Master of Arts in Creative Arts (Visual and Critical Studies)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Master of Arts in Creative Arts (Visual and Critical Studies)
Overview
The MA Visual and Critical Studies programme, run by the School of Art and Design at TU Dublin, offers a unique opportunity for focussed study in an interdisciplinary environment that studies the theory and criticism of contemporary visual culture or the history of art and design.
Programme Details
TU Code
TU382
NFQ Level
Level 9
Award Type
Major
Award
Master of Arts
ECTS Credits
90
Duration
1 Year
Course Type
Postgraduate
Mode of Study
Full Time
Method of Delivery
On-Campus
Commencement Date
September 2025
Location
Grangegorman
Fees
€6,700 Total Fee (EU), €13,500 Total Fee (Non-EU)
Programme Description
The MA Contemporary Visual Culture is aimed at graduates of visual culture, art history, design history, and philosophy of art. It is designed to provide graduate students with the opportunity for focussed study in contemporary visual culture, supported by archival and textual research.
The programme is one of five delivered through the Creative Arts Masters Platform. Students on the MA Visual and Critical Studies programme will join those on the studio-based programmes in Interior Design, Visual Communications, 3D Design, and Fine Art. The Platform allows specialisation within a dynamic mix of historical and critical disciplines, placing particular emphasis upon close analysis of visual culture that engages with critical and historical debates.
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Bachelor Degree (Honours 2.1 or above) in relevant disciplines.
- If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this programme should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.
- Applicants are required to include an example of academic writing and a one-page research proposal with their application.
Course Content
The MA Visual and Critical Studies is a twelve-month, full-time or twenty-four-month, part-time programme divided between core modules, including Discourses in Contemporary Art and Design, Research Methods, and a Discipline-Specific Seminar Series, and modules designed to provide core and advanced skills in critical and historical research. In the final semester/s, students deliver a final thesis in their chosen area of study.
Research Areas
- Museum Studies and Museology
- Contemporary Art History and Theory
- Historiography of Art and Design
- History of Design and Material Culture in Ireland
- History and Theory of Typography and Graphic Design
- Contemporary Art and Environment
- Visual Culture of Science
- Aesthetics
Module Listing
Year One
Semester 1
- Discipline Specific 1: Project Initiation [Mandatory]
- Discipline Specific 3: Project Realisation [Mandatory]
- Discourses in Contemporary Art and Design [Mandatory]
- Research Methods [Mandatory]
- Discipline Specific Seminar [Elective]
Semester 2
- Discourses in Contemporary Art and Design [Mandatory]
- Research Methods [Mandatory]
- Discipline Specific 2: Project Development [Mandatory]
- Discipline Specific Seminar [Elective]
Schedule
The programme is offered full-time and part-time. Full-time students will take a total of 30 credits of coursework per semester.
Technological University Dublin: A Summary
Overview:
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) is a public university located in Dublin, Ireland. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. TU Dublin is known for its strong focus on practical learning and its commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
TU Dublin boasts a vibrant campus life with a diverse student body. Students can enjoy a range of activities and societies, including sports clubs, music groups, and drama societies. The university also offers a variety of support services, such as career counseling, academic advising, and student health services.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
TU Dublin emphasizes practical learning, providing students with hands-on experience and industry connections.Diverse Programs:
The university offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, catering to diverse interests and career aspirations.Vibrant Campus Life:
Students can enjoy a lively campus environment with numerous clubs, societies, and events.Strong Industry Links:
TU Dublin has strong connections with industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and career development.Academic Programs:
TU Dublin offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including:
Undergraduate:
Arts, Business, Engineering, Science, Health Sciences, and more.Postgraduate:
Master's degrees, PhD programs, and professional development courses.Other:
TU Dublin has five locations in Dublin, including Grangegorman, Blanchardstown, Tallaght, City Centre, and Rathmines. The university is committed to sustainability and has over 400 sustainable businesses.
