| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | 2023-07-09 |
| 2024-01-01 | 2023-11-26 |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Curating MA program at MIMA equips students with advanced curatorial skills and knowledge through hands-on experience in an international art gallery and museum setting. The program emphasizes critical thinking, independent research, and professional practice, preparing graduates for future challenges in the expanding field of curating across the cultural and creative industries.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Curating MA
This program focuses on the advanced practical and intellectual requirements of a curator, encompassing collections, commissioning, interpretation, engagement, project management, and critical theoretical contexts. The program is based in the international art gallery and museum, MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art), providing students with a hands-on and immersive learning experience.
Objectives:
- Equip students with advanced curatorial skills and knowledge.
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills within the context of curatorial practice.
- Foster independent learning and research skills.
- Provide understanding of professional practice and career development within the cultural and creative industries.
- Prepare students for future challenges within the curatorial field.
Program Description:
The Curating MA program begins by developing students' understanding of key issues and economic, social, and cultural landscapes, including decolonisation, diversity and inclusion, place-making, and sustainability. This foundation allows students to move onto developing advanced curatorial skills as part of their current employment or personal projects. By embedding the program within the MIMA program, students contribute to a range of events, projects, and exhibitions, acquiring real-world experience and building a strong portfolio. The program also benefits from partnerships with key stakeholders in the sector and is led by established curators from MIMA.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Collection development and management
- Historical and contemporary curatorial practices
- Research and project management of new exhibitions
- Curatorial projects and commissioning artists
- Interpretation, learning, and audience development
- Digital methodologies
- Specialist sector networks
- Future-proofing a career as a curator
Program Structure:
- Full-time or part-time options available
- Delivered through intensive week-long sessions of seminars, lectures, workshops, and group activities
- Regular smaller seminars delivered online
- Research-informed teaching
- Emphasis on independent exploration and collaboration
- Student engagement plan focusing on:
- Sustainable and ethical production and partnerships
- Developing strength in peer networks and collaboration
- Innovative collaborative working towards resilience and inclusion in curation
Modules:
- Core Modules:
- Curating Collections and Access
- Global Critical Contexts
- Major Project: Curatorial Practice
- Other Modules: (details may vary)
- Additional modules may be offered and will vary depending on the program year.
Course Schedule:
- The program typically begins in September or January.
- Semester dates are available on the program website.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Reports
- Presentations
- Project research and development work
- Presentations and visuals
- No formal exams
Assessment Criteria:
- Assessments focus on the analytical, professional, theoretical, and practical elements of study.
- Consistent dialogue with tutors about individual practice and progress towards the engagement plan.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Intensive week-long sessions
- Seminars, lectures, workshops, and group activities
- Regular smaller online seminars
- Research-informed teaching
- Independent exploration and collaboration
Faculty:
- MIMA professors
- Curatorial specialists
- Program team
- Key speakers
- Experienced academics
Unique Approaches:
- Radical approach to developing professional creative practitioners
- Emphasis on independent enquiry, self-direction, and responsibility
- Communication and negotiated learning
- Collaborative learning environment
Careers:
Career Opportunities:
- Curating across the cultural and creative industries
- Visual arts, museums, and heritage
- Programming and creating projects across media, design, performance, fashion, festivals, and cross art forms
- Teaching, academia, health, and the environment
- Public engagement and communications
- Creative content interpretation and selection
- Managing creative relationships
Career Outcomes:
- Graduates are prepared for a future-facing career in the expanding field of curating.
- The program aligns with government priorities and apprenticeship schemes.
Other:
- The program collaborates with Creative UK to provide student members with networking events, resource hubs, workshops, and opportunities.
- The program encourages students to develop a self-directed student engagement plan demonstrating aims towards professional standards.
- The program is embedded in the MIMA program, allowing students to contribute to real-world events, projects, and exhibitions.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Full-time
- Fee for UK applicants: £6,710 a year
- Fee for international applicants: £17,000 a year
Part-time
- Fee for UK applicants: £750 for each 20 credits
