Art History and Curating MA (Taught)

Do you want to pursue your love of art history, ready for a career in the arts and curating sectors? Conduct original research into art objects and discover how to curate historical and contemporary art.

You’ll complete a curatorial project working with our academic staff and museum professionals from our partner organisations.

Recent partners include The Barber Institute of Fine Arts in a unique partnership with the V&A, and Grand Union, an Arts Council England portfolio organisation.

• Expand your understanding of different areas of museum and art gallery practice, such as art interpretation; modes of display; marketing; access and learning; and administration and finance.

• Contribute to the department’s official blog, ‘The Golovine’, and attend our regular research seminars.

• Prepare for your future by gaining practical skills by working on a curatorial project and pitching your own business ideas in our Enterprising Culture module.

The Department of Art History, Curating and Visual Studies is based in the internationally renowned on-campus art gallery, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, home to masterpieces by Monet, Picasso, Kollwitz, and Van Gogh. Additionally, the University of Birmingham and the city have extensive art collections and institutions, including painting, sculpture, posters, photography, and manuscripts.

The galleries of the Barber Institute are currently closed due to essential building works. Teaching will recommence in the galleries from autumn 2027. Until then, we will maintain the object-focused learning that sits at the heart of our programmes by immersing students in the rich collections elsewhere in the university and across the city.