MA History of Art (Modern and Contemporary Art)

Modern and contemporary art has great cultural significance-numerous galleries and museums globally specialise in these works, and offer diverse definitions of modernity and the contemporary era.

Develop your ability to analyse images, art and architecture in a conceptual way; a valuable skill in a contemporary society with innovative technologies of visual research and communication.

Our flexible course enables you to study a wide variety of works ranging from painting, sculpture and architecture, to photography, installation, performance and contemporary works engaging with new media and the digital world. You’ll be able to study a module that is jointly taught in collaboration with our partners (eg the Tate or the V&A).

You’ll go on field trips for practical experience, and benefit from Yorkshire’s strong modern and contemporary art presence with the Hepworth Wakefield, Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Henry Moore Institute all within easy reach.

We have developed successful partnerships with a range of modern art museums and galleries, which will enrich your studies and may offer you placement opportunities and privileged access to collections.

Course content

You play an active role in building your degree, furthering your established or emerging specialisms and designing research projects. You can study works of art from the nineteenth century to the contemporary, or focus on a specific period, issue, or media.

The course enables you to develop advanced skills in verbal and written communication, and effective project management. You’ll acquire a high level of expertise in visual analysis and art historical research through object-focused study and an intensively researched MA dissertation.

Careers and skills

Our collaborations will support your learning and research through modules jointly designed with the partnership institution, and with opportunities for exclusive partnership studentships, work experience and privileged access to collections. The course prepares you for higher research degrees and a range of possible careers. Read about some of our alumni and where their degree has taken them.