The programme involves two years of studies, where the first year is specific to the Master’s in Art History. You study three specialised courses, which change each year the programme is offered. These could cover subjects such as art in public spaces, art linked to criticism and crisis, cosmopolitan art history or a specialist course in masquerade, modernity and gender.

You will work with a range of problems in art history and themed areas in four modules that are linked to concepts, narratives, issues or methods, deepening your knowledge of art history while developing your analytical abilities. You produce a dissertation in your first year, which allows you to graduate with a one-year Master’s degree, if you wish.

The second year of the programme is studied alongside students from the Master’s programme in Aesthetics, and focuses on professional practice. It covers culture and policy, criticism and public discourse, research methods in theory and practice, as well as project methods. Theoretical and historical perspectives are interwoven with discussions that have a professional focus. You will have the opportunity to undertake a research-linked placement, or to select theoretical courses.

Course design

Teaching in the first year is primarily conducted in the form of seminars. You will receive supervision while writing your dissertation. Examination is through written work as a preparation for your dissertation. The forms of instruction are more varied in the second year, including study visits and research seminars. You also have the opportunity to undertake a placement in the second year.

You will regularly meet people who work professionally in the field, such as artists, critics and curators.