Curating

Our MA Curating offers a practical and theoretical training in devising and curating exhibitions, as you work towards the preparation of an exhibition at our on-site Art Exchange gallery. Our course combines practice, theory and histories of curating in equal measure. You will develop an essential base skills for a successful exhibition – from object handling to managing exhibition budgets – through visiting lectures by active museum professionals; practical workshops using our on-site collection and galleries; and competitive placements at leading institutions. Previous students have worked at the V&A, Royal Academy of Arts, Hayward Gallery and Firstsite Gallery. You will build your own confident grasp of the history and theory of exhibition-making, studying with academics who besides being active curators are producing new key texts on the curatorial history and theory. You study topics including: How an exhibition can be used as a means of social or political critique The historical role that museums have played in society Participation and social engagement between spectators, artists and curators A choice of history of art options

• Type: Optional

• Duration: 12 Months

• Fees: Contact us for up-to-date information

Graduates from our programmes are ideally prepared for roles in the media, in advertising, in museums and galleries, in education (in schools, universities, and cultural institutions), as conservators, as auctioneers, dealers and antiques specialists, in charities, in publishing, as specialist arts lawyers, as PR agents, in fashion, or to run their own galleries. Our recent graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of high-profile companies including: National Portrait Gallery Victoria and Albert Museum Sotheby’s New York Momart Ltd John Lewis

Work while you study

You can also work on a UK student visa, from 10 to 20 hours per week during the academic year, 40 hours per week or full-time during vacations.

Partnerships

Most universities in England have partnerships with different companies and organisations to ensure their students get enough professional training as students. In addition to increasing their students' chances to get hired by one of the universities. University of Essex has partnerships with the following companies: