Art History - Modern and Contemporary Art History, Theory and Criticism (MA) at University College Cork

Unique in Ireland, the taught MA in Modern and Contemporary Art History, Theory and Criticism offers a stimulating, rigorous and wide-ranging exploration of twentieth- and twenty-first-century art and theory. Rooted in both solid historical training and cutting-edge critical methods, the course is designed to combine skills in creative and precise visual analysis, close reading of critical texts, and the cultivation of independent and original thinking and research. On completion of the course, you are equipped with skills that are vital to both further academic study and to the pursuit of a wide variety of careers in the arts. Our students typically come to us from backgrounds in the history of art, fine art, film, English literature, philosophy and other related disciplines. The course can be studied full time over one year, or part-time (by day) over two years (this part-time option is available to EU students only).

The taught MA in Modern and Contemporary Art History, Theory and Criticism includes an intensive course of four core modules in the fields of modern and contemporary art, a literature review (5,000 words) and a dissertation (20,000 words).

Why Choose This Course

This is the only MA only course in Modern and Contemporary Art History, Theory, and Criticism in Ireland. Students receive focused, personal attention from an international team of research-active lecturers. Small seminar classes provide the context for lively discussion, critical debate and peer learning.  Course work is complemented by a visiting lecture series, class trips to museums and galleries both in Ireland and abroad, and student symposia.

Skills and Careers Information

The MA provides vital training for careers in schools and universities, museums, galleries and associated fields, as well as developing the necessary transferable skills for professional work in such areas as journalism, media, design, advertising, the heritage industry, and arts administration. Our MA graduates have gone on to pursue careers in arts both in Ireland and abroad, in auction houses and the art market, in teaching and gallery work, while others have elected to pursue PhDs with us at University College Cork as well as University College London and the University of Oxford.