ObjectivesThe course develops sustainable skills in the areas of critical and technical expertise, equipping you for further research at MPhil and PhD level; as well as providing the potential for you to work independently and/or institutionally.
Academic titleMA Critical Writing and Curatorial Practice
Course descriptionContent
In today’s art world, the roles of artist, writer and curator are becoming less distinct. These territories are proving to be interdependent, not only in artist-led spaces but also in the commercial and professional arts sector.
This research-led course offers a challenging theoretical curriculum focusing on current cultural debates, sustained through an emphasis on practicebased critique, it develops a self-reflective analysis of your own practice, with understanding and debate of current cultural activities. A visiting lecturer programme, a series of contemporary aesthetics seminars as well as writing workshops, professional practice lectures and seminars all support the course.
Course Highlights
The course benefits greatly from the Colleges’ close relation to Tate Britain providing students with an additional educational and archival resource. Studentshave previously been involved in the curation of 'Late at Tate’ events, given public presentations in the galleries and submitted writing for potential publication on the Tate website.
Structure
The course has three main phases:
Phase 1: Analysis of Practice and Exploration of Methodologies
Phase 2: Development and Consolidation
Phase 3: Resolution
These phases are set within a credit framework of three assessed units: Curatorial and Critical Practice, Advanced Practice (which run sequentially) and Theoretical Studies, running throughout the course.
The unit Curatorial and Critical Practice involves evolving and developing a personal or collaborative programme of research within curatorial practice and critical writing. This is consolidated in the Advanced Practice Unit through a final project portfolio of proposed research. Theoretical Studies provides a framework from which you develop a Critical Research Paper, enabling you to locate your ideas and practice in relation to contemporary debate on cultural and theoretical issues. You will develop knowledge of current debates on visual culture and an awareness of how to contextualise your research within the public domain.
Entry Requirements
-An Honours Degree or equivalent academic/professional qualification
-EU/International students must show proof of equivalent qualification and IELTS 7.0 in English on enrolment
-The College takes into consideration prior learning, alternative qualifications and experience
Prior to interview, you will be asked for a sample of recent writing that locates your research area. Applicants interviewed will be asked to expand upon this and, if relevant, provide further evidence of evolving research and its context. It is not necessary to have previously curated projects.