Our MA Curatorial Studies degree enables graduates to develop the skills, critical understanding and specialist knowledge required to follow a rewarding career as an independent curator or to work within a related creative industries perspective.
This course provides a tailored learning environment that encourages and supports your creative development, your independence in creativity, imagination and ideas, from the individual perspective of the student. The course seeks to support and develop new interdisciplinary practices, conceptual skills and a broader understanding of the debates informing Art & Design practices, which are a fundamental aspect of the programme.
The course is delivered by an experienced team of recognised artists, critical theorists and curators who encourage and support a diversity of approaches within Fine Art and its expanded field. The course actively supports and creates opportunities to explore collaborative and interdisciplinary practices, which challenge subject norms and areas of expertise. It is ideal for students who have an undergraduate honours degree in Fine Art, Contemporary Art Practice, or a Design discipline.
Please visit the website to find out how to apply.
The programme is designed for students who wish to take up the challenge of contemporary curating as an artistic, social and critical undertaking, and who wish to develop their professional practice in this area.
This two-part programme is designed to develop professional and academic excellence in the field of contemporary curatorial practice. It's aimed at curators and those with related academic and practical experience who wish to achieve professional excellence in their practice, to innovate in the expanding field of curatorial practice.
MFA Curating at Goldsmiths focuses in-depth on aesthetic, social, political and philosophical questions that are brought to bear in any place or at any event in which contemporary art is situated.
The programme is designed to provide a practice-led research context for students at any stage of their professional practice.
It also enables you to experiment and innovate in the expanded field of curatorial pedagogy, to collaborate on an interdisciplinary basis and extend your and other students' knowledge through this process.
Goldsmiths' MFA Curating programme is recognised worldwide for producing highly qualified curators and other arts professionals.
Our graduates find employment in top international museums, commercial galleries, auction houses, magazines, alternative spaces and not-for-profit organisations. Others choose employment as artist’s studio managers; arts education programmers; museum public talks and events organisers; gallery archivists and registrars.
The Tate Modern annually offers two hands-on internships to Goldsmiths MFA Curating students, who are given the opportunity to work directly on an exhibition matched to the students' interests. Accepted Goldsmiths curating students are given details on how to apply for a Tate Modern internship prior to starting the school year.
Other institutions with which the Goldsmiths MFA Curating programme has collaborated on real-life curatorial projects include 176/Zabludowicz Collection, London; Form/Content, London; ICA/Fourth Plinth Project, London, and more.
Each year, part 1 Goldsmiths curating students are invited to pitch an exhibition proposal to the Government Art Collection, using works from this important national collection as the basis for a contemporary art exhibition. The successful projects are realised during the final year.
In Year One, you're introduced to a series of curatorial concepts and practices through group analysis and guided research. There are also group seminars that look into significant ideas in philosophy and cultural theory to help you think broadly about your own practice
In Year Two, intensive workshops look in depth at a set of artistic and cultural themes chosen by the students. In Year Two you further develop independent curatorial research and practice, working either on your own ideas or with a London-based gallery or institution. The summer term of Year One acts as a transition to Year Two.
Government Art Collection
Each year, part 1 Goldsmiths curating students are invited to pitch an exhibition proposal to the Government Art Collection, using works from this important national collection as the basis for a contemporary art exhibition. The successful projects are realised during the final year.
Year one
Year two
Independent research and practice; public presentation; oral and written communication; project development; exhibition administration; concept development; collaboration; intellectual analysis; catalogue, essay and review writing; research organisation and presentation.
Graudates from the MFA in Curating go on to work in galleries and museums; as managers and directors in commercial galleries; independent curators; cultural policy makers, teachers and academics; writers and critics.
MA Curating and Collections at Chelsea College of Arts focuses on developing the skills needed to curate a range of art and design objects within the context of public and private collections.
What students can expect from the course:
- Practical skills to sit alongside critical reflection that helps our students develop a balanced approach to curatorial methods
- A course that focuses on working with contemporary and historic collections, exhibition design, concept development, marketing, press releases and budgeting
- To explore current critical debates, keeping up to date on issues such as participation, the artist-curator dynamic and thinking about the public realm
- Our curatorial team at Chelsea Space to provide training within an active and supportive curatorial environment, engaging students with the best examples of contemporary practice
- To have access to the Chelsea library Special Collections, which have a strong emphasis on modern and contemporary art and design
Phase 1: Analysis of practice and exploration of methodologies
Phase 2: Development and consolidation
Phase 3: Resolution
These phases are set within a credit framework of three assessed units:
- Studio practice and Advanced studio practice, which run sequentially
- Theoretical studies, which runs throughout the course
Studio practice involves evolving and developing a personal programme of studio work and related research. Theoretical Studies provides a framework for students to develop a critical research paper, enabling them to locate their ideas and practice in relation to contemporary debate on cultural and theoretical issues.
Throughout the course students participate in individual and group tutorials, developing their skills through Personal Professional Development workshops and on-line resources while the postgraduate talks are organised that introduce them to a range of visiting artists and practitioners.
Are you fascinated by visual culture and exhibition practice?
Do you want to pursue a career in the gallery and arts sectors?
The MA in Art History and Curating 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 curate an art exhibition in a public gallery. This will take place in the Barber Institute of Fine Arts on campus or at Grand Union in Birmingham city centre.
We are also delighted to announce a new partnership with Royal Collection Trust. Students co-curating the exhibition at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts will have the exceptional opportunity of working with objects from the Royal Collection.
Please note: Places on this programme are limited due to the placement and curatorial experience, so early applications are encouraged and deadlines apply. See 'How to apply' in course details for more information.
This unique programme enables you to develop the knowledge and skills to conduct original research into art objects, to understand at first hand the history, theory and contemporary practice of their curation, to co-curate a public art exhibition and complete a 15,000-word dissertation.
The core components of the programme include the double module ‘Curatorial Practices’ that provides you with a range of skills to curate an exhibition and the opportunity to put those skills into practice, and two single modules, 'Postgraduate Research Training and Methods,' which will help you to develop essential research skills, and 'Criticism and Methods in the History of Art and Visual Culture,' which provides a theoretical foundation for your studies.
The programme also offers you the flexibility to select a further two options from a range of complementary practical, theoretical and historical modules. These include: a placement with a local gallery or other arts organisation set up on your behalf; the history and theory of exhibitions; aesthetics and the philosophy of art. As a result, 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.
Assessment
Your modules will be assessed by a range of written and oral assessments. You will also complete a 15,000-word dissertation, supported through one-to-one tutorials with your academic supervisor. Your dissertation topic is chosen by you, with close guidance from academic staff. Recent subjects have included topics relating to art history and/or gallery practices, such as: art forgery; art interpretation; art dealers; films and aesthetic theory; art historiography; artist and exhibition case studies; fashion plates and art journals.
The teaching on the MA programme mainly takes place in the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, which houses the Barber Institute Gallery, and is used by members of staff on a regular basis as part of your learning.
The Gallery features an excellent and representative collection of post-medieval European art, including paintings, engravings and drawings by artists such as Rembrandt, Turner, Van Dyck, Veronese and Vigée-LeBrun, as well as a major collection of 19th- and 20th-century works by artists such as Degas, Gauguin, Käthe Kollwitz, George Grosz, Manet, Miró, Picasso and Whistler.
The Barber Institute is home to an on-site research library which, in conjunction with the holdings of the University Main Library and the Special Collections of the Cadbury Research Library, makes Birmingham one of the best resourced Departments of History of Art in Britain.
Support with academic writing
As a postgraduate student in the College of Arts and Law, you have access to the Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS) which aims to help your transition from undergraduate to taught Masters level, or back into academia after time away. The service offers guidance on writing assignments and dissertations for your MA/MSc programme with individual support from an academic writing advisor via tutorials, email and the provision of online materials.
International students can access support for English Language development and skills through the Birmingham International Academy (BIA).
Based within a working gallery and informed by world class research, this degree combines direct experience, behind-the-scenes industry insights and an academic exploration of contemporary curation discourses.
The MA Contemporary Curation is an exceptional opportunity to explore the latest concepts in curation theory and practice while gaining hands-on curatorial experience and industry insights. The course is based on campus, in The Winchester Gallery; from your first week you will be involved in the running of the gallery, from organising exhibitions and producing interpretation materials to marketing and audience development. Co-located with the School’s practising artists, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to collaborate on joint projects and apply your skills. Your practice will be underpinned by your developing knowledge of current curation theories and debates, informed by the School’s internationally recognised expertise in art and design, visual cultural studies, digital and new media theory. Our research-active academics have links with arts organisations and international festivals, opening up a range of additional learning opportunities. You will also be exposed to top professionals in the curatorial field through guest lectures and behind-the-scenes gallery visits.
We welcome students from a range of backgrounds, including fine art and other disciplines. Our diverse intake includes students from many countries, so there is scope to build an international network of contacts while you are on the programme.
View the programme specification document for this course
Our academics’ professional experience and extensive networks mean they can offer ‘insider’ careers guidance and support; through their contacts you may be able to independently set up an internship or work experience.
You will be prepared for a career in existing and emergent curatorial and arts roles within a range of organisations. You could choose to work within a museum, public or private gallery, heritage or cultural organisation, international art fair or biennial, or for an arts or culture publication. Or you might pursue a career in cultural and public policy-making, cultural management and administration, or arts-commissioning and funding. The course is also a good grounding for further study at PhD level, perhaps with a view to an academic career.
Gain the skills to take part in the exciting world of museums, galleries and the cultural heritage sector.
On this MA, you’ll work with academics and museum professionals – these have previously included senior staff from the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, the V&A, the National Trust, the Science Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum and Museum of Modern Art in New York – to explore the history, theory and politics of art institutions and to build a critical framework for the practice of curating.
You visit a number of museums in Sussex and in London, allowing you to learn first-hand about institutional histories, collections, permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions.
Choose to study this course full time or part time, to fit around your work and family life. Modules for the full-time course are listed below.
For details about the part-time course, contact course co-ordinator Sophie Heath at [email protected]
In the autumn and spring terms, you take museum skills modules at Sussex and visit local and national collections. With your tutors and classmates, you debate a range of ethical concerns facing museum curators. The summer term is taken up with a work placement.
This MA introduces you to:
Assessed work includes term papers, practical assignments, a learning journal (written during the placement as a reflection on that experience) and a 12,000-word dissertation.
In the summer term, you undertake a work placement in one of our partner museums or galleries, acquiring vocational skills and practical experience.
Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals.
Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work
You gain knowledge about objects and collections, and develop a critical awareness of museum practices.
You develop communication and project management skills. These skills provide the practical and theoretical foundation for careers in:
100% of students from the Department of Art History were in work or further study six months after graduating. Our students have gone on to roles including:
(EPI, Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2015 for postgraduates)
Learn to speak and write confidently about museums and curatorship, with a focus on photography, together with hands-on experience in a museum setting. You consider the future of museums and how you can contribute to it.
You visit museums in Sussex and in London, allowing you to learn first-hand about institutional histories, collections, permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions. You’re taught by Sussex tutors and external specialists. In the past, these have included senior staff from the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, the V&A, and the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
Choose to study this course full time or part time, to fit around your work and family life. Modules for the full-time course are listed below.
For details about the part-time course, contact course co-ordinator Sophie Heath at [email protected]
In the autumn and spring terms, you take museum skills modules and an option based on photography at Sussex. You also visit local and national collections. With your tutors and classmates, you debate a range of ethical concerns facing museum curators. The summer term is taken up with a work placement.
This MA introduces you to:
Assessed work includes term papers, practical assignments, a learning journal (written during the placement as a reflection on that experience) and a 12,000-word dissertation.
In the summer term, you undertake a work placement in one of our partner museums or galleries, working with photographic collections. You'll gain vocational skills and practical experience.
Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals.
Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work
You gain knowledge about objects and collections, specifically in the context of photography, and develop a critical awareness of museum practices.
You develop communication and project management skills. These skills provide the practical and theoretical foundation for careers in:
100% of students from the Department of Art History were in work or further study six months after graduating. Our students have gone on to roles including:
(EPI, Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2015 for postgraduates)
The dual focus of this distinctive programme will enable you to pursue research-focused study while developing a rigorous understanding of current debates and practices in the field of curatorship.
Delivered in partnership with flagship cultural institutions, this programme directly responds to a growing need for graduates able to work at the interface of academic research and the curatorial profession. It offers a rigorous framework for intellectual development and innovation, combining supervised independent research with seminar teaching and unique opportunities for live project delivery.
You will gain critical, analytical, interpretative and other research skills that are transferable to further academic research, to curatorial settings and to other careers.
Collections and Curating Practices is devised and delivered in cooperation with National Museums Scotland, the National Library of Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland, Talbot Rice Gallery, The Fruitmarket Gallery, and the University of Edinburgh’s own Special Collections.
The compulsory course element will examine the theories and methods of collecting and curatorship.
Two intensive one-day workshops will offer introductory training in the practical aspects of curatorship and collections management from object handling and transportation issues to accreditation processes.
Career development opportunities are built into the syllabus including advice days and a bespoke mentoring programme.
You will be assigned a research supervisor at the outset of your degree with secondary supervisory support for the dissertation component drawn from ECA, the University or from a member of staff in one of the external partner organisations.
The core course will examine the theories and methods of collecting and curatorship. Two intensive one-day workshops will offer introductory training in the practical aspects of curatorship and collections management from object handling and transportation issues to accreditation processes.
Career development opportunities are built into the syllabus including advice days and a bespoke mentoring programme.
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, Edinburgh College of Art has a wide range of studios and workshop spaces, libraries and collections, places to socialise, perform and show work; all within walking distance of world-class museums, music venues and galleries.
Our facilities range from the historic, to contemporary, specialist spaces for making work at all scales, in and across all media. In this directory, you’ll find details of our own facilities, and selected places in the city to be inspired, research, collaborate or gain work experience.
Edinburgh College of Art: Postgrad study in Art, Design, Architecture, Music, History of Art
Taught Masters degrees in History, Art History, Philosophy and American Studies at Sussex, a top 20 University
