Art and Design History MA

Facts about Art and Design History

Qualification	MA
Duration	Full time: 1 year Part time: 2 years
Attendance	Full time: 2 days per week (Tues and Weds) Part time: 1 day per week (Tues or Weds)
Assessment	Seminar presentations; essays; dissertation (12,000-15,000 words)
Course structure

Choose Kingston's Art and Design History MA

If you are interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary study of the history of both art and design, this course is ideal. As well as advancing your knowledge of developments that have occurred in these vibrant areas of practice over the past two centuries, the course will also provide you with transferable skills in history, theory and research.

What will you study?

You will study a series of dedicated taught modules that are concerned with issues of research methodology, critical theory and analysis, and subject-specific case studies. You will be expected to conduct research around the broad themes and subjects addressed by each module. This research will allow you to tailor your own path of study according to your particular interests and future aspirations.

Research areas

Many of the staff in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.
Find out more...

Course structure

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Core modules

Materialising Histories I : Images, Objects & Environments
Materialising Histories II: Images, Objects & Environments
Critical Issues in Research
Critical Issues in Research

This module discusses the main topics of current critical and methodological debates within art and design history. You will learn to debate and analyse 'critical positions', both orally and in written form.

Each week you will consider a single theme summarised broadly by a single word. This approach enables you to:
- explore how art and design has been explained and theorised through the critical gaze of history; whilst
- acknowledging and investigating the role of theory as a generative aspect of the art and design process.
Download full module guide (PDF).
Special Study Subject
Special Study Subject

This module is an opportunity to engage with current research in the School. Each year, a thematic topic is chosen for this module - previous examples have included Boundaries and There's No Place Like Home.
Interdisciplinary Research Methods: The Proposal and Analysis
Interdisciplinary Research Methods: The Proposal and Analysis

The Proposal and Analysis (half module): This half-module introduces you to a wide range of research methods and resources in the many fields of art and design practice (and their histories).

The seminars and assignments will:
- enable you to develop in depth your own research and written skills; and
- provide you with a foundation for further independent research.
Associated fortnightly guest lectures by leading art and design specialists will acquaint you with current 'best research practice' in your chosen field and those related to it.
Interdisciplinary Research Methods: The Synthesis
Interdisciplinary Research Methods: The Synthesis

The Synthesis (half module): This half-module will develop your abilities to:
- organise and manage projects;
- apply for funding and/or placements to pursue your research interests;
- synthesise the different aspects of your practical and/or theoretical interests; and
- understand these in an interdisciplinary research context.
Associated seminars by guest lecturers and Faculty staff researching in your subject area will bring you into contact with cutting-edge contemporary ideas in your field.
Dissertation
Dissertation

This double module is designed to ensure that students can produce a substantial, original body of authoritative work by engaging in both primary and secondary research at masters level. It enables them to achieve a comprehensive understanding and application of the key issues of the subject selected and aims to develop in students a commitment to research and understanding of its likely role in their future careers. Students are supported by tutorials and assessment is by a written dissertation.