SaschaC

I got the same email after applying to the PhD program in Art History... curious about what this program is as well...

What's the general impression about UK PhDs in art history as far as ability to get a job in the US afterwards and reputation of the degree vs a US one. I've been accepted to a US school with some funding and two UK schools with questionable funding (one i don't have any funding first year and the second I would have to defer for a year which would give me a year to find funding for the program). My general impression seemed to be that a US degree held more weight but I just had a professor at the school where I got my MA (who i never worked with but i was advised to ask about London schools) say that I should pass on the US school and go to one of the London schools (she i don't think was thinking about money - and she really didn't give me any feedback regarding why she said that). Other professors had either said they weren't as familiar with the London schools or that really I should only consider them if I"m okay with money being unpredictable. So they seemed to give the impression that a degree from the London schools, despite a good reputation will also carry the stigma of being "very expensive degrees". I was pretty sure I should go with the US degree (UCSD - which my former professors have all had great things to say about) but now - especially since she didn't give me much feedback about the schools in particular - I"m wondering if there's something I'm missing and whether I should reconsider. Any thoughts or information anyone has would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Sorry didn't see this before! I only applied for the PhD... already have my MA.

http://www.nyu.edu/gsas/dept/fineart/academics/calendar.htm

I looked at the Academic Calendar for the IFA and it looks like they did their selection of who was accepted on March 4 and then did interviews for PhDs (doesn't say anything about MA interviews) on the 9th and 10th and had their meeting to decide PhD acceptances today. Not sure if that means they interview everyone they are considering or not... so take it for what it's worth. Looks like they have a follow up meeting on the 24th about PhDs... though not sure if that's after first round acceptances have been sent out or what this is for. So i'm kind of thinking that PhD notifications will go out end of next week - unless spring break holds it up....

Is it just me or has it been a creepily quiet Friday...

I don't know much about their MA program but i did apply there for the PhD specifically because of T.J. Demos who is Modern/Contmeporary. He writes for artforum frequently and he writes on palestinian artists which is in my specialty. I found him really responsive when I wrote - so if that goes for all faculty that would be good? Not sure how helpful this is!

I'm one of the ones that applied to the PhD at the Courtauld. I have my MA from CUNY Hunter College.

Definitely agree with you there. I applied for funding and will only go if I get it majorly. I spoke with my POI in early February (maybe late January?) but haven't heard a peep from anyone there since, was wondering if you'd heard anything/have any info?

My understanding is that its much more important that you have a good fit of program and advisor than where your school ranks. Its basically much more what you do with yourself and your research and if your POI can help push you to get into conferences, fellowships, eventually jobs, etc. I'm in a similar boat, where I've heard from about half the schools I've applied to and so far only the one acceptance I got in early January. Its a good school but a younger program (only 10 years) but the professors who are there have all taught previously at top schools and are published in museum catalogues etc.. so clearly amazing people and the school is often ranked though I don't believe specifically for art history (again young program). So I would focus more on where you're going to be able to thrive and make yourself the best candidate for future job markets - because what you do with your schooling and research and other opportunities is ultimately going to be the most important. That's my attitude at least!

Anyone else apply to the PhD at the Courtauld?

I didn't receive an email or anything - just saw the postings on the results page and so checked the website and had the rejection waiting there for me. The link was not super conspicuous there at the bottom so it took me a second to see it - but there it was with my admissions decision that I had already pretty much figured on given that acceptances were given 2 weeks ago

Haven't heard a peep!

No information on the incoming class yet. I got a phone call while I was at work and was too stunned (and not really in a place where I could take down much information or talk too much) to really retain TOO much information other than that I got in. They said they're sending information via mail (as well as funding information) shortly so i expect to receive that this week sometime... if it contains any other information about the incoming class I'll make sure to post it here... My field of specialization is contemporary and politics focusing on artists of the Middle East. Best of luck to you! I think they're planning to telling people ASAP so hopefully you'll hear soon!

just found out i was admitted to UCSD's PhD in Art History. Anyone in the program or know someone who has done the program with feedback/opinions about it? Just trying to get some insider information if possible