COURSE CURRICULUM

The Arts History and Museum Curating MA at Sussex combines core modules with a range of optional courses to provide comprehensive training for careers in museums, galleries, and the cultural heritage sector. Core modules ensure all students gain a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline. The year-long Art History Research Seminar supports the development of independent research skills, while autumn teaching includes Art History Research Skills and Methods, Critical Issues in Art History and Curating, and Museum Skills I: Objects, introducing students to the practical handling and study of collections. In the spring term, students continue developing research skills and take Museum Skills II: Contexts and Display, focusing on exhibition planning and curatorial practice. The summer term is dedicated to the Professional Experience and Dissertation, allowing students to apply their skills to real-world museum projects and in-depth research. Optional modules allow students to tailor their studies and explore topics such as Art’s Queer Stories, Body and Society: Representing Women, Living and Dying from Medieval to Renaissance, and Race, Photography, Archives. By combining academic study, professional projects, and direct engagement with collections and exhibitions, the MA equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience required for successful careers in curating, museum management, and the wider cultural sector, as well as preparing them for further academic research.