MA in History of Art and Visual Studies
Course Description
Our MA in History of Art and Visual Studies is a flexible programme designed to allow you to shape your studies according to your interests and ambitions.
This flexibility begins with location: you can either spend a term studying and living in Venice – we are the only department in the country to offer this – or you can pursue all your studies at Warwick, if you prefer to take advantage of teaching and research opportunities here in the UK.
You can focus your studies on a particular historical period or specific field of study, or you can cover a wide range of topics from medieval architecture to contemporary art and politics.
The MA in History of Art and Visual Studies provides an ideal training for PhD study but also develops the research and transferable skills needed for a wide range of careers.
Venice Term
If you choose to spend the autumn term in Venice, you will have classes at our premises in Venice as well as many seminars in situ, examining medieval to Renaissance and early modern art and architecture in the city and major historical works of art and architecture in the city and surrounding locations, including at the Venice Biennale. You will study at Warwick in the spring and summer terms.
Please note that participation in the Venice term will depend upon your getting a visa. The deadline for applications for students intending to study in Venice and requiring a Schengen visa is May 31.
You can find more information about the Venice term here, and further details of our activities in Venice here.
Study at Warwick
If you choose to undertake all your study at Warwick, your modules will include trips to major collections and museums in addition to seminars in the classroom. You will have the opportunity to engage in our rich programme of research events, including talks given by members of staff and visiting speakers, workshops and symposia, on a wide range of topics.
We also offer flexibility in the content of your course, allowing you to shape your MA study to suit your interests and ambitions. You may choose to expand your knowledge broadly, studying topics from the medieval to the present day, or you may prefer to focus on a particular period, such as modern and contemporary art or the Renaissance.
Choose your Method of Study
Whichever option you choose, we are committed to helping you learn to carry out research at the highest level. Our MA is designed to prepare you for PhD study, but will also develop the professional and critical skills needed for many careers across the art world and beyond.
The MA in History of Art and Visual Studies can be studied full-time over one year or part-time over two years.
You can find more details of the course structure here.
If you require any further information about the MA in History of Art and Visual Studies, please contact the department's Director of Graduate Studies, Prof. Michael Hatt (M dot Hatt at warwick dot ac dot uk), who will be very happy to answer your questions.
How to Apply
It is easy to apply for the MA course via the University of Warwick's standard online postgraduate application form.Link opens in a new window
There is a deadline of 31 May for applicants intending to study in Venice who require a Schengen visa. Please note, however, that applying early will make it easier to find suitable accommodation in Venice.
The deadline is 31 July for applicants who will spend the autumn term at Warwick and who require a visa to study in the UK.
Entry requirements
- Sample of written work - all applicants must submit a sample of written work of 2,000 - 4,000 words on an art-historical or related topic (for example, historical, cultural-historical, literary, etc.) with their application. This should preferably be work submitted for your undergraduate degree.
- Interview
- Undergraduate degree transcript.
- IELTS certificate (or equivalent qualification) - this is only required for applicants whose first language is not English.
