Program Overview

Introduction to the MA in Global Gallery Studies

The MA in Global Gallery Studies is a unique two-year part-time program that prepares students for a career in the gallery sector and fine arts institutions in Ireland and internationally. Directed by the History of Art department and taught in association with Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies and Digital Humanities at University College Cork (UCC), the program offers an innovative blend of theory, research, and real-world gallery practices in a global context.

Course Outline

The program is delivered online over two years and consists of 90 credits. The first year focuses on theory and practice, with core modules including:

• HA6026: Global Galleries and Art: History, Theory, and Practice (10 credits)
• DH6023: Conceptual Introduction to Digital Arts and Humanities (10 credits)
• HA6031: Global Galleries Fieldwork (10 credits)
• HS6024: Global Contemporary Art (10 credits)

The second year emphasizes research and practice, with core modules including:

• HA6028: Research Project in Global Gallery Studies (30 credits)
• HA6029: Project-Led Gallery Internship (20 credits)

Course Practicalities

Online seminars take place over seven months from September to March in both years, with an average of four class hours each week. Students are required to attend these seminars live and participate in 220 hours of independent study per 10-credit module. The program also includes a four-week internship in the second year, which is arranged by the History of Art department and may be undertaken in Ireland or internationally.

Assessment

The taught modules are examined through continuous assessment, using a combination of projects, presentations, and critical essays. The work placements are assessed by a Placement Report Portfolio, while the Research Project in Global Gallery Studies requires the submission of a 15,000-word written project or dissertation.

Why Choose This Course

The MA in Global Gallery Studies offers students an exceptional opportunity to engage deeply with the core elements of global gallery studies: theory, research, practice, and professional networking. The curriculum has a genuine global emphasis, embracing diverse gallery cultures and practices worldwide. This scope is solidified through online fieldwork that features galleries from across many countries and continents.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

The Project-Led Gallery Internship (HA6029) provides students with a valuable CV-building opportunity to undertake a project-led internship with a prominent fine art gallery either in Ireland or internationally. The internship is unpaid, and students are responsible for their travel and accommodation expenses.

Skills and Careers Information

The program supports the gallery profession through entry-level training and continuing professional development of existing staff. Career pathways include:

• Administrator/Gallery Assistant
• Archive Digitisation
• Artist Advisor
• Creative Industries
• Critical Writing
• Cultural Tourism
• Curator of Online Collections
• Development Officer
• Editorial Departments
• Exhibitions Curator
• Gallery/Art Consultancy
• Global Outreach Officer
• Heritage and the Arts
• Programmes and Education Curator/Officer
• Research in the Arts

Requirements

Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honors degree (NFQ, Level 8) in Arts and Humanities. Applicants with a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honors degree (NFQ, Level 8) in Arts and Humanities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with a primary degree other than Second Class Honours who demonstrate a high level of significant and relevant experience may also apply under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is Part-time: 5,400 per year. The Non-EU fee for this course is Part-time: 7,400 per year. Additional costs include internship module expenses, which are borne by the student and vary depending on the location of the gallery concerned.

How to Apply

To apply, candidates must submit an online application, which includes uploading scanned copies of supporting documents, such as original qualification documents and transcripts. Applicants must also provide a motivation statement detailing their interest in the program, research interests, and future professional goals. A short analytical/critical/report writing sample or essay (approximately 1,000 words) related to art or gallery spaces is also required.