Entry opens on 1 November 2013.
Royal College of Art
Kensington Gore,
London
SW7 2EU
Master’s, MPhil and PhD degrees in:
Curating Contemporary Art
History of Design
Critical Writing in Art & Design
MPhil & PhD degrees in:
Critical & Historical Studies
The School of Humanities announces a series of Open Days for writers, curators and historians interesting in studying alongside and in close collaboration with the artists and designers of the RCA, in a solely postgraduate environment.
Over the course of a two-year Master’s course, students have the opportunity to participate in a highly structured taught programme as well as to embark on more substantial solo and group research projects, ranging from the making of exhibitions to the authoring of original scholarly work. Our alumni can be found all over the world working both independently and in universities, museums and cultural organizations.
The School’s academic staff is comprised of expert tutors who are also active as writers, broadcasters and curators. A broad range of visiting professionals also contribute to our programmes, including those from museums and galleries; broadcast, print and digital media; contemporary art and design organizations, historic archives, collections and research facilities.
As well as the MA programmes, the School hosts nearly 60 MPhil and PhD students engaged in diverse aspects of the history and theory of art, design and curating. Like all RCA students, our research students are interested in original perspectives, often making stimulating connections with film, media, performance, architecture, science and technology.
Master’s places are offered in:
MA Curating Contemporary Art. Founded over 20 years ago, CCA offers an exceptional combination of intellectual and professional experience in an international field. Under the leadership of Dr Victoria Walsh, students experience public exhibition-making, whilst developing highly specialised research skills and an informed criticality about their chosen field of study. Taught by a team of highly experienced curators, writers and historians, the programme offers students the opportunity to engage with international individuals and organisations at the cutting edge of contemporary curatorial thinking and practice.
MA Critical Writing in Art & Design. A recent and highly innovative addition to the School, Critical Writing in Art & Design provides students with the literary and intellectual skills required to write about art and design in an age of rapid and technological change. Taught by a team of expert writers and critics under the leadership of Professor David Crowley, the programme is at the forefront of new forms of writing and publishing. Students produce a portfolio of writing and work on ‘live’ projects. Some have published award-winning work whilst studying on the programme.
MA V&A/RCA History of Design. Established over 30 years ago, History of Design was the first postgraduate programme of its kind anywhere in the world. Run in partnership with the Victoria & Albert Museum, the programme offers a unique platform for study in three specialist areas: Renaissance and Early Modern; Modern and Contemporary; and Early Modern to Contemporary Asian Design History. Led by Professor Jane Pavitt (RCA) and Dr Marta Ajmar (V&A) and taught by a team of academics and curators, the programme has an established reputation for pioneering new forms of design historical enquiry in global contexts, from the 15th century to the present day. Students have unique access to the collections and expertise of the V&A, in areas such as fashion and textiles, graphics, product and interior design, architecture, the applied arts and new media.
Expressions of interest and applications are welcomed from candidates with a good undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. We especially encourage candidates with a background in art and design practice or in the humanities, as well as those with appropriate professional experience. An enquiring mind and a rigorous dedication to scholarly and innovative creative practice are essential. We also welcome students with backgrounds outside of the arts who can demonstrate their skills and commitment to forging exceptional careers in our areas of specialism. Applicants are encouraged to attend one of our open days, or alternatively arrange to speak directly to the head of the relevant programme, in person or via telephone or skype.
For more information and to register for an Open Day please contact
CCA – Monday 2nd December – [email protected]
CWAD – Friday 6th December – [email protected]
HoD – Friday 29th November – [email protected]
US applicants please note that the College is designated as an eligible institution for a Guaranteed Student Loan under the Direct Loan Program.
For further information on research degrees in Humanities, please visit humanities.research.rca.ac.uk or contact [email protected]
