distance learning phd art history

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PhD Art History Online Programs are becoming increasingly popular. With the advent of online learning and more diverse course offerings, students now have more opportunities than ever to get their PhD in Art History.

But with all these choices, how do you know which program is right for you? This guide to PhD Art History Online Programs explores why art history phd programs online are becoming popular, job market prospects for graduates of PhD Art History online programs, some of the best programs in this field, and future trends for online phd art history.

Art history is the study of art and its development over time, a look at objects of art in their historical context. It is the academic discipline that deals with the history of art and the practices that produce and interpret works of art.  Art historians examine items such as paintings, sculptures, architecture, and other forms of art to understand how they have been created and what they mean.

Art history can also involve the study of different cultures and their art. In short, Art history is a broad field that covers a wide range of topics. It can be divided into several subfields, such as Renaissance art, baroque art, and modern art. Art historians often specialize in one particular period or style of art. It’s indeed a fascinating subject that can offer insights into the past and the present.

In contrast, history is the study of all past events. It is not limited to works of art, but encompasses everything from political events to natural phenomena.

So often, the value of art history is overlooked. In a world that seems to be increasingly focused on the present and the future, it can be easy to forget the importance of understanding the past. But the study of art history is essential for understanding the world we live in today. It helps us to see how the events of the past have shaped the present, and how the artist’s view of the world has changed over time.

By understanding art history, we can gain a deeper view and appreciation of the cultures that have shaped our world. We can see how the human experience has been expressed through art, and we can learn to appreciate the beauty and significance of works of art that we might otherwise take for granted. Art history is important not only for those who study it professionally, but for everyone who wishes to understand the world we live in today.

Why are PhD art history online PhD programs becoming popular?

There are several reasons why PhD programs in art history are becoming increasingly popular. For one, the job market for graduates of these programs is very good. According to the most recent reports from governments, private companies and academia, the unemployment rate for art and design majors is lower than the overall unemployment rate in the United States, for example,  which can sometimes be alarming. What’s more, job prospects for graduates with a PhD in art history are even better. In fact, many museums and galleries are now looking for employees with advanced degrees in art history.

Another reason for the growing popularity of online PhD art history programs in particular is that they offer a lot of flexibility. Students can often choose the courses they want to take, and they can complete their degree at their own pace. Finally, online PhD art history programs are affordable and convenient. They allow students to learn from anywhere in the world and without having to leave their jobs or families.

So, if you’re thinking about pursuing a PhD in art history, an online program may be a great option for you.

The average time it takes to complete a PhD in history including online PhD in art history is between five and seven years. This includes time spent completing coursework, writing and revising the dissertation, and passing oral and written exams. Of course, the actual time to completion can vary depending on the individual student’s research topic, teaching responsibilities, and other factors.

Students who are able to devote themselves full-time to their studies may be able to finish somewhat sooner than those who have to balance their academic work with other obligations. However, even full-time students should expect it to take at least five years to complete all the requirements for a PhD in art history.

PhD Art History Online Program Rankings

There are many great programs to choose from, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. To help you make your decision, we have compiled a list of the top PhD Art History Online Programs based on internal analysis as well as rankings from independent sources.

The first and most important criterion in coming up with this ranking is the quality of the faculty. The second criterion is the quality of the curriculum. The third criterion is the program’s student support services. The fourth criterion is the program’s graduation rate. And the fifth criterion is the employment rate of the program’s graduates. All of these factors are important in determining the quality of an online PhD Art History program.

The Bristol University Distance learning online Art History PhD Program is a three-year, full-time program that finishes with an 80,000 word thesis. The program begins with a September or January intake. Application should always be submitted one month before the intake month.  For example if you intend to start the program in January, you need to apply by December.

The program offers students the opportunity to research a range of topics related to art history, including modern and contemporary art, Renaissance and Baroque art, global art history, and museum studies. In addition to this, students are also required to complete the 80,000 word dissertation on a topic of their choosing.

The course is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in art history or a related discipline. Applicants are also required to have an impressive IELTS score or an equivalent score in a different language test.

Birmingham University is home to one of the most highly respected art history PhD programs in the world. The program is available to students all over the globe, with no need to relocate. The program can be completed online, making it the perfect option for busy professionals or those with family and work obligations.

The coursework is rigorous and challenging, but it is also tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. Graduates of the Birmingham University Art History PhD Program are highly sought after by top employers in a variety of industries. The program has a proven track record of preparing students for successful careers in academia, museum work, and more.

The future of online education is constantly evolving, and Birmingham University is at the forefront of this movement. In addition to this course, the university offers a wide range of online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, making it one of the most well-rounded online universities in the world.

The History of Art history program at the University of Leicester was the first program in history of art to be offered in the United Kingdom. The program is designed for students who want to specialize in the history of art, but who also want the flexibility to study at home.

The program is taught by a team of highly respected and experienced historians of art, who are dedicated to providing students with a world-class education. The core traditional program has been running since 2001 and has a strong track record of preparing students for successful careers in the arts.

The History of Art program at York University started in 1990 as a way to offer a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program that would explore all aspects of the history of art. The program is designed for students who want to pursue graduate studies and careers in the arts, museum, and educational fields.

The online format was introduced recently as a way to offer the same high-quality program to students anywhere in the world. The art history PhD online program is taught by faculty who are experts in their field, and students have access to all the same resources as on-campus students.

Graduates of the PhD Art History Online Program have found success in a wide range of careers, including teaching, curating, writing, and consulting. The future trends for online phd art history look very promising, and we expect this university to continue being a leader in offering the very best in art history education.

Earning a PhD in art history online is a great way to gain the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a career in this field, without the usual hustle and expenses of on-campus programs. As more and more schools begin to offer online PhD art history programs, it’s becoming increasingly popular for students to pursue their degree in this way. And with the job market for art history graduates becoming more competitive, earning a PhD will give you a competitive edge. So if you’re interested in pursuing a career in art history, an online PhD program will most likely be the right choice for you.

PHD in Economics, Associate Professor, Department of Business Process Management, Faculty of Market Technologies IOM

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PhD by Distance

All PhD programmes at ECA have the PhD by Distance option, with full-time or part-time study.   

The programmes are: 

• PhD in Architecture   
• PhD in Architecture by Design    
• PhD in Architectural History    
• PhD in Art    
• PhD in Creative Music Practice    
• PhD in Cultural Heritage
• PhD in Cultural Studies    
• PhD in Design    
• PhD in History of Art    
• PhD in Landscape Architecture    
• PhD in Music    
• PhD in Musical Composition   

How you will study

The PhD by Distance mode is available to all applicants for eligible ECA PhD programmes, who will apply via the Postgraduate Degree Finder. Applicants will select between on-campus and distance options, as well as between part-time and full-time options. 

Students enrolled on the PhD by Distance mode will not be expected to come to Edinburgh to study but visits for particular activities (tutorials, annual reviews, research training courses, workshops, etc) can be considered on a case-by-case basis and within UKVI visa regulations. 

• View UKVI visa regulations   

It is however expected that PhD by Distance students will come to Edinburgh for their oral (viva voce) examination, although options for online vivas may be considered on a case-by-case basis. For practice-based students, how practical work will be shared with supervisors will be explored in detail at the point of application by both subject area PGR Director and potential supervisor(s); in-person presentation of work (such as a musical performance) may occasionally be necessary. Access to studios and workshops for PhD by Distance students will be limited, as these require to be prioritised for on-campus students. 

PhD by Distance students will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students but with supervisory sessions taking place via Teams, Zoom, or another video conferencing platform, rather than on-campus and in-person. The frequency with which students will meet with their supervisors will be provisionally agreed at the point of application and confirmed during induction. Supervisors (and examiners) will not make site visits to PhD by Distance students.  

There are no mandatory courses for ECA PhD students. A range of generic and specific research methods and skills training courses are available online from university.  

PhD by Distance students will have access to all University of Edinburgh support services and will be able to access online library resources/support and home use software through University site licenses in the same way that all students can. 

Please be aware that some scholarships and funding are not open to PhD by Distance applicants, for example AHRC regulations currently state that students must live within a reasonable distance from their University so are only eligible for applicants to on-campus PhD programmes.

How to apply and entry requirements

If you'd like to study on a postgraduate research programme at Edinburgh College of Art, you must apply through EUCLID, our online application system. You can find out how to do this on the University of Edinburgh website, where you'll also be able to: 

• see detailed entrance requirements for each programme on the Degree Finder  
• get information on what to expect after you apply  
• find out about study modes, start dates and fees  
• find out if, and how, you need to submit a portfolio, showreel or research proposal  
• find out where to go for further advice and guidance 

Application process

Before you apply  .

Students are assigned two research supervisors, the second of which may be from another discipline within ECA, or from somewhere else within the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS) or wider University. 

Please ensure that at least one member of staff (see below) maintains an active research programme that aligns with the themes of your proposed project.  

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to make contact with the relevant member(s) of staff via email to explain your research interests prior to submitting an application. Please note that we only accept applications and review application materials submitted through the official EUCLID application portal.

After you apply 

Once your application has been submitted for consideration, it will be sent to a team of academic reviewers for their attention. They will then make a decision about your application and research topic, and decide whether it is possible to make an offer of a place to study with us. You may be asked to attend a brief online interview but if this is the case, you will be notified in advance. 

Apply through the Postgraduate Degree Finder on the University of Edinburgh website

Complete the distance learning application form (Word document download)

Get in touch

Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Admissions

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Online learning resources

Edinburgh University Students' Association

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4 Art History programs found

• Art Studies
• Art History

Distance Learning

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Selinus University of Sciences and Literature

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Art History

• Ragusa, Italy

The history of art studies the origin of art from the first rock paintings to the experimental art of today. A PhD thesis in this partkicvolare versantem should cover the themes of Western tradition and the cultures of the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands and the Americas.

Auream Phoenix University for Women

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Research in Art History

Full time, Part time

English, Italian

PhD by research via Distance Learning is awarded after successfully completing a theoretical research specialization. This research is presented in the form of a doctoral thesis. The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the only doctoral degree that can be achieved through distance learning. The main requirement for a PhD online through distance learning is to present and discuss a thesis of at least 100 pages for review and evaluation by an academic committee at Selinus University. The history of art studies the origin of art from the first rock paintings to the experimental art of today. A PhD thesis in this partkicvolare versantem should cover the themes of Western tradition and the cultures of the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands and the Americas. The research program should take into account both knowledge and wisdom to bring an intelligible order to the wealth of names, periods and styles that surround us. Looking at the visual arts from a psychological perspective should make us see art history as a continuous interweaving and changing culture in which each work refers to the past and points to the future; a living chain that connects our artistic present with the ancient age.

University of London, School of Advanced Study

PhD at the Warburg Institute

• London, United Kingdom

Distance Learning, On-Campus

Undertaking doctoral research allows you to develop in-depth knowledge while making a meaningful contribution to your chosen field. With guidance from our expert supervisors, you'll carry out extensive independent research culminating in a thesis of up to 100,000 words. Broadly speaking the area covered by the Institute’s expertise is cultural and intellectual history in the period 1200–1700, but there are a range of specific research interests covered by members of staff who currently offer supervision.

Institute For Doctoral Studies In The Visual Arts

The IDSVA PhD in Visual Arts: Philosophy, Aesthetics, and Art Theory

• Portland, USA

As a decentralized and indeed deterritorialized institution, IDSVA offers a low-residency, distance-learning PhD program that allows working professionals to keep their faculty posts and curatorial positions and allows them to maintain their family and community obligations.

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Distance Learning PhD Programs in Art Studies Arts Art History

An art history program is usually designed to encourage students to learn about and study artwork throughout history. This often includes looking deeper at artists and movements that caused changes in the course and style of art.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.

Online learning refers to use of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. With online learning one has the flexibility to access their studies at any time and from anywhere they can log on.

2 Art History programs found

• Art Studies
• Art History

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Selinus University of Sciences and Literature

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Art History

• Ragusa, Italy

Full time, Part time

Distance Learning

The history of art studies the origin of art from the first rock paintings to the experimental art of today. A PhD thesis in this partkicvolare versantem should cover the themes of Western tradition and the cultures of the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands and the Americas.

Auream Phoenix University for Women

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Research in Art History

English, Italian

PhD by research via Distance Learning is awarded after successfully completing a theoretical research specialization. This research is presented in the form of a doctoral thesis. The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the only doctoral degree that can be achieved through distance learning. The main requirement for a PhD online through distance learning is to present and discuss a thesis of at least 100 pages for review and evaluation by an academic committee at Selinus University. The history of art studies the origin of art from the first rock paintings to the experimental art of today. A PhD thesis in this partkicvolare versantem should cover the themes of Western tradition and the cultures of the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands and the Americas. The research program should take into account both knowledge and wisdom to bring an intelligible order to the wealth of names, periods and styles that surround us. Looking at the visual arts from a psychological perspective should make us see art history as a continuous interweaving and changing culture in which each work refers to the past and points to the future; a living chain that connects our artistic present with the ancient age.

Popular degree type

Popular study format

Popular education type

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Online PhD Programs in Art Studies Arts Art History

An art history program is usually designed to encourage students to learn about and study artwork throughout history. This often includes looking deeper at artists and movements that caused changes in the course and style of art.

Available at universities around the world, a PhD degree is an excellent choice for students who wish to pursue a career in academia or research. This type of degree is the highest qualification available in many fields and requires a great deal of study to obtain.

History of Art PhD / MA

Ranking 8th Art History (REF 2021) Ranking details

Delivery format In person, Online

Start date Flexible – September or January encouraged

Duration Full time: PhD – 3 years, MA by Research – 1 year

Award Doctorate / Master of Arts

Entry requirements Merit in a Masters degree Full requirements

Fees £4,921 (full-time), £2,461 (part-time) Fee details

• Visit us in 2025

Page contents

Course overview.

Conduct your own research project in an area of History of Art that interests you. Join a renowned Art History, Curating and Visual Studies Department and benefit from exceptional resources including an on-campus fine art gallery.

The first year (or part-time equivalent) of a PhD usually includes a literature review specific to your thesis and topic. You'll begin to undertake your research and relevant training.

Your thesis is usually written in stages over the course of your PhD, and you’ll receive regular feedback.

For an MA by Research, these timescales are condensed into one year (or two years if studying part time).

Course highlights

Join a research driven department with a variety of interests across History of Art. Our research has real-world impact and includes collaborations with cultural organisations across the Midlands region.

• Home to Midlands Art Papers , an open-access online journal and collaborative curatorial programme.
• Contribute to the Department's research blog The Golovine sharing life in the Department for our students and researchers. 
• Take part in the Department's annual symposium and gain invaluable experience presenting your research.
• Conduct your PhD research from anywhere in the world by distance learning.

Art History Department in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average, according to Times Higher Education.

On-campus art gallery featuring works from the 13th to the 20th century and a fine art library.

Discover the cultural and artistic heart of Birmingham, a city with lots of art galleries and exhibition spaces.

Midland Art Papers

At Birmingham, we use our research expertise to support the crucial work Midlands arts and cultural organisations do to champion, develop and protect our artistic culture and heritage. Midlands Art Papers is an open-access online journal and collaborative curatorial programme between the University of Birmingham and 13 cultural partners. Each journal has a specific theme and showcases the outstanding works of art and design in public collections across the Midlands.

Course delivery

Most of our postgraduate research-only programmes offer a PhD or Masters by Research option, but some programmes only offer the PhD route. The PhD is taken over three-six years and the Masters by Research over one-two years. We offer flexibility so you can choose the mode of study that works for you - full-time, part-time, or distance learning.

• There are no formal lectures or seminars in a PhD or MA by Research (if available). Instead, you’ll undertake research under the expert guidance of a primary supervisor, co-supervisor and mentor, supported by complementary research training.
• Your supervisory team will meet with you at regular intervals throughout your programme to offer guidance on how best to approach, implement and report on your research.
• If you take the distance learning option you’ll receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students, but with supervisory sessions taking place online. You'll be funded to make one compulsory visit to the University, enabling you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies.
• You’re expected to take full responsibility for your work, developing your own timetable for your research project so you can successfully complete it on time.

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is our on-campus art gallery, which is open to students, staff and the wider public. The galleries contain artwork by artists such as Botticelli, Gauguin, Van Gogh and Renoir. There's a wealth of resources for you to use during your studies, from the Barber Fine Art Library to The Prints and Drawings Study Room. The Fine Art Library contains specialist research books and catalogues about art history, visual culture, curating and collecting. The Prints and Drawings Study Room houses a collection of prints, drawings and watercolours including works by Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt van Rijn, and JMW Turner.

 We want to make you aware that The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is currently undergoing a two-phase £10 million improvement programme. Phase One took place in 2023-2024 and Phase Two will include temporarily closing the Barber Institute's building from February 2025, reopening early 2026. This is so we can make essential repairs and upgrades to enhance your future experience. Find out more about the renovations .

It’s important to remember that our academic excellence is not confined to a single building or gallery. Our university boasts award-winning art installations across the campus and the wider city of Birmingham, providing you with countless opportunities for artistic inspiration and academic growth. 

Research themes

Our Department of Art History, Curating and Visual Studies address topics and questions fom all over the world. We have three research streams and a particular interest in British Art.

Explore our research themes and projects:

Entry requirements

(for entry to a PhD). 2:1 Honours degree (for entry to an MA by Research).

For MRes and MA by Research programmes, we usually require a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.

If you’re applying for a PhD , you’ll also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.

Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements.

If you’re applying for distance learning research programmes, you’ll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning.

You'll normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. See the Application Process section for more information.  

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and scholarships

Full-time. Fee to be confirmed

Part-time. Fee to be confirmed

The same fees apply to both campus-based and distance learning study. The distance learning programme also includes one fully-funded visit to campus in the first year of study.

* For UK postgraduate research students the University fee level is set at Research Council rates and as such is subject to change. The final fee will be announced by Research Councils UK in spring 2025.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Funding options

Apply for a phd that already has funding attached.

These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.

Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship once you have an offer

You devise your own PhD topic, find a supervisor, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. If you’re offered a place at Birmingham, you can then apply for studentships or funding from various sources. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.

A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.

Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership

For 2025 entry Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership is offering up to 87 fully funded PhD studentships for eligible students in arts and humanities through an Open Competition and 23 studentships through Collaborative Doctoral Awards (CDA). 

The deadline for AHRC funding applications is 12:00 GMT on 13 January 2025.

Midlands Graduate School ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership 

For 2025 entry Midlands Graduate School ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership offers pathways at the University of Birmingham in:

• Applied Linguistics
• Area Studies
• Cross-disciplinary Methodologies and Advanced Data Analysis
• Economic and Social History
• Living in a Digital Society
• Socio-Legal Studies
• Sustainable Development, Net Zero and Climate Resilience 

The deadline for ESRC funding applications is 12:00 GMT on 21 January 2025 .

Application process

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.

When proposing your own research topic you’ll need to make sure the department offers the necessary expertise. We ask that you identify an appropriate supervisor before you submit your application and contact them in the first instance to discuss your research proposal. 

If there is a good fit between your proposed research and our research strengths, we’ll be able to give you advice on a draft of your research proposal before you make a formal application.

When contacting a member of our staff, it would be helpful to include the following:

• A draft research proposal or a summary of your research ideas
• Details of university-level qualifications and any relevant professional experience
• Details on how you propose to fund your research

Please contact only one member of staff in the first instance . 

Find a supervisor

View our list of research supervisors in Art History, Curating and Visual Studies . 

Research proposal

The research proposal is a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.

Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.

You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department. 

The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. 

Submitting your application 

If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.

If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

If the programme has a Distance learning option then students will usually attend a residential visit in September or January, and those students wishing to attend the September residential are also encouraged to apply by 1 June 2024. The visit will take place at the end of September/beginning of October and you will receive further details once you have accepted your offer.

If you experience any difficulties with the application process and contacting potential supervisors, please contact us via the "Ask us a question" form above.

When you're ready, return to this page and begin your application by clicking APPLY NOW