COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA in Art History at Sussex combines core modules with a selection of optional courses to provide a comprehensive understanding of the discipline. Core modules, taken by all students, establish a solid foundation in art historical research and methods. The program includes the year-long Art History Research Seminar, autumn modules such as Art History at Work: Unlocking Primary Sources, Art History Research Skills and Methods, and Critical Issues in Art History and Curating, and spring teaching continuing Art History Research Skills and Methods. The summer term is dedicated to the dissertation, allowing students to pursue independent research on a topic of their choice. Alongside the core curriculum, students can choose from optional modules to broaden their expertise and tailor their studies to individual interests. Spring options include Art’s Queer Stories, Body and Society: Representing Women, Living and Dying from Medieval to Renaissance, and Race, Photography, Archives. These modules encourage critical engagement with diverse perspectives, historical contexts, and contemporary issues in art history. By combining theoretical study, practical research skills, and access to rich archival and museum resources, the MA equips students to develop as independent researchers and practitioners. Graduates are prepared for careers in curation, galleries, museums, research, heritage management, and other roles in the creative and cultural sectors, as well as further academic study.