Program Overview

Overview

The Contemporary Art History and Curating MA course is designed to prepare students for a range of careers in the visual arts world. This course combines art history with the practical curatorial skills needed to work in the contemporary arts sector.

What You'll Learn

As a Contemporary Art History and Curating Master’s student, you will learn about:

• Art historical principles and methodologies
• How to critically analyze and interpret art practices
• The complex landscape of contemporary art
• Challenges and opportunities facing the contemporary art sector concerning ecology, authorship, and ethics

How You'll Learn

You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Case studies
• Practice-driven small-group teaching
• Studio and gallery visits

Your Development

This course encourages collaboration and interpersonal development. You’ll advance key skills that will prepare you for a career in the arts or to progress into further academic study.

Your Future

Possible careers include:

• Museum / Gallery Curator
• Arts administrator
• Gallery Manager
• Exhibitions Officer/Manager
• Collections Assistant/Officer/Manager
• Cataloguer

Quality and Ranking

• 93% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading or 3* internationally excellent – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University - QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 100 for Performing Arts - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

The School of Arts and Cultures is based in the heart of Newcastle city centre. Our Fine Art department is part of the School of Arts and Cultures, which is home to a wide variety of courses, including music, media and cultural studies, digital media, museum, gallery and heritage studies, and film.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

• Qualification: MA Full time: £11,400
• Qualification: MA Part time: £5,700
• International students: Full time: £25,900

Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 Bachelor’s or equivalent in art history, fine art, or another relevant subject.
• There may be circumstances where professional experience in the field may be considered alongside an undergraduate degree in a relevant field.
• Professionals with considerable industry experience, but no undergraduate degree, might be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) for direct entry into the programme.

How to Apply

• The course starts in September.
• There is no application closing date for this course, but we recommend that you apply by the start of September.
• We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts.
• If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship.