University of Cambridge

Overview

The History of Art and Visual Culture MA at the University of Cambridge explores the profound impact of art, images, and visual media on culture, politics, and daily life from the medieval period to contemporary times. This programme uniquely combines rigorous teaching with personalized dissertation supervision, enabling students to enhance their advanced research and writing skills over a typical duration of 24 months.

What You'll Study

Programme Structure

• Year 1 (Taught Modules): Students will engage in six modules designed to deepen their understanding of visual culture, research methodologies, and critical analyses.
• Year 2 (Dissertation): This year is dedicated to conducting independent research culminating in a supervised dissertation.

Indicative Module Themes

• Thinking across Media
• Art and Environment
• Visual Cultures of Activism
• Approaches to Understanding Art (Thematic)
• Research, Sources and Methods
• Dissertation (Supervised)

Assessment

• Assessment methods typically consist of coursework complemented by a dissertation, with the dissertation serving as the main component of the final evaluation.

Entry Requirements

Applicants are generally expected to have an Upper Second Class undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. Proficiency in English is required, with accepted qualifications including:

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 110
• IELTS: Minimum score of 7.5

Career Prospects

Graduates of the History of Art and Visual Culture MA are well-equipped for a variety of careers in the arts and cultural sectors. Potential pathways include roles in museums, galleries, academia, and arts administration, as well as positions in journalism, media, and cultural criticism. The programme fosters critical thinking and analytical skills that are highly valued across numerous professions.