MBA Master of Business Administration
The MBA program at Durham University is a full-time, intensive course aimed at developi...
MA Visual Culture
Durham City
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
Durham University's MA in Visual Culture is an interdisciplinary program designed to deepen students' understanding of visual culture and the arts. It examines how we perceive and interact with objects and images across various contexts. The program is tailored for individuals from diverse humanities and social science backgrounds, as well as professionals in visual arts and culture seeking to contextualize their practice within historical and theoretical frameworks.
Curriculum: The curriculum comprises core and elective modules, culminating in a dissertation. The core module, 'Visual Culture: Theory and Practice,' offers critical engagement with visual arts and culture through the study of key theoretical texts and a wide range of visual objects, including painting, sculpture, photography, and scientific images, drawn from various historical and geographical contexts. Elective modules allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests within the visual arts and cultures. The program also includes research visits and fieldwork in leading visual culture institutions, such as the National Media Museum and the Scottish National Gallery.
Research Focus: The program emphasizes critical visual literacy, focusing on the attentive analysis of visual objects, the study of practices of looking, and the investigation of the nature of perception. It encourages interdisciplinary work, allowing students to pursue their research interests in consultation with subject specialists. The program also benefits from Durham University's resources, including the Centre for Visual Arts and Cultures, the Oriental Museum, and Palace Green Library.
Industry Engagement: Students have opportunities to engage with cultural institutions through research visits and fieldwork, gaining insights into the workings of museums, galleries, and heritage organizations. The program's connections with partner institutions across the North East and beyond provide practical experience and networking opportunities within the cultural sector.
Global Perspective: The program adopts a global approach to visual culture, examining a diverse range of visual objects and practices from various historical and geographical contexts. This perspective enriches students' understanding of visual culture's role and significance worldwide.
Location
Durham City
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 27500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements:
- Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% to 70% or equivalent.
- English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92, with at least 23 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 59.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
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.
Durham University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to both domestic and international students.
Durham University Scholarships and Bursaries: These are awarded to both undergraduate and postgraduate students based on academic excellence, financial need, or specific criteria such as subject area or country of origin.
Durham International Scholarships: These are awarded to exceptional international students who are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the university. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees and is renewable for the duration of the course.
Government Scholarships: Durham University participates in a number of government scholarship programs, including the Chevening Scholarship and the Commonwealth Scholarship.
College-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges at Durham University offer scholarships and bursaries to their students, such as the Van Mildert College Music Scholarship and the St. Mary's College Travel Grant.
Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at Durham University offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships may be discipline-specific or focused on supporting students from specific regions or countries.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships are prestigious scholarships awarded to exceptional international students across all academic disciplines. These scholarships cover the full tuition fees and provide a generous living allowance for the duration of the program. The selection process is highly competitive and based on academic merit and leadership potential.
Graduates of the MA Visual Culture program from Durham University have a diverse range of career opportunities in the arts, media, education, cultural institutions, and more.
Curator: Graduates can work as curators in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, organizing exhibitions and interpreting visual artifacts.
Art Critic or Writer: Graduates may pursue careers as art critics or writers, analyzing and reviewing visual artworks and media for publications or online platforms.
Media and Communications: Graduates can work in media and communications, creating visual content for television, film, advertising, or digital media platforms.
Cultural Policy and Arts Management: Graduates may work in cultural policy and arts management, contributing to the development and promotion of visual arts and cultural events.
Academic Research and Teaching: Graduates can pursue further studies at the doctoral level and become researchers or educators in the field of visual culture and related disciplines.
Digital Media and Design: Graduates with expertise in digital media may work in design, user experience, or digital marketing.
Visual Archiving and Preservation: Graduates can work in visual archiving and preservation, ensuring the conservation and accessibility of visual cultural heritage.
