Master of Arts - Art History

The Master of Arts in Art History at the University of Auckland offers a comprehensive study of art across various historical periods and cultural contexts. This program aims to develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills while nurturing a deep understanding of artistic expression.

Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide a broad yet in-depth exploration of art history. Courses encompass diverse topics, including art theory, visual culture, museum studies, and specific art movements or periods. Students engage with a range of methodologies and critical approaches, fostering a holistic understanding of art’s historical significance and contemporary relevance.

Research Focus: The program emphasizes rigorous research methodologies, encouraging students to delve into scholarly investigations and contribute to the field's knowledge. Through thesis projects and research papers, students have the opportunity to explore niche areas within art history, fostering critical analysis and independent thinking.

Industry Engagement: The University of Auckland maintains strong ties with the art community, offering various opportunities for students to engage with galleries, museums, and cultural institutions. Workshops, internships, and guest lectures provide practical experiences and networking opportunities, bridging academic learning with real-world applications.

Global Perspective: With a diverse and inclusive environment, the University of Auckland fosters a global perspective in its programs. The Master of Arts in Art History encourages students to explore art from multiple cultural viewpoints, facilitating a nuanced understanding of global artistic practices and their interconnectedness.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs usually need a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. The entry requirement may specify a minimum score of 60% or higher in the previous academic degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 or 7.0, with no band below 6.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no individual section below 21.
• PTE: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 50 in each section.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Auckland offers various scholarships specifically designed to support and encourage international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships aim to attract high-achieving students from around the world and provide financial assistance to help them achieve their educational goals at the university.

Merit-Based Scholarships: The University of Auckland offers merit-based scholarships recognizing academic excellence. These scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements in their previous studies, supporting them throughout their undergraduate or postgraduate programs.

Need-Based Grants: For students facing financial challenges, the university provides need-based grants to assist with tuition fees or living expenses. These grants aim to ensure that deserving students have the opportunity to pursue their education without financial constraints.

Research Scholarships: The university also offers research scholarships for international students interested in pursuing research-based programs. These scholarships support students engaged in innovative research projects and contribute to the university's academic research endeavors.

Country-Specific Awards: Additionally, the University of Auckland provides scholarships specifically designated for students from certain countries. These awards aim to promote cultural diversity and international collaboration by attracting students from diverse geographical backgrounds.

A Master of Arts in Art History from the University of Auckland equips graduates with a diverse skill set that opens doors to various career avenues within the art world, academia, and beyond.

Curatorial Roles: Graduates may pursue careers as curators in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions. They can curate exhibitions, manage collections, conduct research, and contribute to preserving and interpreting artistic heritage.

Art Conservation and Restoration: With a focus on understanding the historical context and techniques of art, graduates can explore roles in art conservation and restoration. They work to conserve and restore artworks, ensuring their longevity for future generations.

Art Criticism and Journalism: Graduates proficient in critical analysis and art history can embark on careers in art criticism, contributing to magazines, newspapers, or online publications. They evaluate and analyze art, providing insights to the public on artistic trends, exhibitions, and cultural significance.

Education and Academia: Many graduates choose to pursue academic pathways, becoming educators in universities or schools. They teach art history, conduct research, and contribute scholarly articles to advance the field.

Gallery Management and Sales: Graduates may find roles in gallery management, overseeing operations, organizing exhibitions, and dealing with artists. Some may also venture into art sales and marketing, connecting artworks with potential buyers and collectors.

Heritage and Cultural Preservation: Graduates can work in heritage and cultural preservation organizations, contributing their knowledge to preserve cultural artifacts, monuments, or heritage sites.

Arts Administration and Cultural Policy: For those interested in the administrative aspects of the arts, careers in arts administration, cultural policy-making, or arts management are viable options. They contribute to the planning and execution of cultural programs, events, and policies.

Digital Humanities and Art Technology: In the digital age, opportunities exist in digitizing art collections, working on art-related technology projects, or contributing to virtual museums, expanding accessibility to art globally.