MA History of Art

Program Overview

The MA in History of Art at the University of Birmingham offers a comprehensive study of art history with a range of subject areas and historical periods, preparing students for careers in arts and cultural fields or further research. The program emphasizes developing critical analysis, research skills, and employability through core modules, optional modules, and a dissertation. It provides opportunities for practical engagement through collaborations with galleries and organizations in Birmingham.

Program Outline

MA History of Art - University of Birmingham

Degree Overview:

This program provides students with the opportunity to choose from a range of subject areas and historical periods in History of Art. It is ideal for those who wish to develop a solid foundation in History of Art, either as preparation for further research or for related careers. Students will have the opportunity to develop both academic and professional contacts to support their personal and professional development.

Objectives:

• To develop a critical understanding of the methods and theories of art history.
• To gain in-depth knowledge of a specific area of art history.
• To develop research skills and the ability to write a dissertation.
• To enhance employability skills.

Outline:

Program Structure:

• The program is offered as a 1-year full-time or 2-year part-time course.
• Students on the main pathway will study three core modules, three Special Subjects and one optional module before completing their dissertation.
• British Art pathway students will study three core modules, two British Art modules and two specialist subjects/optional modules before completing their dissertation.

Core Modules:

• Criticism and Methods in the History of Art and Visual Culture: This module looks at the historiography, methods and theoretical underpinning of contemporary practices of artistic and visual analysis.
Assessment: 4,000-word written portfolio.
• Postgraduate Research Training and Methods A & B: This module introduces students at Masters level to a range of research skills needed to write a dissertation on their specific programme, as well as core, generic employability skills.
Assessment: Written assignment and presentation.

British Art Pathway Modules:

Assessment: 4,000-word assignment.

• Made in Birmingham: Art and Urban Space: This module explores key issues and debates in British art through particular case studies in Birmingham.
Assessment: 4,000-word business plan.
• Exhibition Cultures: This module explores art history from the perspective of exhibitions.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay.
• Paris Moderne: This module explores the emergence and development of Paris between 1850 and 1930 as the focus of modernist cultural activity.
• Berlin 1890-1939: Symphony of a (great) city: This module explores the cultural topography of Berlin and considers the city as key capital of early twentieth-century modernist debate.
• Women and Artistic Culture in the Late Medieval and Early Modern Period: This module draws on the recent growth of scholarship concerned with women’s roles in the making and consumption of art in the late medieval and early modern period.
• Sound and Vision: Word, Music, Image, 1860 - now: This module investigates the ways in which the inclusion or association of word and music affect meaning and experience in the visual arts.

Dissertation:

• Students will conduct a piece of independent research on a topic of their choice within History of Art with the support of a supervisor, culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation.

Assessment:

• The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including written portfolios, essays, research portfolios, business plans, and presentations.
• Students are part of small seminar groups and benefit from furthering their study.
• The program is taught by experts renowned in their fields, who are active scholars with national and international reputations.
• The British Art Pathway in particular brings together the departmental expertise in British art from a variety of viewpoints.

Careers:

• The program provides excellent preparation for a range of careers in the arts and cultural sector, including:
• Art historian
• Curator
• Archivist
• Museum educator
• Arts administrator
• Arts journalist
• Gallery manager
• Auction house specialist
• Art consultant
• The program also develops transferable skills that are valuable in a variety of other fields, such as:
• Research
• Writing
• Communication
• Critical thinking
• The Department is home to the online Journal of Art Historiography, and postgraduate students can apply to become editorial assistants.
• Students have the opportunity to volunteer at the Barber Institute.
• The Department has established contacts with a large number of art galleries and organisations in Birmingham, explaining the high employability rate of its students.
• The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2024 report.
• The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

UK: £10,530 full-time; International: £23,310 full-time

• The above fees quoted are for one year only; for those studying over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
• Fee status
• Paying your fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding. Are you an international applicant? All international applicants to this course will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £2,000 on receipt of an offer, to secure their place. Find out more about the deposit >>.