Master’s of Research in Exhibition Studies

Applications for the MRes Art: Exhibition Studies programme at University of the Arts London are open for 2027 entry.

Application deadlines
Round I: December 1, 2026, 1pm (GMT) / Round II: February 17, 2027, 1pm (GMT).

Delivered in collaboration with Afterall Research Centre, this postgraduate research course based at Central Saint Martins examines the history of contemporary art from the perspective of the exhibition form, analysing how artworks are encountered by publics and shaped by display, discourse and critical reception. 

The course is directly tailored to individual interests and strengths, offering rigorous research training and a supportive environment for advanced study. It is led by course co-leaders David Morris and Helena Vilalta, alongside course faculty including Filipa Ramos and Louise Shelley, and joined by Afterall colleagues such as Elisa Adami, Wing Chan and Adeena Mey. Recent visiting lecturers include Jemma Desai, Charles Esche, Lee Weng Choy, ruangrupa and Veronica Tello.

The Exhibition Studies programme will introduce you to significant debates in the field of contemporary art, and trace key developments in exhibition practices from the early 20th century to the present. You will gain in-depth knowledge of the history of exhibitions, as well as contemporary practices that seek to reimagine art’s relation to its publics through decentralised, relational and collaborative approaches. You will be encouraged to interrogate the norms embedded in art institutions and participate in shaping practices that work to advance decolonial, equitable and just futures.

The MRes Art: Exhibition Studies is a two-year programme that offers an intimate and collaborative environment for developing an independent research-led programme of study. Throughout your studies, you will receive support through tutorials, workshops, group critiques and discussions. This will enable you to develop the critical skills necessary to interpret artistic and curatorial practice in relation to its social context, and to develop theoretically rigorous arguments about contemporary culture.

MRes Art: Exhibition Studies is offered in extended full-time mode which runs for 60 weeks over two academic years. You will be expected to commit 30 hours per week to study, which includes teaching time and independent study. The course has been designed in this way to enable you to pursue studies, while also undertaking part-time employment, internships or care responsibilities. 

The MRes in Exhibition Studies is one of three pathways in the MRes Art at Central Saint Martins, which also includes Theory and Philosophy and Moving Image.

Full information on course admissions, timetables and fees is available at the course homepage at Central Saint Martins. 

For an overview of Afterall’s research and publications, see Afterall’s website. Recent publications include the latest title in the Exhibition Histories series, Making Space: Independent Artist Initiatives in Taiwan since 1988, published in association with Asia Art Archive; the Center for Curatorial Studies, Bard College; documenta Institut; and the Faculty of Fine, Applied and Performing Arts, University of Gothenburg.