The Aberystwyth MA in Art History provide you with an excellent opportunity to develop your artistic understanding of your chosen art specialism. In every area of this course, you will be encouraged to contribute to the School’s academic knowledge of art and art history through your own research. You will also be able to participate in ‘Forum’ seminars to communicate orally and critically about your work. You will also have the opportunity to submit articles for publication to develop your engagement with critical and public opinion. The majority of staff members at the School of Art are practising artists and art historians in their own right, who have exhibited and published widely in their field. Postgraduate teaching at Aberystwyth springs from staff research interests in both Fine Art and Art History. Under their guidance, you will make full use of the School’s spacious painting studios, print workshops, darkrooms, art galleries, reference rooms and specially designated postgraduate studios. The course is a full-time programme, taught over one year, and is divided into two parts over three semesters. (Part time study is conducted over two years.) In part one, you will study a number of core modules, together worth a total of 120 credits, whilst directing your own study in part two where you will research your chosen specialism. This Master’s dissertation project is worth 60 credits and the descriptions relating to all the study modules can be found on the "at a glance " tab. Throughout the course, you will undertake a thorough examination of the interface between art practice, art theory and the concept of visual culture while considering its implication for the study of art history. You will improve your capacity for critical reading, discussion, presentation and writing, as well as developing an awareness of art practice in relation to art history and theory. You will also be offered additional tutorial meetings to develop your reading and writing in art theory. Upon graduation from the MA in Art History, you will have demonstrated academic excellence, personal rigor and critical engagement with contemporary art and art history at the high Masters level.

This degree will suit you: * If you wish to extend your knowledge and experience in art history; * If you wish to be stimulated by vigorous intellectual inquiry in the subject; * If you aim to pursue a career in Art in public and critical arenas; * If you wish to explore this fascinating subject through applied research and vocational training. Employability Every aspect of the Aberystwyth Master’s in Art History programme is designed to enhance your employability. Successful completion of this degree is in itself certain to do so by strengthening your CV; but more significant is the hugely enhanced array of knowledge, abilities and skills with which you will graduate. Your pursuit of personal development as an art academic, coupled with increased critical faculties, will make you a strong candidate for any post where people and opinions meet. Likewise, the study skills and technical knowledge of hands-on artistic processes will give you a tremendous advantage in employment within the Arts. For example, the module entitled Research Project, will expect you to develop and demonstrate an array of professional qualities and skills. Having undertaken a piece of applied art historical research, you will make your research accessible through a variety of art historical applications, including a small exhibition with published catalogue, a multi-media database, computer book, or study pack for students. In doing so, you will become secure in highly employable skills and technologies, including Information and Communication technologies, liaison skills and the technology of print production. Similarly, other modules will provide opportunities to gain experiences and transferrable skills. By managing the practicalities of exhibition preparation, installation, and curation, you also gain direct experience in every aspect of events and venue management. Though the conditions may be subject-specific, the skills you will learn in the process are highly marketable. Whether your chosen career path involves curating, exhibiting, criticism, collecting, art journalism or any of countless other routes, your Masters Degree in Art History from Aberystwyth University will signal to prospective employers your commitment to personal excellence, professional rigour and high academic quality.