MA History of Art (Modern and Contemporary Art)

Program Overview

The MA in History of Art (Modern and Contemporary Art) at the University of York is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program that explores the interpretation of art and visual culture in the modern and contemporary era. It allows students to specialize or study across a diverse range of modules, including interdisciplinary options from other humanities departments. The program boasts strong connections to museums and galleries in the north of England, providing opportunities for research and collaboration. Graduates are equipped with critical analysis, research, and communication skills for careers in the art world and beyond.

Program Outline

Detailed Extraction of the MA in History of Art (Modern and Contemporary Art) at the University of York:

Degree Overview:

• Program: MA in History of Art (Modern and Contemporary Art)
• University: University of York
• Length: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Start Date: September 2024
• Overview: This program explores the interpretation of art and visual culture in the modern and contemporary era, aiming to understand the world we live in today and its historical development.
It focuses on diverse artistic media and encourages students to choose modules across a range of areas, allowing for specialization or broad learning. The program boasts strong connections to museums and galleries in the north of England.
• Objectives:
• Equip students with the ability to analyze and critique modern and contemporary art
• Develop research, presentation, and writing skills applicable across various fields
• Provide opportunities for research and collaboration with museums and galleries
• Allow students to personalize their learning through module selection across different paths and departments
• Cultivate independent and critical thinking skills

Outline:

• Program Content:
• Focuses on art and visual culture from the 20th and 21st centuries
• Allows students to choose modules to specialize or study across a diverse range
• Incorporates interdisciplinary options from other humanities departments and centers
• Requires completion of a dissertation
• Offers field trips to view art and architecture
• Structure:
• Includes core modules like Research Skills in History of Art
• Comprises four option modules focused on modern and contemporary art (see below for examples)
• Allows for a limited number of modules from other humanities departments
• Culminates in a dissertation project
• Course Schedule:
• Each option module involves weekly two-hour seminars
• Additional teaching formats include lectures, seminars, and one-to-one meetings with lecturers or supervisors
• Independent study time averages 31-33 hours per week
• Extensive research seminars and events are offered
• Modules:
• Core Modules:
• Research Skills in History of Art
• Example Option Modules:
• Home, Habitat and Community in Modern Italian Art
• Art, Mass Media and Communications
• Fashion, Theories, Materials and Images (1540 to 1940)
• Art and the Political Psyche in Britain 1979-1997
• Ceramic Arts of the Islamic World: A Framework for Study
• Peter Paul Rubens: Painting for Peace in an Age of War
• Scrolls and Serpents
• Sir Christopher Wren
• The Afterlives of Medieval Art
• Medieval Islamic Architecture on the Frontiers: Synthesis, Innovation & Change
• Monument, Object, Fetish, Artefact: Contesting 'Modern' Sculpture
• Seeing Sculpture
• Who Owns Antiquities?
The Politics of Museology and Archaeology
• Dissertation:
• Up to 15,000 words
• Completed with the support of an academic supervisor
• Recent topics include:
• Spatial politics of display in art in the late 20th century
• Romanian art of the early 20th century and inter-war years
• The depiction of space in contemporary wall-painting
• The construction of visual identities in museum practices
• Representing desire in the works of Glenn Ligon and Isaac Julien
• Mapping and interpreting the work of Beatriz Milhazes

Assessment:

• Assessment methods include:
• 4,000 word essays per option module
• Dissertation portfolio for the Research Skills module
• Dissertation project
• Assessment criteria are based on specific learning outcomes for each module and the program as a whole, focusing on:
• In-depth understanding of current research and theory
• Advanced critical analysis and research skills
• Original research and analysis
• Critical evaluation of existing scholarship
• Effective communication skills
• Independent project management

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• One-to-one supervision
• Field trips
• Extensive research seminars and events
• Faculty:
• World-leading academics who challenge students to excel
• Experts in their respective fields
• Dedicated to student success and independent growth
• Unique Approaches:
• Flexibility in combining modules from different paths and departments
• Extensive access to resources and collaborations with museums and galleries
• Personalization of learning through module selection and independent research
• Exposure to diverse perspectives and research interests

Careers:

• Career Opportunities:
• Curator/digital curator
• Heritage manager
• Conservationist
• Collections manager
• Marketing officer
• Art administrator
• Transferable Skills:
• Critical analysis and interpretation of information
• Intellectual independence and autonomy
• Excellent communication skills
• Applying and adapting methodologies to research
• Project management and time management skills
• Partnerships and Placements:
• Opportunities with prestigious institutions like the National Gallery, Tate, V&A, and York Museums Trust
• These collaborations offer exclusive studentships, work experience, and privileged access to collections

Other:

• This program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, including those without formal academic qualifications.
• The program encourages students to engage with the surrounding city and explore its cultural offerings.
This extraction aims to provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of the MA in History of Art (Modern and Contemporary Art) program at the University of York.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Annual tuition fees for 2024/25 Study modeUK (home)International and EU Full-time (1 year) £10,590£23,900 Part-time (2 years)This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. £5,295£11,950 Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York. For courses which are longer than one year, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).