Winchester School of Art
University of Southampton
Park Avenue
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 8DL
UK
Master’s programme in Contemporary Curation
One-year Master of Arts programme in the art of curation today
The MA Contemporary Curation is designed to provide education, research training, “behind the scenes” industry insight, and practical experience across disciplines within the expanded field of curation today.
Based at The Winchester Gallery, with links to three nationally renowned art centres, MA Contemporary Curation benefits from the world-leading academics at Winchester School of Art, and is part of the research-intensive University of Southampton.
This new Master’s programme supports the growing need for critical, theoretically informed, practical approaches to both the curation of contemporary art, and to developing the knowledge and skills necessary to the art of curation today. MA Contemporary Curation offers transferable training through a variety of learning outcomes, and incorporates professional visits to various institutions where students gain insights from leading curators and artistic directors.
Module choices & specialisation
The core modules provide a foundation in the history, theory, concepts, debates, techniques, and approaches associated with curation as both an evolving practice and as an increasingly examined discourse. The wide range of option modules allows students to enhance their knowledge and understanding in related disciplines. Further specialisation can be achieved through the final project, which is comprised of both practical and written components.
Career outcomes
Successful completion of the MA Contemporary Curation will give students the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in existing and emergent curatorial and related professions in an array of institutions. It also prepares them to undertake appointments within media, journalism, museums in curatorial or public programmes and learning team positions, and in the commercial galleries sector. Additionally, students will be equipped to pursue careers in a wide variety of other organisations focused on cultural and public policy making, cultural management and administration, including various arts commissioning and funding agencies, as well as cultural community groups.
Suitability & entry requirements
The entry requirements are a good honours degree in a relevant art, humanities or social sciences subject with a 2.1 or 1st class degree or an equivalent qualification in an appropriate discipline. Mature students without formal qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Find out more here.
The programme may appeal in particular to graduates from fine art and design, history of art, museum and heritage studies, cultural and media studies, history, English literature, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy backgrounds. The MA Contemporary Curation also will appeal to those who have experience of working in the museums or galleries sector who are interested in Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Suitable graduates from other disciplines interested in either a change of career or in curation for non-arts organisations—such as maritime, science, or natural history museums, for example—are also encouraged to apply.
International students
International and EU students applying for the MA Contemporary Curation are required to have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing and a minimum of 5.5 in speaking and listening or equivalent. The University also runs a number of English language courses to prepare students for study, details can also be found here for more information about the WSA pre-sessionals.
Visit our International Office website or the NARIC website for further information on qualifications.
Scholarships & bursaries
To find out about our bursaries and scholarships, that can offer up to 10,000 GBD towards tuition and costs, click here.
Applications
The University is currently accepting applications to the programme for autumn 2015. To find out more or to apply, click here.
