COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Art History and Theory at Essex offers a comprehensive and flexible program designed to develop advanced knowledge, research skills, and professional expertise in the field of art history. Central to the course is the Dissertation module, which carries 80 credits and allows students to undertake an in-depth, independent research project on a topic of their choice, fostering critical thinking, scholarly analysis, and academic writing skills. Complementing the dissertation, students select optional Art History modules totalling 100 credits, enabling them to explore a wide range of specialisms such as Early Modern art and architecture, modern and contemporary art, photography, curatorial practice, exhibition design, and other areas of visual culture. These optional modules provide opportunities to engage with both traditional and non-traditional art forms, encouraging interdisciplinary study and the application of art historical approaches to diverse visual practices. In addition, the Seminar Series for Art History, a compulsory component with no credit weighting, offers a platform for discussion, debate, and engagement with contemporary scholarship, further enhancing students’ analytical and communication skills. The program is designed to equip graduates with both theoretical and practical expertise, preparing them for careers in academia, museums, galleries, curation, research, and other creative and cultural industries, while also fostering the ability to critically engage with visual culture in professional and scholarly contexts.