Masters degrees
The taught masters (MA) programmes in art history and visual culture consider works of art and visual material in the broadest sense. We encourage the examination of the social and material histories of objects and images; explorations of the processes of cultural production, circulation, and consumption; and the development of original theoretical approaches to understanding works of art and associated cultural phenomena.
The Department of Art History offers a flexible programme of MA degrees in art history and visual culture, consisting of three pathways:
Your choice of pathway will almost certainly relate to your present interests in art history or visual culture. All MA pathways are modular and the choice of pathway affects the modules available to you. With the help of a knowledgeable and supportive teaching staff, the pathway programme is designed to offer necessary flexibility to help you make important decisions about modules and dissertation topics.
If you're looking for a masters degree with a higher level of independent research, then read about the MA by Research (MRes) offered by the Department.
Course structure
The MA course consists of 180 credits made up of the core module(s) worth 30 credits, three 30-credit special subject modules, and a compulsory 15,000-word dissertation (60 credits). Full-time students take two modules per semester; part-time students take two modules per year. Find out more about the module choices.
In essence, the dissertation is what you are working towards throughout your MA pathway and will represent a significant achievement on your part. Many of you might already have a subject in mind, others may be less sure. Whichever is the case, the modules you choose, the seminars you attend and the essays you write, will help form and articulate a viable and original dissertation project – a process closely monitored by staff able to give relevant guidance and advice.
When appropriate, seminars are held in the Djanogly Art Gallery, in the Castle Museum, and/or Nottingham's contemporary art gallery. Trips further afield, e.g. to London, are also regularly organised.