- A specialised understanding of art historical styles, subjects and schools - both in terms of a general familiarity with visual culture, and with regard to a connoisseurial ability to recognise the forms, techniques, functionality and authorship of works of art throughout history.
- An understanding of the theory and practice of curating, including the social, political and cultural functions of museums and galleries.
- Students should be conversant with the extensive range of methodological and interdisciplinary approaches embraced by art history, including current research trends, and how these inform and can be applied to the candidate's own research thesis and assignments.
- Students should have developed the skills relevant to a well-written, analytically rigorous and original research-based thesis on an art historical subject. While this should be a discrete, self-contained project, we encourage theses that offer scope for further development beyond the MA.
- The ability to give concise, visually aware and engaging oral presentations on specific works of art/ art historical sites, and to articulate a personal and individually critical response to the subject in question.
- Students should be familiar with, and have made use of, a wide range of research resources and art collections and sites in Dublin, and in other locations relevant to the course's field trips and the student's own individual research.
- A clear understanding of the value and integrity of original, independent thinking, and the type of research questions which can expand and shape an understanding of art historical topics and themes.
- A range of transferable skills - including the ability to think analyticallyand imaginatively - which would facilitate not only advancement in the field of art history and its cognate disciplines, but also within a wide range of professional contexts.
This course is available through the following application route(s)
The MA in Art History, Collections and Curating offers advanced postgraduate academic training in the history of art, with a special focus on collections and curatorial practice. It offers the opportunity to hone skills in the interpretation, critique, and analysis of works of art and architecture, developing the knowledge and capacity to pursue future careers in academia, research, writing, and curatorship. Combining academic scholarship with an introduction to the theory and practice of curation in museums and galleries, students will benefit from our School’s extensive partnerships with local, regional, and national cultural institutions whilst gaining first-hand exposure to advanced, active research in art.
• Delivered by academics and practitioners from across the university and the larger Dublin community.
• Offers the opportunity to hone skills in the interpretation, critique, and analysis of works of art and architecture.
• Combines academic scholarship with an introduction to the theory and practice of curation in museums and galleries.
About This Course
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AH40160 | Approaches to Art History: Resources and Methods | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AH40480 | Curating & Collections | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AH40510 | Museums & Modernity | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AH40420 | MA Field Trip | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AH40500 | Collecting in The Netherlands | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AH40550 | The Grand Tour | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AH40570 | Managing Collections | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AH40560 | MA Dissertation | Summer | 30 |
Meabh Delaney
MA 2020
The MA in Art History, Collections, and Curating gave me a comprehensive insight into the role of a curator and the work involved. The hands-on experience with curating and collections sharpened my practical skills, while the diverse coursework and expert faculty broadened my academic and professional horizons. This programme has been instrumental in shaping my career as a curator and deepening my passion for the arts.
Katie Buckley
MA 2023
The MA in Art History, Collections and Curating at University College Dublin allowed me to develop excellent research, writing, analytical, and presentation skills. Through several core modules and a thesis, the MA offers a comprehensive introduction to art historical theory and contemporary curatorial practice, as well as a thorough history of art collecting. My current role as Curatorial Fellow - Prints and Drawings at the National Gallery of Ireland has greatly benefited from the knowledge I acquired and the skills I developed while completing the MA
MA Art History, Collections and Curating (Z344) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 9100
nonEU fee per year - € 22600
MA Art History, Collections and Curating Part-time (Z345) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 4550
nonEU fee per year - € 11300
***Fees are subject to change
EU fee per year - € 9100
nonEU fee per year - € 22600
MA Art History, Collections and Curating Part-time (Z345) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 4550
nonEU fee per year - € 11300
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.
The programme is directed at postgraduate students of art history and of cognate academic subjects such as history,archaeology,classics, and visual and material culture. It is also intended for those with experience in the art world and in the cultural heritage sector looking for an opportunity to hone their skills in the interpretation, critique, and analysis of works of art and design, developing the knowledge and capacity to pursue careers in academia, research, writing, and curatorship.
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
The programme is directed at postgraduate students of art history and of cognate academic subjects such as history,archaeology,classics, and visual and material culture. It is also intended for those with experience in the art world and in the cultural heritage sector looking for an opportunity to hone their skills in the interpretation, critique, and analysis of works of art and design, developing the knowledge and capacity to pursue careers in academia, research, writing, and curatorship.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MA Art History, Collections and Curating:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to | Application Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | Z344 MA Art History, Collections and Curating Master of Arts |
Full-Time Commencing 2024/2025 September |
Graduate Taught | Apply |
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | Z345 MA Art History, Collections and Curating Part-time Master of Arts |
Part-Time Commencing 2024/2025 September |
Graduate Taught | Apply |
* you can change options at the top of the page