MA Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors

University of Buckingham

Course Info

This unique MA in French and British Decorative Arts and Interiors, taught in partnership with the Wallace Collection, focuses on the development of interiors and decorative arts in England and France in the “long” eighteenth century (c.1660-c.1830) and their subsequent rediscovery and reinterpretation in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

A key element of the course is the emphasis on the first-hand study of furniture, silver and ceramics, where possible in the context of historic interiors. Based in central London, it draws upon the outstanding collections of the nearby Wallace Collection and the Victoria and Albert Museum as well as the expertise of the Wallace Collection curatorial staff and other leading specialists who participate in the teaching.

The MA is designed to appeal to those wishing to pursue careers in heritage organisations, antique-dealing and auctioneering, museums, conservation, interior design or university teaching and research. However, those with a strong personal interest in studying the subject for its own sake are also very welcome.

With its focus on first-hand study of decorative arts within historic interiors, the programme provides a vocational and academic training which has enabled students to pursue careers in museums, interior design, antique dealing, and auctioneering. Some of our past students now work at the Royal Collection, the National Trust and English Heritage (see What our students and alumni say).

The MA also provides an excellent spring-board for students wanting to do a PhD in art history or related disciplines.

Teaching & Assessment

The University are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Caroline McCaffrey-Howarth who will be taking over in September from Dr Barbara Lasic as tutor for French decorative arts on the University’s MA in Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors which is taught collaboratively with the Wallace Collection. Dr McCaffrey-Howarth, who completed her PhD at Leeds, is an expert on French eighteenth-century decorative arts and nineteenth-century collecting of Sevres porcelain. She also teaches at the University of Leeds and on the V& A/Royal College of Art MA in the History of Design.

After Your Course

Graduate employment

Our graduate prospects are excellent] Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.