Course summary
The Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Art History is for graduates of other disciplines with an interest in contemporary art and ideas, and who wish to carry out research at higher levels in the fields of visual cultures. By studying this programme, you will build upon your existing knowledge and develop a greater independent and critical engagement in the fields of art and visual cultures. Why study Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Art History at Goldsmiths
- You'll investigate contemporary art, art theory and visual culture from around the world through an approach that is interdisciplinary, thematic, practice- and ideas-led rather than chronological.
- You will develop an independent approach to learning as well as a greater ability to think critically and creatively in order to prepare you for further study at a graduate level.
- You'll explore visual culture in all forms to broaden your outlook. You’ll not only examine the kinds of artefacts you might see in museums and art galleries, but also those that make up our everyday environment: like architecture, city and landscapes, adverts, TV and film, websites, the body, and street style.
- Study at a top creative university based in vibrant South-East London, where you’ll discover everything from art spaces and studios to foodie pop-ups and markets.
- Our London location means you can take advantage of the many galleries, art spaces, museums, cultural facilities and specialist libraries the city has to offer.
- We encourage you to get involved in student-led activities and personal development projects
- Many of our recent graduates have gone onto further study in the Department including MA Contemporary Art Theory, MA Research Architecture and MRes Curatorial Knowledge as well as other programmes across the College.
- Our recent graduates have also gone onto work as curators and in other creative fields.
Modules
The programme comprises a number of taught modules and tutorial sessions. You are assigned a personal tutor who monitors your overall progress and advises you on the suitability of the various modules available. Central to the programme is the core course, a lecture and seminar series that introduces you to a range of perspectives that have shaped the history and theory of the discipline. You will be encouraged to think creatively, rigorously and expansively exploring critical ideas and practices in the fields of visual cultures, which we think of in terms of ways of doing, thinking and producing in contemporary art, film, music, literature, politics and theory. This is accompanied by a laboratory module, which gives you the opportunity to process the taught materials further through strategies such as museum and gallery visits, film screenings, and experimental projects. You also choose one option module and one special subject, or two special subjects. These in-depth modules allow you to explore themes that are of particular interest to you. Option modules may include any second year module on the BA History of Art. Special Subjects may include any third year module on the BA History of Art. *Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
Assessment method
Visual Cultures assessment are 100% coursework. Normally this consists of essays, sometimes accompanied by creative projects, group projects, multi-media projects, presentations, symposia, reviews, and studio work.
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in a relevant/related subject or equivalent. We particularly encourage applications for the Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Art History from those who have a degree in an unrelated field, but can show that they have the relevant experience, ability and interest to work at a postgraduate level. If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
Unless otherwise stated the annual fee for part-time students is half the full-time fee quoted.
Sponsorship information
AHRC.
Provider information
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross
Lewisham
SE14 6NW