MBA Masters of Business Administration
The MBA in Leadership at Bath Spa University is structured to provide a comprehensive u...
MA Fine Art (Curatoral Practice)
Locksbrook campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Fine Art (Curatorial Practice) program at Bath Spa University is typically a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, attracting individuals with backgrounds in art history, fine art, museum studies, or related disciplines who are passionate about the presentation and interpretation of contemporary art. It is structured to provide a rigorous and supportive environment for developing curatorial knowledge and skills through seminars, workshops, site visits, and practical project work. Students will engage with diverse curatorial approaches, explore the complexities of exhibition design and installation, and develop strategies for engaging diverse audiences. A key element involves the collaborative development and realization of curatorial projects, culminating in exhibitions or other public-facing initiatives that showcase their curatorial vision and practical abilities. The program fosters a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, encouraging critical dialogue and the exchange of ideas within a cohort of aspiring curators.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Fine Art (Curatorial Practice) program is designed to provide a comprehensive and critically informed understanding of the field. Core modules typically explore topics such as the history and theory of curating, exhibition design and installation, contemporary art discourses, collection management and care, audience engagement and education, museum and gallery management, art law and ethics, and digital curating strategies. Students will learn about different curatorial models, the practicalities of working with artists and institutions, and the challenges of interpreting art for diverse publics. The program emphasizes research methodologies relevant to curatorial practice, encouraging students to develop their own areas of specialization. Students will undertake practical curatorial projects, including exhibition proposals, collection research, and the development of educational programs. The curriculum promotes critical reflection on the role of the curator in contemporary society and the ethical considerations inherent in the presentation and interpretation of art.
Research Focus: The MA Fine Art (Curatorial Practice) program at Bath Spa University benefits from a strong research environment within the School of Art, Film and Media and the wider Faculty of Arts and Design, with expertise in contemporary art and curatorial studies. The academic staff often comprises practicing curators, art historians, and scholars who are actively engaged in research related to exhibition history, curatorial theory, museum studies, and contemporary art practices. This research directly informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current debates and innovative approaches within the field of curating. Students are expected to develop their own research questions related to curatorial practice and integrate their research findings into their curatorial projects and their final research project or dissertation, contributing to the evolving discourse within curatorial studies. The university's research strengths in areas such as contemporary art theory, visual culture, and museum studies provide a stimulating intellectual context for specialized curatorial inquiry.
Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's MA Fine Art (Curatorial Practice) program actively fosters connections with the contemporary art world and museum sector. The program may facilitate guest lectures and workshops led by practicing curators, museum directors, gallery owners, and arts professionals. Students often have opportunities to undertake site visits to galleries, museums, and other art institutions, gaining firsthand exposure to the professional curatorial landscape. The curriculum often incorporates elements of professional development specifically tailored to curatorial careers, such as exhibition proposal writing, grant application skills, and networking strategies within the art world. Opportunities for internships or collaborative projects with local or national arts organizations may also be available. The program's location within a region with a vibrant arts scene provides valuable connections and opportunities for engagement within the curatorial community.
Global Perspective: The MA Fine Art (Curatorial Practice) program at Bath Spa University embraces a global perspective by exploring diverse international curatorial models, contemporary art trends from around the world, and the impact of globalization on artistic practice and exhibition-making. The curriculum may include the study of curatorial practices in different cultural contexts, examining various approaches to collection management, audience engagement, and the interpretation of art. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a rich and intercultural learning environment, fostering exchange and collaboration across different curatorial perspectives. The program may also feature guest curators and scholars from around the world or opportunities to engage with international curatorial projects and debates. This global outlook prepares graduates to be informed and engaged curatorial practitioners within an increasingly interconnected international art world.
Location
Locksbrook campus
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 18560
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 75.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- DET: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Bath Spa University understands that financing higher education can be a challenge for international students, and to make studying in the UK more accessible, the university offers a range of scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support international students and recognize their academic achievements, helping to reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses.
International Scholarships: Bath Spa University offers a variety of international scholarships to help non-UK students cover part of their tuition fees. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students. The scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s potential to contribute to the university community.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students are also eligible for a range of scholarships, which may vary based on the course of study. These scholarships help to support students at the beginning of their master’s degree programs and can be highly competitive. Scholarships are awarded based on previous academic achievements, research proposals, and the applicant's personal statement.
Alumni Scholarships: Bath Spa University values its alumni community, and in recognition of this, it offers scholarships for international students who are former students of the university or have attended a Bath Spa University partner institution. The Alumni Scholarship is designed to reward those who have previously been part of the university and are returning to continue their studies.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Bath Spa University also provides country-specific scholarships for international students from particular regions. These scholarships are designed to encourage students from specific countries to study at Bath Spa University and contribute to the diverse international student community. Students from certain countries may be eligible for specific funding opportunities based on their nationality. The university’s website provides up-to-date information on country-specific scholarship availability.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Many of Bath Spa University's scholarships are merit-based, meaning they are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement or outstanding potential in their chosen field of study. Merit scholarships are typically awarded during the application process, and students do not need to apply separately for these awards.
External Scholarship Opportunities: In addition to the university’s internal scholarships, international students at Bath Spa University can also apply for external scholarships offered by government agencies, private organizations, or charitable foundations. Bath Spa University regularly updates a list of external scholarship opportunities that are available to international students. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses.
Graduates from the critically engaged MA Fine Art (Curatorial Practice) program at Bath Spa University develop a highly specialized and versatile skillset, positioning them for a diverse range of impactful careers within the contemporary art world and museum sector. The program's emphasis on curatorial theory, practical skills, and professional engagement equips graduates to shape exhibitions and connect audiences with art in meaningful ways.
Curator: Developing and organizing art exhibitions in galleries, museums, and independent art spaces, responsible for research, artist liaison, and interpretive strategies.
Assistant Curator: Supporting senior curators in all aspects of exhibition development, collection management, and research within museum or gallery settings.
Exhibition Manager: Overseeing the logistical planning, installation, and de-installation of exhibitions, managing budgets and coordinating teams.
Gallery Director/Manager: Leading the artistic vision and operational management of commercial or non-profit art galleries.
Museum Educator/Public Programs Manager: Developing and delivering educational programs and outreach initiatives to engage diverse audiences with art and exhibitions.
Collections Manager: Responsible for the care, documentation, and preservation of art collections within museums and institutions.
Art Consultant: Providing expertise to private collectors, corporations, or institutions on art acquisition, management, and display.
Arts Administrator (Curatorial Focus): Working within arts organizations or funding bodies, supporting curatorial projects and initiatives through program development and management.
Exhibition Designer: Creating the spatial design and visual presentation of art exhibitions, considering flow, accessibility, and aesthetic impact.
Freelance Curator/Project Manager: Developing and managing independent curatorial projects for various organizations and spaces on a contract basis.
