Key features

• Develop your application of the critical theories and approaches relevant to art history providing you with experience in research methods and skills in arts and humanities.
• Gain experience in research methods and skills in the arts, humanities, creative and cultural industries, and related fields. Leave the course with the skills necessary for a career in research.
• Choose to study full time or part time to fit in with your career plans or other commitments. You can study full time (12-18 months) or part time (24-36 months).
• The programme also delivers a through route from undergraduate level to MPhil/PhD via Masters degree. It is an ideal route if you have a strongly conceived research project and do not wish to undertake a taught MA yet do not have the skills base for an MPhil/PhD.
• Focus on an art-historical project within a vibrant and challenging interdisciplinary research community. Study issues as diverse as authorship, subjectivity, reception studies, and cultural and gender identity.
• Be inspired by our research-active staff, conducting research in the Centre for Humanities, Music and Performing Arts (HuMPA). The centre supports the work of over 50 academics across the disciplines of English, creative writing, history, art history, theatre, dance, performing arts and music.
• Take the opportunity to improve your continuing professional development - if you are a teacher or academic working in the South West and do not currently have a postgraduate research degree.
• If you are awarded a distinction in this programme you are automatically offered a place on our MPhil/PhD programme in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business, subject to appropriate supervision and resource arrangements being in place.

This course will explore 21st century art history and learn about this ever-expanding discipline, marked by interdisciplinary cross-overs, varied and competing methodologies, and a huge range of objects of study that can break through the boundaries of the traditional notion of ‘art’. Study issues as diverse as authorship, subjectivity, reception studies, and cultural and gender identity. You’ll be primed to undertake art-historical investigation and a research project on a specific topic of your choice.

You study two core modules and also individual tutorials with your supervisor and attend regular research seminars. The programme leads to a written thesis and can be studied either full time or part time. After completing your taught modules, you continue with independent research, guided by your Director of Studies. Throughout this time spent working towards your thesis, you are considered a full member of our research community and completely supported until you successfully complete your degree. You may attend additional training, workshops and research seminars. As a full-time ResM student, you submit your thesis after 12 months (part time, after 24 months) or pay a nominal sum for up to six months’ additional ‘writing-up’ time (part time, 12 months). Your viva voce (or oral examination) takes place following submission of your thesis.