Program Overview

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Art History MRes

Overview

The MRes in Art History is a substantial piece of original work that can be ideal for those who cannot commit to a PhD but still have a topic they want to research further. It can also be an advantage when applying for PhD funding as it demonstrates existing interest and research skills.

Research Overview

The MRes is a companion to the Visual Culture MRes. The requirements and supervision arrangements are the same but the title of your final degree is different.

Our Specialisations

• Nineteenth-century art and cultural exchange
  • Including issues of national identity, intercultural contact, migration and innovation
• Collecting, reception and revival
  • Including issues of display, imperialism, power, travel and memory
• Photography, film and spectatorship
  • Including issues of representation, status, politics and relationships to other media
• Politics and identity
  • Including issues of gender, class, race, identity, propaganda, power, protest and memory

Course Content

As well as researching and writing your dissertation, you will take a taught module that develops your research and interdisciplinary skills. The balance of work is:

• Research dissertation - 160 credits
• Taught module - 20 credits

Research Dissertation

You will research and write a 35,000-word dissertation.

You'll agree the subject with your supervisor who will provide full support and regular reviews.

Taught Modules Available

Students must choose one from:

• Arts in Society
  • This module helps postgraduate students recognise the range of careers and opportunities that an Arts and Humanities MA/MRes can provide.
• Mastering the Arts
  • This module introduces you to the wide range of interdisciplinary research happening in the Faculty of Arts.

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Home / UK Students

• Degree: 2:1 (or international equivalent) in art history or a related subject.

EU / International Students

• Degree: 2:1 (or international equivalent) in art history or a related subject.
• International and EU equivalents: We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.
• IELTS: 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
• English language requirements: As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

Meeting Our English Language Requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language.

Visa Restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK.

Applying

We encourage you to get in touch with a member of academic staff about your research proposal before submitting an application.

Fees

• Home / UK: To be confirmed.
• International: To be confirmed.

Additional Information for International Students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

Additional Costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Support

Research Seminars

These regular seminars allow you to broaden your knowledge of the subject and gain a better sense of how research develops as part of an interactive process.

Digital Transformations Hub

• Collection of more than 80,000 35mm art history slides
• Support for cutting edge digital humanities research

Crop up Gallery

Get involved in our student-led curatorial group and gain valuable practical experience in leadership, design, curatorship, marketing and promotion, networking and project management.

Language Learning

You can make full use of the Language Centre facilities for both research-specific learning and personal interest.

Researcher Training and Development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them.

Careers

Careers advice, graduate destinations, career progression, and placements are available to support you every step of the way.

Where You Will Learn

University-wide Facilities

• Technology: MyNottingham app; full campus wi-fi; personal laptop repair; online, face-to-face and telephone support.
• Libraries: extensive print and online resources; 24/7 opening; study support; laptop loans; assistive technology
• Manuscripts and Special Collections: rare and specialised documents, books, photos and posters used for teaching and research.

Centre for Research into Visual Culture

The Centre is involved with all aspects of contemporary art and visual culture.

Galleries and Practice-led Spaces - CMVS

We have close links with a range of galleries and studio spaces.

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities.