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MA Art History and Curating

The MA in Art History and Curating from University of Birmingham is one of the few postgraduate programmes in the country that offers you the opportunity to work in a team with academic and museum professionals to develop a curatorial project such as a public exhibition.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: 1 year (Full-Time)
2 years (Part-Time)
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £21,150 per year
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

This unique programme enables you to develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to conduct original research into art objects and the history, theory and practice of curating historic and contemporary artworks.

As a result of the range of modules and practical experience offered, this unique programme will provide you with the knowledge, experience and employability skills invaluable to the museum, commercial and academic sectors whilst enabling you to establish professional networks in both.

Courses included:

  • Curatorial Practices
  • Postgraduate Research Training and Methods
  • Criticism and Methods in the History of Art and Visual Culture
  • Enterprising Cultures
  • Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art
  • What is British Art?

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

The Art History and Curating programme from University of Birmingham provides students with practical skills and experience to allow them to pursue careers in galleries and museums. Read more about our student journeys.

The experiences you gain throughout your degree will be further enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University.

The University’s Careers Network provides advice and information specifically for postgraduates that will help you to develop an effective career and skills development strategy, and to make the most of your time with us at the University. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team to deliver tailored programmes of careers events and local support.

You will have opportunities to: meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs; attend employer presentations and skills workshops; receive individual guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique; and access to comprehensive listings of hundreds of graduate jobs and work experience opportunities.

Requirements

  • You will need an Honours degree in History of Art or a cognate Humanities subject, of an upper second-class standard or higher (or its academic equivalent). Candidates holding degrees in other disciplines (e.g. broader Arts subjects) will only be considered if they can demonstrate interest and experience in History of Art, e.g. through studying relevant modules and/or undertaking related work experience.
  • Personal statement: You should use your personal statement to explain why you wish to study this programme, and your suitability for the programme, with reference to any past and present experience you have in this subject.
  • References: We ask that you provide at least one academic reference unless you have been out of education for a number of years, in which case professional references will be considered.

Learn more