Course summary
The MA in Art History draws upon the exciting research and outstanding teaching expertise of the department. Studying art history at postgraduate level will deepen your understanding of art, architecture and visual culture, build your analytical and critical skills, and develop the skills needed for independent study and research. You'll start by exploring the core concepts and recent developments that have shaped art history from Renaissance Italy to the contemporary Caribbean, before building on these foundations to expand your understanding of visual and material objects – incorporating architecture, art and design. You'll complete this degree by researching and writing a dissertation on an agreed topic of your own devising. Key features of the course
- Engages critically with key theories and approaches developed to interpret and explain works of art and architecture
- Examines critical debates in the academic discipline of art history and the 'real world' contexts of heritage, curating and museums
- Prepares and inspires you to confidently develop and articulate your own standpoint within the discipline
- Concludes with a substantial piece of independent research and a dissertation on a topic of your choice.
Modules
To gain this qualification, you’ll need to complete two compulsory modules: MA Art History part 1 - this first part of the MA will teach you the research methodologies and theoretical concepts of art history. MA Art History part 2 - building on part 1, you will consider art history and art and design in their intellectual, institutional and professional contexts. before writing a dissertation.
Entry requirements
You must hold a UK honours degree (or equivalent) preferably with at least a 2:1 classification. Although your degree does not need to be in Art History or a closely related subject, you will need some knowledge of the subject and an understanding of relevant critical approaches, as the MA in Art History assumes all candidates have the knowledge and skills usually acquired by pursuing the subject at undergraduate level. If your degree or background is not in art history or a related subject, you could study one of our undergraduate art history modules first, Exploring art history and culture or Art and its global histories, which provide an introduction to critical debates in art history. If you’re in any doubt about the suitability of your qualifications or previous experience, please contact us before you enrol.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
As fees for individual modules can vary, the total cost you pay for your qualification depends on the modules you choose to study. For further information about fees, please refer to the course description on The Open University website.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ