Discover MA Art History and Curating and MA History of Art

Dr Sophie Hatchwell will provide an overview of the Masters programmes offered in the Department of Art History, Curating and Visual Studies.

Are you fascinated by visual culture and history relating to a specific artist, period or movement? Do you want to learn about the methods of art history and how to apply them to particular historical problems? Our Art History programme provides you 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. You will have the opportunity to develop both academic and professional contacts to support your personal and professional development.

Our students are normally taught within the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, an internationally renowned art gallery located at the University of Birmingham campus. Students are part of small seminar groups and benefit from furthering their study. Classes are taught not only at the Barber Institute, our ‘house gallery’, but also at the galleries on campus and in town. 

The programme offers a range of topics all of which relate to our staff research interests and expertise. Optional modules rotate annually, and typically cover topics such as: art, globalisation and migration; queer studies, sexuality and visual culture; art, gender and feminism; nineteenth and twentieth-century art practices in Britain, France and Germany; Renaissance art and architecture; medieval manuscripts; and aesthetics and intermediality. We also have a strong expertise in exhibition cultures and curatorial studies. There is an optional module on Enterprising Cultures, which explores the ways in which arts organisations can generate revenue and provides you with the opportunity to pitch your own business ideas in the arts sector. Unusual nowadays, we also offer modules on art in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.    

Our programmes:

With more than 600 taught programmes and a range of research opportunities, Birmingham is one of the most popular UK universities for postgraduate study. The University offers a range of study options – from part-time courses and distance learning to microcredentials and overseas faculties. You can explore and learn more about our courses here.

Meet us:

We hold events both on and off campus so you can see and get to know Birmingham for yourself! Our annual Postgraduate Open Days are a great way to learn more about the University, our community, your course of interest and of course our campus! If you’re not able to make it to Birmingham – our regular online Q&A sessions and events lets you chat with current students, academics, and members of the postgraduate recruitment team. You can find out more about our events here.

Chat to us:

There’s no better way to learn more about the university, community, and the student experience, than through our students. You can chat to our postgraduate ambassadors via Unibuddy to gain first hand knowledge on studying at the University of Birmingham.

Funding your studies:

We understand that continuing your education to postgraduate level is a significant financial investment. From cash payments to full tuition fee waivers, we are committed to alleviating financial barriers to support you in taking your next steps on our courses beginning in 2024. You can explore our database to find a scholarship or funding opportunity that’s right for you.