Course summary

MA Curating and Collections offers you the opportunity to work alongside established curators, learning how to handle art and design objects. You’ll learn directly from professionals in the curatorial team at Chelsea Space, who will guide your curating of artefacts. 

 We are committed to developing ethical curatorial practices. To achieve this, we are working to embed UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice into the course. 
 Your exhibition skills will be underpinned by curatorial knowledge, enhanced by study visits to major institutions. By combining practical engagement with historical understanding, this course builds the skills you need for a successful career in curating and collections. Individual research will be guided to help you make the most of the Special Collections, library and learning resources across UAL. 

 What to expect

• A balanced approach: Expand your practical skills alongside critical reflection to help you develop a balanced approach to curating.

• Curatorial methods: Learn curatorial methods, such as exhibition design, concept development, marketing, press releases, audience engagement, artist liaison and budgeting.

• Learn from experts: Hear unique perspectives from UAL’s professors and readers, as well as invited speakers who will lead discussions on exhibition practice.

• Critical thinking: Explore current critical debates and stay up to date on issues such as the formation of publics, dissemination of exhibition content, as well as objects and their interpretation.

• Handling materials: Build your confidence in handling a range of materials, such as moving image, paintings, photographs, prints, drawings, garments, textiles, ceramics and glassware.

• Collection visits: engagement with museums, events, exhibitions and displays.

• Training and support: Receive support from the curatorial team at Chelsea Space, who will provide training within an active curatorial environment so that you can skilfully engage with the best examples of contemporary practice.

• Chelsea's Special Collections, which have a strong emphasis on modern and contemporary art and design.

• Camberwell's ILEA collection of ceramics and glassware.

• Central Saint Martins' Museum and Study Collection, which include early printed books, prints, illuminated manuscripts, embroideries, 1920s German film posters, textiles and garments.