Graduate programmes in art theory, research architecture, and art history

We are open for applications to the MA in Contemporary Art Theory, MA in Research Architecture and Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Art History for entry in September 2026.

The MA Contemporary Art Theory is for those with a passionate interest in contemporary art, and a desire to reshape or contribute to its theoretical understanding today. Through thematically organised core and elective modules it explores a range of theoretical and political perspectives that have helped shape contemporary art and visual culture—and our relation towards them. Our programme draws on and responds to the shifting fields of performance studies, art history, continental philosophy, ecology, feminist theory, queer theory, postcolonial/decolonial thought, and cultural studies. All teaching is research-led and delivered by a team of staff who are leaders in our field. We host internationally renowned artists, philosophers, activists, curators and filmmakers—including our award-winning alumni!—to share their research with our community in our termly thematically organised Public Programmes. Recent themes have included “Race and/as Technology,” “Terminal Tourism,” and “Volatility Cultures.”

Further information and details of how to apply here, or email the Programme Leader Prof. Simon O’Sullivan s.o’sullivan@gold.ac.uk.

The MA Research Architecture is for graduates from a range of disciplines who want to examine how space and the built environment engage with questions of contemporary culture, politics, law, media, ecology, and justice. It focuses on the ways that spatial practice can become a form of research. You’ll join a diverse group of students to work collaboratively on a five-week real-time investigation as well as on a year-long individual research project; benefiting from peer-to-peer learning alongside the practical and intellectual guidance of our teaching staff. Studio work will be combined with theoretical reflections in either the Research Architecture or Forensic Architecture studio stream of the MA. Lectures, seminars, and technical workshops equip you with grounding in critical spatial practices and related areas of inquiry, while the theoretical module provides thorough coverage of the historical, philosophical, and technological aspects of the intersection of space, power, and conflict in light of changing geopolitical conditions.

Further information and details of how to apply here, or email the Programme Leader Prof. Susan Schuppli s.schuppli@gold.ac.uk or Dr. Christina Varvia c.varvia@gold.ac.uk. Information about the Centre for Research Architecture here.

For applicants who may benefit from a bridging programme between their previous study in another field and postgraduate study in Visual Cultures, we offer a Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Art History. This programme can be attended part-time and is particularly well suited to applicants who are working, returning to study after a break, or developing a research project.

Further information and details of how to apply here, or email the Programme Leader Dr Alice Andrews a.andrews@gold.ac.uk.

Bursary opportunities
For 2026–27 we will offer three bursaries of 5000 GBP each (shared across MA Contemporary Art Theory and MA Research Architecture)

Deadline: March 31, 2026.