Overview
This course combines art history with the practical curatorial skills needed to work in the contemporary arts sector.
Newcastle has a vibrant contemporary art scene and provides a living case study for you to engage with, learn from, and contribute to.
Study our Contemporary Art History and Curating MA and develop the skills required to work in the contemporary arts sector. You’ll have the opportunity to:
- explore your own creative interests and research questions
- learn to navigate the complexities of the contemporary art world with confidence and insight
- actively engage with artists, curators, scholars, and audiences
- build personal and professional connections to take into your future career
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
As a Contemporary Art History and Curating Master’s student you will learn about:
- art historical principles and methodologies
- how to critically analyse and interpret art practices
- the complex landscape of contemporary art
- challenges and opportunities facing the contemporary art sector concerning ecology, authorship and ethics
You’ll be taught by a diverse community of experts made up of practicing art historians, artists and curators who will prepare you to make meaningful contributions to the field of contemporary art history and curating.
Practicing your learning through the design of workshops and exhibitions, you’ll frequently plan and run your own exhibits in the Hatton Gallery. You’ll also regularly visit a diverse range of local galleries and creative art spaces in the city and surrounding areas.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Contemporary Art History and Curating MA modules
Full time
Compulsory modules
All students will take all of the following modules:
Optional modules
All students will take one of the following modules:
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| MCH8551 Curating Art in the Gallery | 20 |
| MCH8502 Management Practices in Museum, Galleries and Heritage Studies | 20 |
Part time
Year 1
All students will take all of the following modules:
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| FIN8012 Contemporary Art History: Theories and Methods | 20 |
| SAC8001 Cultural and Creative Industries Sectors: Past, Present, Future | 20 |
| FIN8017 Art and Ecology | 20 |
| FIN8016 Art Writing | 20 |
Year 2
All students will take all of the following modules:
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| MCH8611 Contemporary Curating | 20 |
| FIN8018 Art History Research Project | 60 |
All students will take one of the following modules:
How you’ll learn
You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Case studies
- Practice driven small-group teaching
- Studio and gallery visits
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Portfolio
- Report
- Research proposal
- Research paper
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Your development
Professional skills
You’ll learn to advocate for art and articulate its role in a variety of contexts in contemporary society. You’ll communicate effectively about art and curating both orally and in written form. Upon graduating, you will have the ability to apply art historical skills to a variety of roles in the contemporary art sector.
Practical skills
This course offers a curatorial aspect, helping you to develop your practical skills. You’ll learn to programme and manage events, projects and exhibitions, and perform administration and management with confidence.
Research skills
You’ll be exposed to leading-edge research and practice in contemporary art and art history, with a particular focus on addressing the urgent issues facing global society.
Your future
This Contemporary Art History and Curating postgraduate course encourages collaboration and interpersonal development. You’ll advance key skills that will prepare you for a career in the arts or to progress into further academic study.
Possible careers include:
- Museum / Gallery Curator
- Arts administrator
- Gallery Manager
- Exhibitions Officer/Manager
- Collections Assistant/Officer/Manager
- Cataloguer
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 93% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading or 3* internationally excellent – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
School of Arts and Cultures
Based in the heart of Newcastle city centre, our Fine Art department is part of the School of Arts and Cultures, which is home to a wide variety of courses, including:
- music
- media and cultural studies
- digital media
- museum, gallery and heritage studies
- film
At the School of Arts and Cultures, we’re committed to the education of artists, along with the practice, exhibition, history and theory of art.
We offer interdisciplinary practice, research and engagement within centres such as:
We also offer:
- purpose-built painting, sculpture, printmaking and digital media studios
- Wood, Metal, Casting, Digital, and Ceramics workshops
- designated gallery and project spaces
- seminar rooms
- large lecture theatre
All students have the use of the Phillip Robinson Library and computer clusters around the University.
We’re based in the same building as the Hatton Gallery. This is one of the largest exhibition spaces in North East England. It accommodates both student shows and large touring exhibitions. The Hatton’s permanent collection consists of works of art from five centuries and includes the Elterwater Merzbarn construction by Kurt Schwitters.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 Bachelor’s or equivalent in art history, fine art or another relevant subject.
There may be circumstances where professional experience in the field may be considered alongside an undergraduate degree in a relevant field. Professionals with considerable industry experience, but no undergraduate degree, might be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) for direct entry into the programme.
