MA Migration Studies
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MA Art History and Museum Curating
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Art History and Museum Curating program at the University of Sussex is an interdisciplinary, intellectually rich postgraduate course designed for individuals seeking advanced knowledge in art history combined with practical curatorial skills. Situated near the vibrant arts and heritage hub of Brighton, Sussex offers a dynamic environment for academic exploration and professional growth. This MA program empowers students to critically engage with historical and contemporary issues in art, museology, and heritage studies while developing core competencies required for curating exhibitions and working within museum contexts.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Art History and Museum Curating program at Sussex is carefully structured to blend theoretical foundations with applied practices. Key modules often include Art and Curating Now, Research Methods in Art History, and Museums, Material Culture and Heritage. Students are encouraged to explore topics such as global art histories, museum ethics, exhibition design, and object-based research. A significant feature of the program is the independent research project or dissertation, where students critically investigate an area of personal or professional interest, applying their academic and practical knowledge. The course also includes placements or collaborations with local galleries, offering hands-on curatorial experience.
Research Focus: Sussex is renowned for its research excellence in the arts and humanities. Within the MA Art History and Museum Curating program, faculty members are actively engaged in innovative research spanning themes like postcolonial art, visual culture, museum studies, gender and art, and digital heritage. The university fosters a collaborative research environment, and students are encouraged to contribute to ongoing projects or develop their own research inquiries under the guidance of experienced scholars. The emphasis on critical theory and interdisciplinary methodology enhances students’ analytical and interpretive skills, preparing them for both academic and professional pathways.
Industry Engagement: One of the distinguishing strengths of this MA program is its strong ties with cultural institutions in the UK and internationally. The University of Sussex collaborates with museums, galleries, and heritage sites, including Brighton Museum & Art Gallery and Charleston Trust. Students gain valuable exposure to the curatorial field through internships, workshops, and networking events. These partnerships not only enrich the learning experience but also open up employment opportunities and insights into the workings of the museum and heritage sectors. The program is tailored to meet the evolving demands of the cultural industries, equipping graduates with practical experience and professional acumen.
Global Perspective: The University of Sussex embraces a global outlook, and this ethos is deeply embedded in the MA Art History and Museum Curating program. The curriculum encourages students to consider art and museums within international contexts, exploring diverse narratives, decolonization practices, and cross-cultural interpretations. With a diverse student body and faculty, the program fosters an inclusive and globally aware learning environment. Graduates are prepared to engage with global discourses in art history and curating, making them well-suited for careers in international institutions, cultural policy, and heritage management worldwide.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 24000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
The MA Art History and Museum Curating program at the University of Sussex offers a broad range of career opportunities for its graduates, owing to its combination of academic rigor and practical curatorial experience. Students develop critical thinking, research, and curatorial skills that are highly valued in the cultural, heritage, and arts sectors.
Curator: Graduates can pursue roles as curators in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. In this capacity, curators are responsible for researching, organizing, and managing collections, exhibitions, and public programs. With specialized training in art history and curating, Sussex graduates are well-prepared to oversee collections, collaborate with artists and institutions, and present exhibitions that reflect diverse cultural narratives.
Museum Education Officer: Museum education officers design and implement educational programs for museum visitors, schools, and the public. They develop learning resources, lead guided tours, and create interactive experiences that enhance the educational value of exhibitions. The program at Sussex equips students with both curatorial expertise and an understanding of pedagogy, making them well-suited for roles that bridge art, education, and public engagement.
Exhibition Designer: Exhibition designers play a crucial role in the visual presentation of artworks and objects within a gallery or museum setting. They work closely with curators to conceptualize and realize exhibitions that are aesthetically engaging and intellectually stimulating. Graduates of the MA program are trained in the practical and theoretical aspects of exhibition design, enabling them to create compelling and innovative exhibition spaces.
Conservator/Restorer: For those interested in the preservation of artworks and artifacts, a career in conservation or restoration offers a rewarding path. While some roles in this field may require additional technical training, the foundational knowledge in art history gained at Sussex can be applied to the conservation of various materials, including paintings, sculptures, and historical objects.
Gallery Manager: Gallery managers oversee the day-to-day operations of art galleries, including exhibition scheduling, staff management, and client relations. With training in art history and curating, Sussex graduates are equipped with the skills to manage art collections, coordinate exhibitions, and ensure that galleries function smoothly, both from a logistical and curatorial perspective.
Cultural Heritage Consultant: Cultural heritage consultants help organizations and governments manage and preserve cultural sites and artifacts. This could involve advising on museum acquisitions, the preservation of historical buildings, or heritage tourism. The global perspective offered by the University of Sussex helps graduates understand the broader implications of cultural heritage, positioning them for roles in the preservation and protection of global heritage.
Art Auction Houses and Dealers: Graduates with a keen interest in the commercial side of the art world can pursue careers in art auction houses and galleries, where they may work as auction specialists, art appraisers, or gallery assistants. Understanding art history and curatorial practices provides graduates with the expertise to assess, value, and sell works of art, whether through auction or private sales.
Cultural Policy Advisor: Graduates with a passion for shaping the future of the arts and cultural sectors can pursue careers as cultural policy advisors. This role typically involves advising government bodies, institutions, or non-profits on cultural policies, funding, and strategic development. The University of Sussex’s strong research focus on art history and cultural studies provides students with the theoretical and practical tools needed for this policy-oriented career path.
Art Journalist/Writer: With the ability to analyze and interpret artworks critically, Sussex graduates are also well-prepared for careers in art journalism or writing. Art critics and writers contribute to publications, exhibition catalogs, and online platforms by providing insights into exhibitions, artists, and movements in the art world. Strong writing and communication skills, combined with a deep understanding of art, make graduates valuable contributors to the arts media landscape.
Academic Roles (Teaching and Research): For those interested in academia, the MA Art History and Museum Curating program lays the groundwork for further study and teaching positions. Graduates may pursue doctoral research in art history, museology, or related fields, eventually contributing to the academic community as university lecturers or researchers.
Independent Curator/Project Manager: Some graduates may choose to work independently as curators or project managers, organizing exhibitions and cultural projects on a freelance basis. This offers a more entrepreneurial route, with the flexibility to curate a wide range of art projects, collaborate with diverse institutions, and potentially run their own galleries or cultural enterprises.
