Christianity & the Arts MA

Overview:

Study Christianity & the Arts on a course that is uniquely taught in association with the National Gallery in London.

Investigate how Christian scripture, beliefs and practices have found expression in art for over 2,000 years. You'll also trace the idea of beauty in Western theological tradition, taking advantage of King’s exceptional location by exploring art in London’s collections.

Students on the course go on to careers in teaching, journalism or the church or to further research.

Key benefits:

• Students work across disciplinary and specialism boundaries, in particular to explore simultaneously the art-historical and theological dimensions of Christian art (approaches which are generally pursued in isolation from one another).
• Gives you access to rich cultural resources specifically the artistic, human and web-based resources of the National Gallery in London.
• Provides opportunities for students to learn in the context of an art museum, with likely additional visits/links to institutions with related collections, like the Courtauld Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
• Enhances the experience of international students at King’s by giving them a stimulating understanding of one of London’s (and the world’s) greatest treasuries of art.

Description:

Our MA in Christianity & the Arts features a required module on the Idea of Beauty in Western Theology and a wide range of optional modules looking at different forms of artistic expression and different artistic periods with a focus on specific elements of the Christian narrative. You will also have the opportunity to explore a topic in detail through your dissertation.

Wherever possible the course draws on examples and case studies here in London, particularly the collections at The National Gallery, The Courtauld, and The Victoria and Albert Museum. We will help you to work across disciplinary and specialism boundaries, and in particular to explore both the art-historical and theological dimensions of Christian art—approaches which are generally pursued in isolation from one another.

Career prospects:

Our graduates use the skills and knowledge that they develop with us to pursue careers in teaching, journalism, media, museum work and the church, or other religious institutions. Others have continued their studies with further research.