Art, Philosophy and Cultural Institutions MA
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-25 | - |
| 2023-08-28 | 2023-07-15 |
| 2024-01-20 | 2023-12-15 |
Program Overview
Course overview
This exciting interdisciplinary master's programme combines philosophical aesthetics, art theory and hands-on experience in galleries and museums, bringing together both theoretical and practical interests.
Introduction
This course is specifically designed to equip you with the competence to pursue either a doctorate programme in the Arts and Humanities, or a professional career in the cultural sector.
The programme is structured around four compulsory core modules: Main Topics in the theory of art, in which members of staff lead weekly seminars on their own current research. Cultural Institutions, which takes places at a range of collaborating cultural institutions around the city, including the University’s Victoria Gallery and Museum. Research, Employability, and Professional Skills and placement, supported by the careers and employability service and our cultural partners, and a supervised dissertation or case study over the summer.
Students also take three elective modules chosen from a list of relevant modules available in the Department and across the University.
The programme also offers the opportunity to apply for a three-month studentship with Tate Liverpool, exclusively offered to our students.
What you'll learn
Program Outline
Compulsory modules
Aesthetic Theory and Practice (PHIL755)
Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 1
The module introduces central themes in aesthetic theory, artistic and institutional practice, as considered by current staff actively researching them. This research-led module serves both to introduce students with no previous detailed knowledge of the areas studied to such issues, and to show how active researchers approach them while actively engaging students themselves in research methodology and practices. The module thus functions both as a research-preparation module and a module for consolidating knowledge in these areas of philosophy. Students have the opportunity to consider aspects of the theoretical/historical background of the study of contemporary aesthetics and concentrate on the exploration of key concepts in modern and postmodern aesthetics and cultural practice.
M.A. DISSERTATION (PHIL706)
Credits: 60 / Semester: whole session
Students will write a dissertation (15,000 words, maximum) on a topic that they have researched in depth, under the guidance of their supervisors. There will also be two seminar sessions focusing on the development of dissertation preparation and writing skills.
Careers and employability
The theoretical parts of this programme acquaint you with the key issues facing the cultural world, while the guaranteed placement immediately adds experience to your CV. While on the programme, you’ll begin to build your professional arts network, and meet many curators and other arts professionals teaching on it.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Career planning
Our Careers Studio and career coaches can provide tailored support for your future plans.
From education to employment
Employability in your curriculum for a successful transition
Networking events
Make meaningful connections with like-minded professionals
Career planning
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
Meet our Career Coaches
From education to employment
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
Employability programmes
Networking events
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Careers events
Your future
Graduates of the MA Art, Philosophy and Cultural Institutions have gone on to a variety of careers within the cultural sector including
Our recent alumni have been placed with:
Dedicated funding is available to our MA students (via our Research and Professional Skills Fund), which allows you to put on exhibitions, organise zines, or partake in other activities that enhance employability. Each year, one student is granted the Tate Studentship, which provides a unique 3-month placement with Tate Liverpool.
As well as pursuing careers in the arts, other MA graduates have continued their studies through a PhD, be it in an art-related subjects or philosophy. Depending on the modules you choose, the programme gives you a basis for several PhD subjects.
Working in the UK after graduation
The UK is a great place to live and work, so it's no surprise that many international students want to stay after they graduate. A graduate visa lets you stay in the UK for up-to two years after graduation. It's available to students in the UK on a student visa (or Tier 4 [General] student visa). Our careers service is here to support you getting work once you finish studying.