Royal College of Art
Kensington Gore
London SW7 2EU
The School of Humanities has announced open days for Curating Contemporary Art; Critical Writing in Art and & Design and History of Design. The School offers the opportunity for writers, curators and historians to work alongside and in close collaboration with artists and designers from the RCA, in a solely postgraduate environment. Two-year Masters’ courses give students the opportunity to participate in highly structured taught programmes as well as embark on more substantial research projects. RCA alumni can be found all over the world working both independently and in universities, museums and cultural organisations.
The School’s academic staff comprises expert tutors who are also active as writers and curators. A broad range of visiting professionals also contribute to programmes, including those from museums and galleries; broadcast, print and digital media; contemporary art and design organisations; historic archives, collections and research facilities.
The School also hosts over 50 research students engaged in Mphil/PhD study working on diverse aspects of the history and theory of art, design and curating. Like all RCA students, they are interested in original perspectives, making stimulating connections with film, media, performance, architecture, science and technology. Our approach encourages deep specialisation in a lively and interdisciplinary environment.
Programmes
MA Curating Contemporary Art. Founded in 1992, CCA offers an exceptional combination of intellectual and professional experience in an international field. Under the leadership of newly appointed head Ruth Noack, the programme forges new academic directions in curatorial practice, allowing students the experience of public exhibition-making, whilst developing highly specialised research skills and an informed criticality. Taught by a team of experienced curators, writers and historians, the programme’s network of international partners affords students the opportunity to engage with 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, CWAD 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 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, ‘live’ projects and publish award-winning work whilst studying (one recently being awarded the 2012 Frieze Writer’s Prize).
MA V&A/RCA History of Design. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, HoD was the first postgraduate programme of its kind anywhere in the world. Run in partnership with the Victoria & Albert Museum since its establishment, the programme offers a platform for study in specialist areas. 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.
Expressions of interest and applications are welcome from candidates with a good undergraduate degree. We especially encourage candidates with a background in art and design practice and the humanities, as well as those with appropriate professional experience. We also welcome students from outside of the arts who can demonstrate their skills and commitment to forging exceptional careers in our areas of specialism. You are encouraged to attend an open day, or alternatively arrange to speak to the academic head of the relevant programme, in person or via telephone or skype.
Open Days
CCA: 3 December/25 January – register: [email protected]
CWAD: 7 December/ 25 January – register: [email protected]
HoD: 30 November/ 25 January – register: [email protected]
The College is designated as an eligible institution for a Guaranteed Student Loan under the new Direct Loan Program.
For further information on research degrees, please visit humanities.research.rca.ac.uk or contact [email protected].
