Program Overview

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Global Gallery Studies

Course Fact File

Code	CKE82
Duration	1 Year Full-time; 2 Years Part-time
Teaching Mode	Full-time, Part-Time
Qualifications	MA
NFQ Level	Level 9
Fees	See Fees and Costs for full details.
Start Date	Programme not on offer 2025/2026

Course Outline

Our MA in Global Gallery Studies (MAGGS) is a unique accelerated programme that prepares you for a career in the gallery sector and/or in fine arts institutions in Ireland and abroad. The programme is offered by History of Art, UCC in association with The Glucksman art gallery and the Department of Digital Arts & Humanities. It emphasises learning in both the theoretical and real-world realms.

Dr Mary Kelly, Programme Director of this innovative MA Global Gallery Studies programme, notes:

We offer mentorship to our students and we prepare them for a career in the gallery sector…We explore the term ‘global’ both theoretically and geographically. Through these lenses we pursue the investigation of various galleries, art and curatorial practices from countries and regions around the world.

Throughout semesters one and two, in addition to lectures delivered by UCC faculty, we also have numerous guest lectures on MAGGS delivered by national and international gallery practitioners including: curators of exhibitions, curators of engagement and learning, curators of gallery talks and public programmes, artist representatives, artists, art critics, art collectors and gallery directors. MAGGS creates a bridge between academia and gallery practitioners...

Our students engage with theoretical modules including an introduction to global gallery studies, art history for curators and digital arts and humanities, as well as practice-based modules including cutting-edge learning experiences with The Glucksman art gallery, fieldwork and networking in international galleries, and a project-led internship with a prominent fine art gallery in Ireland or internationally. Students also receive a scholarship to cover select international fieldwork travel expenses incurred during the Global Galleries Fieldwork module (HA6025).

This programme will expose you to critical and practical skills prized by the Arts sector as well provide you with a comprehensive understanding of 21st-century gallery practices across diverse geographical borders and cultural traditions.

Course Content

The course, delivered in two parts, is taken over three semesters. Students take 90 credits as follows:

Part I

• DH6004: Conceptual Introduction to Digital Arts & Humanities (5 Credits)
• HA6019: Research Methods & Sources for Global Gallery Studies (10 Credits)
• HA6023: Cultural Institutions in Practice (10 Credits)
• HA6024: Global Contemporary Art (10 Credits)
• HA6025: Global Galleries Fieldwork (5 Credits)
• HA6026: Global Galleries: History, Theory and Practice (10 Credits)
• HA6027: Project-Led Gallery Internship (10 credits)

Part II

• HA6028: Research Dissertation in Global Gallery Studies (30 credits)

Students write a 15,000-word research dissertation on an approved topic of their choice relevant to Global Galleries Studies. The main period for dissertation work is June to September.

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

Lectures take place over six months from September to March, with an average of six class hours each week. 24 hours of independent study per module is required, and a 1-week fieldwork module in Semester 2 (UCC will provide students with a scholarship to cover select fieldwork costs).

The History of Art department will arrange all work placements for students: these placements are unpaid and the costs of participation in terms of travel and accommodation expenses are borne by the student and will vary depending on the location of the gallery concerned.

Assessment

The taught modules are examined through continuous assessment, using a combination of presentations, essays, and projects. The work placements are assessed by a Placement Report Portfolio, while the dissertation requires the submission of a 15,000 word written dissertation.

Why Choose This Course

Previous students have praised the course for its unique blend of theoretical and practical learning, as well as the opportunities for networking and professional development.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Global Galleries Fieldwork (HA6025) information:

Students undertake group international fieldwork of one-week duration, which is led by a member of faculty. Fieldwork locations can include the United Arab Emirates or China or USA or various European countries. The fieldwork location is established in Semester 1 and students will receive a scholarship to cover select travel expenses for this module.

Project-Led Gallery Internship (HA6027) information:

Students undertake 1 x project-led gallery internship of four weeks duration, where they will learn aspects of gallery practice as well as the opportunity to work on a particular project. The module comprises taught workshops in Semesters 1 & 2, and internships commence towards the end of Semester 2 (March/April). History of Art arranges all internships for our MA GGS students.

Skills and Careers Information

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

• Administrator/Gallery Assistant
• Archive Digitisation (Gallery website content creation, maintenance, and development, including social media integration).
• 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

A candidate for this MA programme must normally hold an honours Bachelor degree, Second Class Honours Grade I (or equivalent), in Arts and Humanities or equivalent international qualification.

Candidates who hold a Bachelor degree with a Second Class Honours Grade II (or equivalent) may also be considered subject to review by MA in Global Gallery Studies (MA GGS) selection committee.

As part of the application process, candidates must submit a statement of purpose (500 words) acceptable to the MA GGS selection committee, detailing their interest in the programme, and their particular research interests and methodologies to date, and their future professional goals.

In exceptional circumstances, and subject to the approval of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, candidates who hold a primary degree other than Second Class Honours, and who demonstrate a high level of significant and relevant experience, may also be eligible for entry to the programme under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Admission of such applicants will be subject to the approval of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences.

All candidates are subject to an interview and must satisfy a selection committee.

Fees and Costs

Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026

See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.

Deposits

If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.

Fee payment

Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

How can I pay?

See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.

Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.

Additional costs:

Internship module: internships are unpaid and the costs of participation in terms of travel and accommodation expenses are borne by the student and will vary depending on the location of the gallery concerned.