient technique of engraving. Participants will explore, sketch, engrave, and ultimately print the myths and legends concealed within Rome.

Summer Courses: Painting, Sculpture or Jewelry

The Sacred Art School offers instruction in classical methods of painting, sculpture and jewelry in the city of Florence. During the month of July, the Sacred Art School organizes intensive courses in goldsmithing, painting and sculpture lasting one month. Art tours and visits are included in the city of Florence as part of the curricular activities.

Three Year Course in Painting, Sculpture or Goldsmithing

The Sacred Art School provides instruction in classical methods of painting, sculpture and jewelry for students wishing to pursue careers as professional artists. Our courses promote creativity in art and artistic craftsmanship.

Diploma in Visual Arts

Florence classical arts academy.

English, Russian

The students who take this three years course will be awarded a private institutional diploma in Visual Arts. The course is designed for students who are looking to make a career in Visual Arts. The course offers a diversity of skills to students including drawing, painting, composition, perspective, anatomy, color science and sketching.

Drawing and Painting Certificate

The florence academy of art (all campuses).

Student and graduate work are directly affected by the philosophy, teaching methodology, and physical structure of the studio in which it is created. A distinguishing characteristic of The Florence Academy of Art is that we require all our students to work from life under natural north light, in the tradition of the masters of the past whom we admire: Titian, Rembrandt, Velázquez, and Sargent, to name a few. Our students do not idly copy their subjects but instead, learn to translate nature in a way that is both anatomically accurate and artistically beautiful. Long poses may last three hours a day, five days a week for four or five weeks. This gives artists time to work out problems and produce a competent drawing or painting. Natural light allows students to select a specific area of the painting to keep in sharp focus while peripheral areas remain out of focus, just as the eye sees in nature: there are no edges in natural light, but soft gradations of light to dark. A sight-size method is a helpful tool, and we apply it in the early stages of the curriculum when students are learning measurement, proportion, and shadow shape. Artists at the advanced levels are taught to apply comparative measurements when necessary.

Drawing and Painting Certificate Program

Accademia europea di firenze – scuola internazionale di arti e cultura italiana.

The AEF Drawing and Painting Certificate Program prepares students for professional careers in art, focusing on bidimensional art Drawing/Painting Track. This practice-based course develops the student's ability to express ideas through painting and drawing and is supported by an integrated theory program.

Graphic Design Program

The program is meant for those who would like to make design their profession and for those aiming for a successful career in a design studio, advertising or branding agency and publishing house. One can as well pursue a career as an illustrator or story-board artist in the cartoon/animation film industry.

Popular degree type

Popular study format

Popular education type

Degrees in Fine Arts

Italy is one of the world’s most prominent fine art centers. From Mona Lisa to the Sistine Chapel, prospective art students can experience and learn from the most famous art pieces in history. Find your dream fine art programs in Italy below!

Fine Arts Education in Italy

The fact that many movements that shaped the world emerged or developed in Italy is one of the factors that make it important to obtain fine arts education in Italy . Fine arts is; painting, sculpture, poetry, graphics, architecture, theatre, cinema, music, such as creating a pleasant feeling in people and making their tastes delicious, understanding and interpreting beauty. From the 16th century onwards, students wishing to gain the new profession of art were educated in special academies established throughout Europe. The two oldest of this educational institutions were the Florence Academy of Design Art (Accademia dell’Arte del Disegno) and the Rome Academy of Fine Arts (Accademia di San Luca).

You can also read our article about ” Art Education in Italy “.

What is Fine Arts?

Fine art refers to a form of art practiced primarily for its aesthetic value and beauty (art is for art), rather than for its functional value. Fine Arts are based on drawing and design-based works such as painting, printing and sculpture. It often contrasts with “hands-on arts” and “crafts”, both of them are traditionally viewed as effective activities. Other non-design-based activities that are considered fine arts include photography and architecture, but the latter is best understood as applied art.

The field of fine arts is constantly being expanded to include new activities that arise due to new technologies or artistic inventions. The former is exemplified by screen printing and giclée prints as well as acrylic painting. The latter is exemplified by the invention of mixed media artworks that use collage, décolleté, photomontage or found art. Because of this gradual expansion process, it is almost impossible to define or fix a meaning for fine art.

In the past, when it came to fine arts education in Italy, there was a rather traditional academic art form based on the principles of Renaissance Art. Today, contemporary artists have expanded the boundaries of fine arts even more. Nowadays, the art of plastic sculpture uses a new range of materials and new forms such as assemblage and land art. It took advantage of new commercial printing processes such as printmaking, screen printing and giclée printing.

Additionally, you can review our article about ” Performing Arts Education in Italy “.

Educational Institutions Providing Fine Arts Education in Italy

• Marangoni Art Academy
• Leonardo Da Vinci Art Academy
• IED (Istituto Europeo di Design)
• Accademia Italiana
• Rome University of Fine Arts (RUFA)
• Sacred Art School
• Florence Classical Arts Academy
• Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM)
• Accademia Riaci
• Rome Art Workshops
• Accademia Delle Belle Arti Michelangelo Di Agrigento
• Accademia Carrara
• LABA | Libera Accademia di Belle Arti
• Accademia Di Belle Arti Di Brescia SantaGiulia
• Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti
• Accademia di Belle Arti Acme
• Accademia di Belle Arti Mediterranea
• Accademia Belle Arti Pietro Vannucci
• Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia
• Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze
• Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna
• Accademia di Belle Arti di Bari
• Accademia di Brera
• Accademia di Belle Arti di Napoli
• Accademia di Belle Arti di Torino
• Accademia di Belle Arti di Palermo
• Accademia di Belle Arti di Catania
• Accademia di Belle Arti di Frosinone

NABA Art Academy

Music & Conservatory Education in Italy

Music education in Italy includes areas such as historical and cultural methodology, piano harmony methodology, listening and ear training, music pedagogy, music psychology, vocal techniques, choral and singing education, repertory practices, improvisation, music semiology also music sociology.

Undergraduate Degree Education Entry Requirements

The music education exam may be different in each institution. For example:

At the Conservatorio Rossini, the entry requirements are divided into two steps. The first test checks the musical experience and vocal and instrument skills of candidates. In the second part, the theory and knowledge of music culture are examined.

• Performance of at least three musical pieces selected by the candidate from the elective instrument entrance exam program, maximum 15 minutes.
• Visual performance of a piece selected by the commission.
• Performance of scales and technical studies on the optional instrument.

Note : The commission reserves the right to interrupt the elections at any time.

Test 2 (Theory, rhythmic and musical perception)

• Decipher and solfeggio on the left key. (Difficulty level: complex rhythms suitable for instrumental or vocal repertoire up to 1900.)
• Deciphering and solfeggio on seven notes. (Medium difficulty)
• Deciphering a melodic solfeggio. Short modulations and transposition (one note up or down).
• Dictating a given melody.
• General music theory questions.

Test 2 (Piano practice)

• Performance of two difficulty exercises selected from Czernyana 1 (from n. 25), Beyer (from n. 75), or other parts and methods of equal difficulty.
• Performance of two pieces, one by Bach or another baroque composer (Telemann, Couperin, etc.)

General music history test and reading comprehension

• Oral summary of short text in Italian selected by the Commission.
• Motivational interview.

Postgraduate Level Education Entry Requirements

The postgraduate admissions examination program also belongs to Conservatorio Rossini.

Perceptual Skills

• The ability to improvise a short melody in writing.
• Recognition of some short harmonic cadences on the piano.

Perception, Sound and Choral Management Skills

Oral and practical tests to verify:

• Knowledge of expanding audio recordings.
• The ability to read a piece from the choir repertoire impromptu.
• Choir conducting skills.

Theoretical-Analytic Music Skills

• Oral and written verification of basic knowledge of music theory, harmony and analysis of compositional forms (level at the end of three years of study).

Historical-Musical Skills

• Oral study of the basic mastery of historical-musical contents (ability to recognize epoch and genre styles; knowledge of the main forms of production and intended use of music from the Middle Ages).

Voice and Piano Skills

• It is an impromptu performance of a short accompaniment expressed in Italian or Anglo-Saxon harmonic abbreviations or the transcription of a short passage in two steps.

Psychopedagogical and Educational Skills

• Oral assessment of basic knowledge in the fields of didactic and musical psychopedagogy
• General and motivational interviewing.

Institutions Providing Music/Conservatory Education in Italy

• Accademia Filarmonica di Bologna
• Accademia Jacopo Naples
• Accademia Musicale Mediterranea
• Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
• Conservatorio Antonio Vivaldi
• Conservatorio Giovanni Battista Martini
• Conservatorio Luigi Cherubini
• Conservatorio Santa Cecilia
• Conservatorio Statale di Musica “Gioachino Rossini”
• Conservatorio “N. Piccinni”
• Scuola di Musica di Fiesole
• Accademia Internazionale Del Pianoforte Lago Di Como
• Conservatorio di Milano
• Teatro del Giglio di Lucca
• Ospedale della Pietà
• Ospedali Grandi
• Piccola Accademia di Montisi
• Tempo Reale
• Conservatorio di Musica Benedetto Marcello di Venezia
• Conservatory of Vicenza

Additionally, you can review our topic about ” Art, Music and Dance Education in Italy “.

Undergraduate degree Study in Italy

Universities and academies in Italy have 3-year undergraduate degree programs. Although fine arts education in Italy is mainly in Italian, there has been a significant increase in English taught departments in recent years. In addition, there are some programs in Italy where you can obtain a certificate. The diplomas of these institutions, which have different forms and duration of education, are also valid in most places.

For detailed information, check our pages about ” Undergraduate Education in Italy ” and ” Certificate Programs in Italy “.

Postgraduate degree Study in Italy

If you want to study at a master’s degree in Italy, you will discover many possible courses, academies and universities. In these educational institutions, where you can find both programs lasting for 1 year and 2 years, you have a high chance of finding the field you want both in English and in Italian languages.

For more detailed information, you can visit our page about “ Postgraduate Study in Italy ”

Fine Arts Education Entry Requirements in Italy

There are different entry requirements for the department, course and program you will choose. Although this varies for each program, institutions usually have certain requirements:

• Diploma and transcript
• Passing the threshold score for the university entrance exam if it is an undergraduate or equivalent program
• Language proficiency certificate (usually B1 or B2)

You can improve your language skills thanks to “ Language Schools in Italy ”.

In addition, you can review our article about  “ SAT, TOEFL and IELTS Exams ”.

Fine Arts Education Tuition Fees in Italy

Tuition fees at Italian public universities vary between 156 € and 3500 € per year. While determining the fee range, family income declarations of students are requested. Students with an annual family income of less than € 23,000 pay an annual tuition fee of € 156. If the student has been living separately from his/her family for at least 2 years, student’s own income is taken into consideration. Students who do not provide a family income declaration are deemed to have agreed to pay an annual tuition fee of € 3500. The fees of private universities in Italy may vary. Private university fees ranging from € 15,000 to € 20,140 per year are highly preferred by students. The quality of fine arts education in Italy is quite high in both public and private educational institutions and there is not a big difference in the quality of education between them.

Recommended : You can review our article about “ University Fees and Scholarships “.

Fine Arts Education Scholarship and Accommodation in Italy

Fine arts education in Italy has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, especially since international students are provided with dormitory and scholarship opportunities by Italy. The most comfortable scholarship that students can benefit from is the ‘Need based’ scholarship, which is given based on the annual family income. The family income statement requested from the student while determining the school fees is an important scale also used in the scholarship process. For the continuation of the scholarship, the student’s success and family income are taken into account.

In order to avoid a scholarship loss, the student must have successfully passed the number of course credits requested by the school and there should be no major differences in family income. Students at state universities with an annual family income of less than €23.000 may have the opportunity to receive scholarships. The scholarship includes:

• Paying the tuition fee of 156 € per year
• Receiving a gratuitous scholarships of 5000 € annually
• Free meal card to use at lunch
• Benefit from school accommodation

Recommended: You can review our article about “ Accommodation in Italy ”.

Pava Education offers professional advice for students who want to study high quality fashion, art and design through art academies in Italy . If you need more information about fine arts education in Italy and want to receive support in your application process to schools, you can fill out the application form immediately. Expert advisors of Pava Education will contact you as soon as possible.

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Master of Arts

If you want to prepare for a career in design, fashion, visual arts, communication, or advertising, NABA’s Master of Arts (MA) degree programs will give you the theoretical foundation and the practical experience you need. 

These two-year programmes balance academic depth with intensive work on real-world projects. You’ll collaborate in teams with your classmates and you’ll have the chance to network with company representatives and learn how designers work within your industry.

MASTER OF ARTS PROGRAMMES

Students who successfully complete an MA degree program earn 120 credits, valid for further studies in Italy and abroad.

ACADEMIC MASTER'S PROGRAMMES

If you wish to study intensively over a shorter period of time, consider NABA’s Academic Master's programmes. These one-year programmes are designed for professionals who want to gain new technical and project skills to deepen their expertise or take their career in a new direction. They are also ideal for students who wish to gain experience and make connections in the artistic and professional worlds.

Students who complete an Academic Master's programme earn 60 credits, valid for further studies in Italy or abroad.

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Course type

Qualification, university name, phd degrees in fine art.

35 degrees at 32 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

About Postgraduate Fine Art

A fine art PhD programme represents the pinnacle of academic study for artists seeking to engage in advanced research and critical inquiry within the visual arts. This programme delves into diverse artistic practices, theoretical frameworks and contemporary art discourse. It's particularly suited for artists, art historians and curators with a deep interest in advancing their expertise in fine art.

There are 35 PhD courses in fine art offered throughout the UK. Candidates for this doctoral programme are typically required to have a master's degree in fine art, art history or a related field. A strong portfolio of artistic work or previous academic research experience in the field is essential. Graduates emerge as accomplished artists and scholars, prepared for roles in academia, curation and professional art practice, shaping the future of the visual arts landscape.

What to Expect

The fine art PhD programme is predominantly research-based, allowing candidates to focus on a specific area of interest. This includes explorations of art techniques, history, traditional art or contemporary art forms, critical theory or interdisciplinary approaches that bridge between art and other academic fields.

Candidates work closely with academic advisors to develop their research proposal, which culminates in a doctoral thesis that combines a written dissertation with practical artistic work. The practical component often involves creating a body of work for exhibitions or installations, depending on the nature of the research.

Graduates are equipped for careers as professional artists, educators, academics, art critics and museum and gallery curators. They contribute significantly to the discourse, criticism and development of the contemporary fine art scene, both nationally and internationally.

Related subjects:

• PhD Fine Art
• PhD 3d Design
• PhD Animation
• PhD Art Curation
• PhD Art History
• PhD Art History and Criticism
• PhD Art Studies
• PhD Art Techniques and Practical Art
• PhD Art Theory
• PhD Art and Design
• PhD Art of Specific Cultures and Periods
• PhD Arts and Crafts
• PhD Ceramics Arts and Crafts
• PhD Creative Arts and Design and Illustration
• PhD Design History
• PhD European Art
• PhD Fashion
• PhD Fashion and Textiles Design
• PhD Glass, Ceramics and Stone Crafts
• PhD Graphic Arts
• PhD Illustration
• PhD Modern Art
• PhD Non-Industrial Design
• PhD Spatial Design
• PhD Textile Design
• PhD Visual Arts

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

PhD Fine Art and Design

Sheffield hallam university.

Course summary Undertake doctoral research in an approved fine art and design topic. Join the vibrant research community in the Culture Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD Art History and Theory

University of essex.

For our PhD in Art History and Theory, we offer supervision across a range of fields and have a long tradition of postgraduate training in Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £9,375 per year (UK)

History of Art PhD

University of glasgow.

We have a vibrant student community in the History of Art with many research projects and external collaborations. Areas available for Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Archaeology and Ancient History PhD, Mphil - Material Culture Studies

University of leicester.

The School of Archaeology and Ancient History offers supervision for the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - full-time and Read more...

• 4 years Distance without attendance degree: £5,913 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Fine Art MPhil, PhD

Newcastle university.

The internationally significant research profile of our staff and our excellent facilities provide a stimulating environment for practical Read more...

• 36 months Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 72 months Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Art History PhD

University of nottingham.

Take the time to create your own original research in art history and visual culture. At Nottingham you'll receive • expert supervision Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,100 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree

University of Plymouth

Explore 21st century art history and learn about this ever-expanding discipline, marked by interdisciplinary cross-overs, varied and Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,500 per year (UK)
• 4 years Part time degree: £3,030 per year (UK)

History and Philosophy of Art - PhD

University of kent.

We offer a supportive, inclusive and innovative learning environment within the multi-disciplinary School of Arts. Applications are Read more...

Human Geography MPhil/PhD

Ucl (university college london).

UCL Geography is an established international leader in geographical research. We are committed to theoretically informed empirical Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,035 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,930 per year (UK)

Fine Art PhD

Anglia ruskin university.

Our research degree will allow you to explore your own interests in fine art - from history of art to painting and printmaking - Read more...

• 2 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 2.5 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 3 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)
• 3.5 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

History of art PhD

University of brighton.

The University of Brighton has an established reputation for pioneering research into art, design and material culture and is a recognised Read more...

University of Southampton

We're proud to offer a supportive and creative environment in which to carry out your work, and we encourage interdisciplinary engagement Read more...

• 2 years Full time degree

History of Art PhD (On-Campus or by Distance Learning)

University of birmingham.

By pursuing research in History of Art at Birmingham, you will joining a vibrant and dynamic research community thanks to the Department’s Read more...

• 3 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,389 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,778 per year (UK)

History of Art MPhil/PhD

UCL History of Art is top-rated for research; our staff are active researchers in a range of specialist fields and there is a thriving Read more...

Birkbeck, University of London

The Department of History of Art has an international reputation for its research in medieval, Renaissance and modern art. Our range of Read more...

• 7 years Part time degree: £2,500 per year (UK)

PhD Art History and Visual Culture

University of exeter.

Research areas Art History & Visual Culture is an exciting interdisciplinary initiative focusing on the importance of images and Read more...

• 8 years Part time degree

PhD Art History and Visual Studies

University of manchester.

Programme description Our Art History and Visual Studies PhD programme offers the opportunity to conduct in-depth research in an area of Read more...

DPhil in Fine Art

University of oxford.

The DPhil in Fine Art is designed to support research in contemporary art making (through the practice-led DPhil) and contemporary art Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £9,850 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £4,925 per year (UK)

University of Warwick

Undertake original research on the PhD in History of Art at the University of Warwick. Course The PhD in History of Art is an advanced Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,950 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree

PhD in History of Art

University of york.

The PhD requires a dissertation of not more than 90,000 words, to be submitted by full-time students after a period of three years' study, Read more...

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,806 per year (UK)
• 3 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,403 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,806 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,403 per year (UK)

1-20 of 35 courses

Course type:

• Distance learning PhD
• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

Qualification:

Universities:.

• Brighton and Sussex Medical School
• Warburg Institute, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• University of Suffolk
• University of Buckingham
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Sussex
• The University of Edinburgh
• University of Reading
• University of St Andrews
• University of Cambridge
• University of Northampton
• University of Bristol
• Open University

Related Subjects:

Doctoral Programme in Fine Arts

The Academy of Fine Arts offers doctoral education that emphasises high-quality artistic work and related research in the field of fine arts.

Why study here?

Come and conduct research at the Academy of Fine Arts, where art and the artist are the focal points. Research subjects – whether embodied in the research question or the method, material or objective of research – cover the meaning, practices, techniques and methods of art, as well as the principles and institutional arrangements that determine the production, reception, training and application of art.

About the studies

Doctoral studies provide students with the abilities and the opportunity to conduct independent and creative artistic research. Artistic research is a field of multidisciplinary research that focuses on the artist and art. Graduates of our programme are artist-researchers who develop and renew arts, as well as the making, research and teaching of arts. The programme admits new students every other year.

They engage in a diverse and critical dialogue with the different actors in society. As experts in their field, they create art and produce information, knowledge, and insights based on art-related practices that can be applied in the arts and also in other sectors of society.

Our doctoral programme develops the artist-researchers’ ability to apply their skills as artists, researchers, teachers, and experts.

Structure of the degree

The Doctor of Fine Arts degree extends to 240 ECTS credits, which corresponds to four years of full-time studies.

The degree consists of the doctoral thesis project (170 cr) and doctoral studies in fine arts (70 cr), which includes 60 cr of mandatory studies and 10 cr of elective studies.

Teaching during the academic year takes place over 7 intensive seminar weeks and is arranged together with the Theatre Academy’s Performing Arts Research Centre (Tutke). The more detailed course information can be found in the study guide .

Thesis project

The doctoral thesis project in fine arts can include art exhibitions, exhibition curating, individual artworks, artistic processes or experimental arrangements and their articulation, conceptualisation and theorisation. Typically, a doctoral thesis project consists of one or several visual art components (a maximum total of 140 cr) as well as a written component (30-170 cr). In addition, the thesis project must be available as an electronically archivable documentation. The artistic components are public artistic research findings. The written component runs parallel to the visual art components and justifies the research approach and goals in relation to other research and practices within the field. On a discretionary basis, the doctoral thesis project can also consist exclusively of research in written form.

• Professor, Academy of Fine Arts, Academy of Fine Arts
• +358503473969
• [email protected]

Maiju Loukola

• University Lecturer, Artistic research Academy of Fine Arts, Academy of Fine Arts
• +358504720344
• [email protected]

Denise Ziegler

• Professor, Artistic research Academy of Fine Arts, Academy of Fine Arts Visiting researcher, Academy of Fine Arts, Academy of Fine Arts
• +358504080197
• [email protected]

Contact information for the doctoral programme

Further information about the admission process.

[email protected]

Other inquiries concerning doctoral education and research at the Academy of Fine Arts

Minna Luomala Planning officer (doctoral education) [email protected] tel. +358 50 4018 630

Michaela Bränn Specialist (research) [email protected] tel. +358 40 63 13 553

More about the research and study activities

Target degree and length of study.

Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA)

You can apply to

Application period.

The next application period will be in autumn 2024. The studies begin in autumn 2025.

Application languages

English, Finnish, Swedish Read more about the language skill requirements

Tuition fee

There is no tuition fee in the doctoral programme.

Supervising teacher

Mika Elo Professor

Academy of Fine Arts

The Department of Art History

The Department of Art History offers B.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Art History and a wide range of courses in European, American, and Asian art history with additional strengths in architectural history and film and media studies.

Apr. 1, 2024

Eilis coughlin, phd candidate, selected as predoctoral research resident in naples, italy, center for the art and architectural history of port cities “la capraia”.

Eilis Coughlin, PhD candidate and HART grad representative, will be heading off to Naples, Italy later this year as the Predoctoral Research Resident at the Center for the Art and Architectural History of Port Cities “La Capraia.” Eilis will be working on her dissertation project, “The Bible of Naples (Paris, BnF, Ms. français 9561): Female Power, Piety, and Patronage in Fourteenth-Century Angevin Naples” at the Center from September 2024 - June 2025 which also engages the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte and the city of Naples “as a laboratory for new research in the cultural histories of port cities and the mobilities of artworks, people, technologies, and ideas.” Research at La Capraia is grounded in direct study of objects, sites, collections, and archives in Naples and southern Italy and fosters research for advance graduate students in the city as a site of cultural encounter, exchange, and transformation, and cultivates a network of scholars working at the intersection of the global and the local. Eilis is currently a fourth-year PhD candidate who focuses on Medieval Art of the Mediterranean. Her interests include the study of female patronage and representation in fourteenth-century Angevin art and art objects.