MA History of Art

Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London

Course Overview

The Courtauld MA in the History of Art provides the best in research-led teaching by world-class faculty members in a unique, single subject setting. It is renowned for offering outstanding training in the specialised analytical and communication skills necessary for further research or for employment in the arts sector and across a wide range of careers. The programme excels at developing well-rounded and intellectually astute art historians and museum professionals equipped to make an important contribution to public life.

The MA History of Art is one of the largest graduate Art History programmes anywhere in the world, and offers an unrivalled combination of breadth and depth. At its broadest, teaching brings together the whole cohort, so that students in our ‘Methodologies in Conversation’ sessions are exposed to a wide range of different voices and perspectives on issues of current art historical concern. MA students are also invited to join our longstanding ‘Foundations’ lectures, offered across The Courtauld, which offer a wide introduction to Art History across a broad range of places and periods. At a middle level, ‘Shared Interest’ classes address issues pertinent to those working on specific periods in the History of Art, including Byzantine & Medieval Art, Renaissance Art, Early Modern Art and Modern & Contemporary Art.

Careers and Employability

The MA programme is designed to produce graduates with highly transferable skills, preparing you for a wide range of employment opportunities, or further academic study. Our graduates are not only equipped with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the History of Art, but also learn how to:

• Analyse visual imagery and articulate sophisticated arguments in formal writing and in oral presentations.


• Read critically and economically.


• Assimilate complex material.


• Formulate and express a broad range of different ideas.


• Present research to a varied audience.


• Develop independent research skills.


• Experience collaborative work in groups.