History and theory of arts

This programme is aimed at young researchers who are not limited to traditional approaches to art history, but who are looking for new ways of analysing the contexts of contemporary art and culture. The KTU’s PhD in History and Theory of Arts is based on an interdisciplinary approach that allows the study of phenomena in art, visual culture and architecture using methods from the humanities, social sciences and technological sciences. The studies focus on innovative research models that contribute to the creation of new knowledge and the development of a cultural understanding of society.
Doctoral studies in the History and Theory of Arts are particularly relevant in contemporary society, where art is becoming not only a form of cultural expression, but also a form of social criticism and a proactive way of knowing the world. Research in this area helps to reveal the impact of art and architecture on social development, political ideologies and cultural processes. It encourages the exploration of the multifaceted impact of art and visual culture, from the planning of urban spaces to the analysis of contemporary forms of activism, thereby contributing to the advancement of society and culture.

about field of science

Persons with a Master’s Degree or equivalent degree of higher education may participate in an open competition for admission to doctoral studies.

Applicants to the doctoral field of science are accepted by competition according to the competition score. Minimum Competition Score 8.0

Additional condition:

1. An applicant must submit a research proposal on the selected topic

Application procedure

Mandatory documents for admission:

Application indicating the science field, the topic and the form of funding (online)*
Official legalised Master’s diploma with the diploma supplements or a higher education degree equivalents and academic transcripts (translated into English or Lithuanian and notary verified) and the certificate of recognition if higher education qualification acquired abroad
Curriculum Vitae
Recommendations by two researchers of the relevant science field
A list of the research works with a full bibliographic description and copies thereof; if no research works by the applicant are presented, the applicant is required to present a research paper whose topic is consistent with the dissertation topic indicated in the applicant’s application (if the applicant applies to two dissertation topics, two individual research papers have to be submitted) valid personal document: a passport (for citizens of all countries) or an ID card (only for citizens of the European Union)
A research proposal on the topic selected for admission (if the applicant applies to two topics, two individual research proposals have to be submitted)
A copy of a valid personal document: a passport (for citizens of all countries) or an ID card (only for citizens of the European Union)
A copy of the receipt of the application fee payment (50 EUR for EU citizens, and 120 EUR for non-EU citizens)
A certificate issued by IELTS, TOEFL, CERF or any other competent institution within the last 2 years certifying the level of the English language if the candidate is not a graduate of the first or second cycle studies conducted in the English language

* The applicant can select no more than 2 (two) research fields and no more than 2 (two) topics per science field.

Participation in motivational interview (Kaunas University of Technology, Studentų g. 50, Kaunas, Lithuania or online)

Signing a study agreement (if invited to study)

Selection criteria and their weighted coefficients

Weighted grade point average of the Master’s diploma supplement	0,2
Research experience Research experience is evaluated 0,45 points: publications evaluated in points according to the current regulations for the annual evaluation of research and experimental development and artistic activities of universities and science institutes approved by the order of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania, or a research paper. Another research experience is evaluated 0,2 points: participation in research projects, conferences, publications prepared and submitted for printing, preparation of lectures, etc. and compliance of the scientific qualification with the topic of doctoral studies.	0,5
Research proposal on the selected topic for admission	0,15
Motivational interview, including evaluation of the knowledge of a foreign language	0,15