MA History of Art at Birkbeck, University of London

Our MA History of Art trains you at an advanced level in looking at, thinking about and researching art and its histories. It exposes you to key art historical approaches and allows you to focus in depth on areas and periods of particular interest to you, in early and modern (including contemporary) periods. It develops your visual acuity while stimulating critical debate and building your research skills.

Faculty: School of Historical Studies  |  Duration: One year full-time, on campus; Two years part-time, on campus  |  Study mode: full-time, part-time  |  Intake: October 2027  |  Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

History of art is a rich and dynamic discipline which combines rigorous investigation of the visual arts with creative exploration of their connections to culture, politics and society. You will study the visual arts and built environment as a central element of human endeavour in a stimulating, broad-ranging and in-depth way. Compulsory modules include Frameworks: Histories and Theories of Art, Architecture, Photography.

Career pathways

Some of our graduates from this course are now employed as: Head of Learning, Victoria and Albert Museum, Director of Photoworks, Senior Documentation Officer in Collections Management, Victoria and Albert Museum, Director of Learning and Research, Design Museum, Director’s Researcher, Victoria and Albert Museum, Curator, Schools Programmes, Tate Modern, Curatorial Assistant, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Curatorial Officer, National Army Museum, Curator, Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, Head of Campaign Management, Science Museum.

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