MSt in History of Art and Visual Culture

The Master of Studies in History of Art and Visual Culture is a 2-year, part-time course that allows students to explore objects, theories, and approaches thematically. The program introduces students to a wide range of visual media from Medieval to Contemporary.

Course Details

• Course fee:
  • Home: Ł16,218
  • Overseas: Ł32,436
• Credits: 180
• Study mode: Hybrid (in person and online)
• Application Deadline: 26 Mar 2026
• Duration: 21 Months
• Location: Various Locations
• Course code: 2628ARM15
• Course type: Master's degrees

Tutors

• Professor Lydia Hamlett: Associate Professor, University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE)
• Dr Christina Faraday: Research Fellow in History of Art at Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge; AHRC/BBC New Generation Thinker 2019

Course Overview

The MSt in History of Art & Visual Culture takes place over 2 academic years, running typically from October of the first year to June of the second. The taught elements of the syllabus in Year 1 are offered in 3 intensive study blocks, each of which is assessed at the end of each term.

Key Course Information

• Overview: The course has been designed to be accessible to those in full- or part-time employment, and to international students.
• Themes: Several themes will allow students to explore the history of art and visual culture, including theoretical approaches and useful concepts. Themes may include, amongst others:
  • class and social status
  • race and gender
  • local / global
  • the relationship of medium to style
  • the historical valuation of fine art versus decorative arts
  • art and ecology
• Students will be introduced to a range of art and approaches to the history of art and visual culture from the earliest examples to the present day.

Who is the Course Designed For?

The 2-year, part-time MSt in History of Art & Visual Culture is designed for adult learners who wish to study at postgraduate level and are keen to develop high-level skills in art historical and/or visual culture research.

Aims of the Programme

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students should have demonstrated:

• a deep and systematic understanding of history of art and visual culture and their interrelationships with other disciplines
• an understanding of current theoretical and methodological approaches and how they affect the way that knowledge is interpreted
• conceptual understanding in order to evaluate critically current research in the discipline and to critique methodologies, where appropriate proposing new hypotheses
• the extension and development of their visual analytical, evaluative and critical capacities
• originality in the application of their knowledge, having developed the ability to form independent judgements based on their close visual analysis and object study, reading, research and writing
• a comprehensive understanding of techniques, knowledge and analysis applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship (in this case the dissertation)

Skills and Other Attributes

By the end of the course, the students should have acquired or consolidated:

• the academic, technical and ancillary skills necessary to participate in critical debates within the field of history of art and visual culture, dealing with complex issues both systematically and creatively and making sound judgments in the absence of complete data
• self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and the ability to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
• transferable skills, including the ability to take responsibility for their own learning, decision-making in unpredictable situations, making oral and written presentations to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, planning and producing written assignments, working independently, and, where they have chosen to do so, using different types of technology
• the ability to formulate a research topic, create a research design, and communicate their ideas and research conclusions in a substantial piece of postgraduate level research

Entry Requirements

We welcome applications from students with a variety of backgrounds and professional experiences.

Standard Entry Requirements

Typically, we expect a good UK undergraduate degree, such as a 2.1, or international equivalent, in the arts, humanities or social sciences.

Non-Standard Applications

If you do not meet the standard entry requirements, we still encourage you to apply. Youll need to show you have relevant, professional experience that makes you a strong candidate, and/or have completed higher-level study.

English Language Requirements

Our courses are taught in English and require a good level of fluency. If English is not your first language, you'll need to prove you have sufficient fluency before admission.

Visa Information

We welcome applications from international students. If youre coming from overseas, you would attend the in-person teaching sessions for this course with visitor immigration permission.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching

The MSt in History of Art and Visual Culture in Year 1 is structured around 3 in-person residential modules in Cambridge, that you must attend. In Year 2, you attend 3 Day Schools, where support and guidance is provided on the dissertation planning and writing.

Assessment

Year 1

Assessment will be through a range of formats which may include coursework, written and oral examinations, posters, presentations and projects.

Year 2

Dissertation work is individually supervised and is assessed following the Faculty of Architecture and History of Arts common examinations handbook.

Fees and Funding

Fees

The total fees for this course are shown above in 'Course details'.

Funding

We're dedicated to reducing and removing financial barriers to learning. There are also some additional costs youll need to cover as part of this course.

How to Apply

Considering applying? We look forward to receiving your application.

Key Timings for Your Application

• The application deadline is 26 March 2026.
• Well hold interviews for shortlisted candidates in late April / early May 2026.

How to Apply and What You'll Need

When you submit your application, youll need to provide supporting information, including:

• Personal statement
• Research proposal
• Qualifications and transcripts
• References

College Membership

As an MSt student, you'll become a member of a Cambridge College. For the MSt in History of Art and Visual Culture, we work with the following Colleges:

• Lucy Cavendish
• Murray Edwards (female only)
• Wolfson

Student Support

We're committed to supporting you in your learning journey, and we offer a variety of support opportunities to meet individual needs.

University of Cambridge

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Overview:

The University of Cambridge is a prestigious public research university located in Cambridge, England. It is one of the world's leading academic institutions, known for its high-quality teaching and research. The university is comprised of 31 constituent colleges, each with its own unique character and traditions.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can expect to be part of a close-knit community within their chosen college, while also having access to the wider university's resources and facilities. The university boasts a rich history and tradition, with numerous historic buildings and gardens. Students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and cultural events.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

Cambridge is renowned for its world-class academics and research.

Prestigious Reputation:

A degree from Cambridge is highly valued globally, opening doors to various career opportunities.

Unique College System:

The college system provides a supportive and intimate learning environment, fostering close relationships between students and tutors.

Exceptional Facilities:

The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and museums.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Cambridge offers a rich and diverse student experience, with numerous opportunities for extracurricular activities and social engagement.

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Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

History, English Literature, Classics, Philosophy, Theology, Music, Art History, and more.

Social Sciences:

Economics, Politics, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, and more.

Sciences:

Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, and more.

Medicine:

Clinical Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and more.

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Other: