This MA program combines philosophical aesthetics, contemporary art theory, and the philosophy of art history.

This course combines philosophical aesthetics in the modern European tradition with contemporary art theory and the philosophy of art history. This course is taught by leading specialists in the internationally renowned Centre for Research in Modern European Philosophy (CRMEP). Unlike most courses on art theory, it grounds its problems and concepts in their appropriate philosophical context.

Core Modules:

• Kant and the Aesthetic Tradition (30 credits)
• Philosophy Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional Modules:

• Art Theory: Modernism, Avant-Garde, Contemporary (30 credits)
• Critique, Practice, Power (30 credits)
• German Critical Theory (30 credits)
• Hegel and his Legacy (30 credits)
• Kant and his Legacy (30 credits)
• Nietzsche and Heidegger (30 credits)
• Philosophy and Psychoanalysis (30 credits)
• Plasticity and Form (30 credits)
• Political Philosophy (30 credits)
• Recent French Philosophy (30 credits)
• Recent Italian Philosophy (30 credits)
• Modes of Subjection (30 credits)
• Planetary Aesthetics (30 credits)

Assessment:

• Short exercises
• Essays
• Independent study
• 15,000-word dissertation

Teaching:

The course is delivered through relatively small seminars, which involve a mixture of structured lectures or presentations, textual analysis, and group discussion.

• Guided independent study

Careers:

Our graduates often progress to research degrees in European philosophy and critical theory, or to careers in media/journalism, publishing, the arts, education, and public policy.

Other:

As part of Kingston School of Art, students on this course benefit from joining a creative community where collaborative working and critical practice are encouraged. The Centre for Research in Modern European Philosophy (CRMEP) organises regular research seminars, conferences or workshops each year. Research seminars are usually held every fortnight during term time; recent speakers have included:

• Giorgio Agamben (University of Paris 8)
• Emily Apter (New York University)
• Antonia Birnbaum (University of Paris-8)
• Barbara Cassin (CNRS)
• Miguel de Beistegui (University of Warwick)
• Peter Dews (University of Essex)
• Donna Haraway (University of California, Santa Cruz)
• Stephen Houlgate (University of Warwick)
• Kojin Karatani (Columbia University)
• Koichiro Kokubun (Tokyo Institute of Technology)
• Quentin Meillassoux (École Normale Supérieure)
• Nina Power (Roehampton University)
• Isabelle Stengers (Université Libre de Bruxelles)
• Philippe Van Haute (Radboud University, Nijmegen)
• Slavoj Zizek (Institute for Social Studies Ljubljana)
• Kant, Hegel, and German Idealism
• Marx and Marxism
• Frankfurt School critical theory
• Philosophies of time and history
• Critical philosophy of race
• Conceptions of transdisciplinarity
• Aesthetics, art theory and cultural theory
• Philosophical and political approaches to contemporary art
• Recent and contemporary French philosophy
• Recent Italian political philosophy
• Globalisation, post-colonial theory, contemporary politics
• Revolutionary political theory
• Contemporary philosophies of sex and gender
• Feminist philosophy
• Philosophical approaches to psychoanalysis

Home 2025/26 MA full time £10,300 MA part time £5,665 International 2025/26 MA full time £18,700 MA part time £10,285 Home 2024/25 MA full time £9,900 MA part time £5,445 International 2024/25 MA full time £17,900 MA part time £9,845

Kingston University

Overview:

Kingston University London is a UK-based university recognized for its high-quality teaching and student experience. It features in the QS World University Rankings league table of the world's top universities.

Services Offered:

Kingston University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Guidance and resources for academic success.

Career Services:

Support in finding internships, jobs, and career development.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.

Wellbeing Services:

Mental health support, counseling, and other resources.

International Student Support:

Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.

Library and Learning Resources:

Extensive library facilities and online learning resources.

Student Union:

A vibrant student union with clubs, societies, and social events.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Kingston University provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience. Students can expect:

Active Student Union:

Opportunities to join clubs, societies, and participate in social events.

Vibrant Campus Life:

A lively campus environment with a range of activities and events.

Supportive Community:

A welcoming and supportive community of students and staff.

Location Advantages:

Located in Kingston upon Thames, a historic town with excellent transport links to London.

Key Reasons to Study There:

TEF Gold Rating:

Recognized for its high-quality teaching and outstanding student experience.

Future Skills Focus:

Emphasis on developing future-ready skills through embedded modules in all undergraduate courses.

Strong Industry Links:

Close connections with businesses and industries, providing opportunities for internships and career development.

Diverse and Inclusive Environment:

Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Academic Programs:

Undergraduate Study:

A wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines.

Postgraduate Study:

Master's and doctoral programs in various fields.

Research:

Active research programs with a focus on areas like healthcare, technology, and the arts.

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships:

Opportunities to combine work and study through apprenticeships.