Do you want to pursue your love of art history, ready for a career in the arts and curating sectors? Conduct original research into art objects and create your own curatorial project with an arts organisation, working with historical and contemporary art.
You’ll also establish important professional networks and gain vital practical skills, invaluable to museum and commercial sectors.
We also offer a distance learning programme over 18 months. Find out more about the PGCert Art History and Curating by distance learning.
Gaining tangible experience in the art sector is crucial. Within the first couple weeks of term one, I secured a work placement at the New Art Gallery Walsall. Without the University’s connections and my department’s emphasis on relevant work experience, I wouldn't have known of this opportunity.
The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis over 24 months.
September - December (11 weeks)
Full-time students take four modules in the autumn term.
You will have two 2-hour seminars or workshops and one 1-hour lecture or workshop each week. You will have an additional 2-hour seminar on alternate weeks.
You are also expected to attend additional meetings related to your curatorial project.
One-third of your degree is your dissertation. You begin planning and submit a proposal for your dissertation during term one.
First Year Part-time students take three modules in the autumn term.
You will have one 2-hour seminar/workshop and one 1-hour lecture or workshop each week; you will have an additional 2-hour seminar on alternate weeks.
Second Year Part-time students take one optional module in the autumn term (2 hours seminars per week).
January - April (12 weeks)
Full-time students take four modules in the spring term. You will have two 2-hour seminars or workshops and one 1-hour lecture or workshop each week; you will have an additional 2-hour seminar on alternate weeks.
You are assigned a supervisor for your dissertation and carry out research for your chosen topic.
First Year Part-time students take three modules in the spring term.
You will have one 2-hour seminar/workshop and one 1-hour lecture or workshop each week. You will have an additional 2-hour seminar on alternate weeks.
Second Year Part-time students take one optional module in the spring term (2 hours seminars per week).
May – August
There are no taught modules during term three. If you're studying full-time, you'll continue your research and writing ready to submit your dissertation at the end of August.
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At Birmingham, you'll expand your understanding of museum and art gallery practices. Explore topics like art interpretation; modes of display; marketing; access and learning; and administration and finance.
We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report
Art History department in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average
Times Higher Education
for Arts and Humanities in the world
(QS World University Rankings 2025).
During the MA Art History and Curating programme you'll work with one of our industry partners to develop a curatorial project.
Recent partners include The Barber Institute of Fine Arts in a unique partnership with the V&A.
Mastering the Market: Dutch and Flemish Paintings from Woburn Abbey at the Barber Institute in 2023.
Image by Patrick Dandy
'Support Structures' by Emelia Kerr Beale, ‘There Has To Be Somewhere’ at Grand Union, 2023.
Image by Patrick Dandy
Want to explore how arts organisations operate commercially? Gain practical skills by pitching your own arts sector business ideas on our optional 'Enterprising Culture' module.
Subject to availability, you can apply to undertake an extracurricular placement with an arts organisation in the region. You'll gain valuable first-hand experience in a museum, gallery, heritage site or commercial art context to inform your understanding of these sectors.
Previous placement partners include:
The Department of Art History, Curating and Visual Studies is based in the internationally renowned on-campus art gallery, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, home to masterpieces by Monet, Picasso, Kollwitz, and Van Gogh. Additionally, the University of Birmingham and the city have extensive art collections and institutions, including painting, sculpture, posters, photography, and manuscripts.
The galleries of the Barber Institute are currently closed due to essential building works. Teaching will recommence in the galleries from autumn 2027. Until then, we will maintain the object-focused learning that sits at the heart of our programmes by immersing students in the rich collections elsewhere in the university and across the city.
Outside your studies, there's plenty of art galleries and installations to explore across Birmingham. Highlights include contemporary art venues Ikon and Grand Union, and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery with its world famous Pre-Raphaelite collection.
From podcasting to brain monitoring, our state-of-the-art facilities empower our students to create, perform, collaborate and explore in new and exciting ways.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Our lecturers continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in History of Art.
Discover the research expertise that informs our teaching: from the ways art and architecture are received by the public, to critically examining the legacy of empire in art, to visual and material cultures of gender and sexuality.
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. Each module involves a one- or two-hours weekly seminar which you’ll need to attend.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken:
Students must take 2 x 20 credit optional modules chosen from a list provided by the department each year.
Availability of particular modules varies from year to year and is subject to timetabling constraints.
The following is an indicative list:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art | 20 |
| LM Enterprising Culture | 20 |
| LM Exhibition Cultures | 20 |
| LM Made in Birmingham. Art and Urban Space | 20 |
| LM What is British Art? | 20 |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
in History of Art
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in History of Art. We will also consider a different Humanities or Arts subject, provided you can demonstrate your interest in History of Art. This might be through relevant work experience or studying relevant modules during your Honours degree.
If your Honours degree is a high 2:2 (57% or above, or equivalent GPA) and you have extensive professional experience, or you can document mitigating circumstances that affected your undergraduate studies, you should contact the Programme Lead before making an application.
We recommend using the personal statement to outline your interest in History of Art and any previous or current experience you have in this area.
If you’ve been out of education for several years, we will consider professional references in place of the standard two academic references.
Please be aware: places on this programme are limited as we can only accommodate a limited number of students on our curatorial projects.
Due to the competitive nature of the programme, we strongly advise you apply early.
Applications received before January 2026 will get first priority. Applications will then be reviewed again in March 2026 and May 2026.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
Full-time
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
Scholarships worth £3,000 each through a tuition fee discount for students commencing their Masters in 2026
For Home and International students, the College of Arts and Law (CAL) awards cover tuition fees at the Home fee-rate for Masters courses in CAL's five Schools
To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
By studying a postgraduate degree in Art History, Curating and Visual Studies at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include the ability to research and analyse information, write to tight deadlines, and strong verbal and written communication skills.
Our Art History, Curating and Visual Studies postgraduate students have gone on to work in careers such as 'Curator', 'Gallery Assistant' and 'Collections Manager' in organisations such as Ikon Gallery, National Trust and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
The University has commissioned Cturtle as our data partner for tracking our alumni destinations. The data above is a subset from 43,666 alumni who completed their course up to 31 July 2024.
We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
We are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025). Our graduate stories highlight the achievements of Birmingham alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
