MA in Critical and Curatorial Studies of Contemporary Art (CCSCA)

The MA in Critical and Curatorial Studies of Contemporary Art (CCSCA) is a two-year, international graduate program that aims to provide students with a scholarly and practical understanding of the diverse ideas, issues and contexts of contemporary art and curating, with a focus on the Asia Pacific region. Applications are now open for fall 2020. The deadline for applications is April, 30 2020.

Launched in 2016 at the National Taipei University of Education, CCSCA is one of the few programs of its kind that focuses on the study of art and curatorial practice not only in Taiwan but also in the Asia Pacific. Given Taiwan’s central geographical location and growing importance as a vibrant and diverse artistic and cultural hub in Asia, CCSCA is well placed to facilitate the study of art and curating in the region and beyond. With its practice oriented, research-inspired approach to learning and teaching, the program aims to offer professional training that combines critical thinking, research and writing skills with scholarly and practical knowledge of art and curatorial practice.

The five modules of CCSCA—art history, art criticism, curatorial studies, museum studies and creative industries—are designed to offer students a critical understanding of contemporary art and curating from different vantage points around the globe, with an emphasis on Taiwan, the Asia Pacific and beyond. Along with interactive seminars and lectures, the program is also organized through workshops, international exchanges, internships, and local and overseas study trips so as to provide students with an integrated learning experience that combines scholarly studies with professional training. Aside from core and elective courses, students can choose to complete a research dissertation or curate an exhibition as their final project.

CCSCA also offers students the opportunity to meet and engage with a range of visiting professors, critics and curators who are regularly invited to deliver guest lectures in the program. In 2019, CCSCA worked in partnership with the Cube Project Space, Taipei Fine Arts Museum and the National Culture and Arts Foundation to co-program the Curatorial Intensive Taipei (CIT19) Workshop and Conference which featured local and international speakers including David Teh (author of Thai Art: Currencies of the Contemporary), Raqs Media Collective (artistic director of Yokohama Triennial 2020) and ruangrupa (artistic director of Documenta 15, 2022).

CCSCA’s program is delivered in partnership with our on-campus university museum—MoNTUE—and in close collaboration with a range of art and educational institutions across Taiwan and in the region. 

The program’s integrated approach ensures that upon completion, students are well-equipped with transferable scholarly and professional skills and knowledge to embark on future careers as exhibition organizers, curators, arts educators, writers and researchers in museums, galleries and other art sectors around the world. 

Language of instruction: English

Program highlights: Affordable tuition fee (3500 USD per year) / Focus on contemporary art and curating in the Asia Pacific / Integration of scholarly research with professional training and practice / Local and overseas study trips / Intensive museum internship / Scholarship offer / Chinese language training program on campus

Applicants are required to submit
(1) University/College Certificate or Degree/Diploma
(2) An autobiography or a personal statement (no more than two A4 pages)
(3) Study plan
(4) Other documents that may facilitate the review
(5) English proficiency test score (for students whose first language is not English)

Full program details are available in the CCSCA website and you can follow program updates and activities on its Facebook page. Those who are interested in applying are encouraged to submit an online application by April 30, 2020. 

For enquiries, please contact our Program Assistant via email at maccsca [​at​] gmail.com.

T +886 2 6639 6688 ext. 52168