MA in Art History & Visual Culture 2027 - Richmond University London

MA in Art History & Visual Culture 2027 - Richmond University London
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Postgraduate Programmes
MA in Art History & Visual Culture 2027
MA
Art History and Visual Culture
Degree Programme
Fall 2026
Spring 2027
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REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
Degree
MA
UK & US Degree
Optional Sport Pathways
RIASA London ➝
Duration
September – 12 months
2 Years (part-time)
Tuition Fees
UK – £12,500
EU, INT & US – £18,500
Internships
Optional 2-6 months UK / US / International internships
About the programme
About the MA Art History & Visual Culture programme
This wide-ranging programme, which incorporates the study of a range of fine arts and contemporary visual forms and its relevance to global audiences, will enable you to explore your passion for the arts.
Our MA in Art History and Visual Culture programme will prepare you for an exciting creative career in the art world or more study in the visual arts. This programme puts a spotlight on intercultural issues in art history and visual culture, and professional practice in the visual arts.
Based in London, you can explore  the Victoria and Albert Museum, Design Museum, Saatchi Gallery, and many more art galleries and institutions which are located right in the centre of London.
Having such ease of access to London’s world- class art galleries, museums, libraries and art institutions is vital to the foundation of this course.
Study one Master’s programme and you’ll gain two degrees, one from the UK and one from the US. The choice is yours, it can be taken in one year full-time or over two years, part-time.
Why study MA Art History & Visual Culture?
Central London offers the dream location, at the hub of the arts world, attracting the best creative talents in the arts and design industries
London is our second classroom – immerse yourself in visual culture at first hand through our regular trips to art and cultural organisations
Truly international: global cohort of students enhances perspectives
Gaining a UK and US degree improves career chances
Benefit from smaller, more intimate classes
Full academic support from faculty engaged in leading research and professional practice in the creative and cultural industries, faculty who are in touch with the latest trends and industry connections
Gain a competitive advantage with an accredited optional internship, providing the vital skills to prepare you for work and research opportunities
What you will study
What you will study
Our programme combines theory and practical skills, beginning in the first semester with an exploration of the history of art and a comparative exploration of art around the world. This is combined with an investigation of research methods, developing skills which are invaluable to a future employer.
The second semester focuses on contemporary art, using London as the backdrop to bring this alive in a vivid way. You will study visual cultures, as you develop the skills needed to curate a range of art and design objects for both public and private collections while you learn about the fascinatingly diverse international art market.
You’ll have the choice in the final semester of doing either an internship with a dissertation or an extended research project, both great opportunities to provide hands-on experience to increase your employability.
London will be your inspiration. World class art and creative institutions, internationally renowned auction houses, dealers and critics, all combine to make up the unique London art scene. Added together with our small classes which are taught by highly qualified Professors, it’s an unparalleled opportunity.
Programme Specification
Fall Semester
AVC 7100
Research Methods
Introduces students to the process of research, including the ability to work from libraries, exhibitions and institutional archives, and developing skills in visual literacy and academic writing. Students are encouraged to develop independence of thought by discovering, evaluating and making appropriate use of a wide range of approaches to research and writing. Complementing the courses on theory, this course assists students with the identification of their own interests as they move towards choosing a thesis or professional research project.
AVC 7102
Art & its Histories
Explores a range of theories and methods which situate art in its historical context, from the more traditional methods associated with formal analysis and connoisseurship (formalist, biographical, and iconographic) to more recent theoretical approaches (such as semiotics, feminism, psychoanalysis, deconstruction, Foucault). Students examine a variety of texts as strategies for determining and analyzing different theories and methods, and their application to visual examples with a focus on the twentieth century: situating the modern and postmodern precursors to art of the twenty-first century.
AVC 7111
World & Global Arts
The course addresses issues that relate to the interpretation, perception and representation of the visual arts cross culturally with a focus on indigenous, peripheral, diasporic, and minoritarian expressions gathered under the definition ‘World Arts’. Students are encouraged to investigate issues that relate to engaging with art from different backgrounds, and consider critically colonial/neo- colonial and decolonial contexts and the dynamic changes that these engender. A range of case studies will be examined, which may include the representations and interventions of artists and craftspeople from the Americas, Africa, Oceania in dialogue with art cultures and canons developed along the North-Atlantic axis.
Spring Semester
AVC 7104
Contemporary Art
Engages students with the diversity of contemporary artistic practice in an international setting, situating this historically, conceptually and theoretically. Students will consider critically the diversity of and interface between contemporary visual practices on a global scale, situating these within current theoretical concerns, and examining a wide range of case studies and the social, cultural and political issues emerging from these. Extensive use will be made of London’s galleries and thriving multicultural contemporary art scene, with examples drawn from such case studies as the Middle East, Africa, India, China, Russia, Europe and the USA.
AVC 7105
Visual Cultures
This interdisciplinary course enables students to develop a conceptual framework within which to evaluate the role of the visual in contemporary society and its use as a strategy for socio-political negotiation. We examine the production and consumption of imagery in order to understand the role they play in producing meaning, specific to global contexts. Throughout the course students will examine a range of examples and case studies circulated through digital media, as well as images generated via art-making, advertising, graphic design and comics, design history, film studies, television and streaming services, public art and other contemporary visually-engaged practices.
AVC 7106
Professional Practices in the Visual Arts
This interdisciplinary course provides students with the concepts, knowledge, skills and experience required for successful placements in professional positions in a range of international arts and cultural industries. Students will develop their own professional concept/knowledge portfolio based on case study topics and workplace scenarios that may include: engagement with current discourses related to curatorial and gallery practices, management skills, ethical working practices, as well as the social and regenerative potential of the arts. Making use of London as a second classroom, the course will involve analyses of and trips to a number of arts organizations; these include not-for-profit arts institutions as well as commercial galleries, auction houses, and art fairs. The course will also integrate a number of guest lectures from leaders who represent the diversity of the art world in London today.
Summer Semester
plus EITHER
AVC 7902
Internship
A part-time work placement of approximately three months (depending on the requirements of the organization in question; a minimum of 9 weeks) within an organization to enable students to participate in graduate level experiential learning and so develop hands-on skills and professional experience which will prepare them for work in a range of arts and creative cultural industries. Placements are supervised, career-related work experiences combined with reflective, academic study that help students ‘learn by doing’. During the internship, the staff of the Internship Office and a faculty supervisor work closely with each student and the organization to ensure that the placement is a successful one.
AVC 7500
Thesis
For students working independently on their Masters thesis. The dissertation encourages students to study intensively a topic agreed with a supervisor, and so develop skills and experience which can be applied in work placements or further graduate work. The course is comprised of independent research and writing, overseen by a thesis supervisor, resulting in production of a 10-12,000 word thesis. Collaborative and supportive dialogue with the supervisor and fellow ‘junior research colleagues’ will involve advice on the research and writing process, suggestions for resources and research directions, and comments on draft chapters of the thesis.
OR
AVC 7550
Extended Thesis Research
For students working independently on their Masters thesis. An extended thesis of 15,000-20,000 words is offered as an alternative to the mandatory internship. The dissertation encourages students to study intensively a topic agreed with a supervisor, and so develop skills and experience which can be applied in work placements or further graduate work. The course is comprised of independent research and writing, overseen by a thesis supervisor, resulting in production of a 15,000-20,000 word thesis. Collaborative and supportive dialogue with the supervisor and fellow ‘junior research colleagues’ will involve advice on the research and writing process, suggestions for resources and research directions, and comments on draft chapters of the thesis.
Art History and Visual Culture, (MA) 2024-25 Specification Document (PDF)
The information above is intended as an example only, featuring course details for the current year of study. In addition to the courses outlined above, there may be open electives. Course content and delivery can be subject to change. For more detailed information on the programme specification, please find more details
here
Teaching & Assessment
Teaching & Assessment
Each course typically involves three to four contact hours per week over a 12-week semester, except the Research Project or Extended Research Project in the Summer semester which require self-directed learning with academic supervision, and the internship which requires part-time work placement for two-three months (minimum of 200 hours).
The balance of assessment by examination, practical assessment and assessment by coursework will vary for each programme and will also depend on the optional electives you choose each year and may be subject to change.  The methods of assessment can involve the use of term-papers, portfolios of work, quizzes, mid-semester and final exams as well as student presentations and general class discussion. Not every component applies to every course, but most do relate to many of the classes that are offered. Many of our courses involve a site visit or require attendance at a public lecture as well.
The approximate percentage of the broad assessment types for the programme, based on 2024/25 entry is as follows.
Core:
Coursework 62%, Practical 38% and Examination 0%
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for the majority of our
postgraduate masters degrees
at Richmond are the same, regardless of your chosen study option, excluding some of our MSc level programmes
Academic Entry Requirements
UK first Degree minimum
second class honours (2.2)
US Degree with a minimum
CGPA of between 2.5 and 3.0
or international equivalent
We understand that not every student is in the same situation, if you have any questions about your qualifications, please get in touch with us
[email protected]
English Language Entry Requirements
IELTS: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each of the four components
For tests taken before 21 January 2026: TOEFL iBT:
92 overall with 21 in Listening, 22 in Reading, 21 in Writing, 23 in Speaking.
For tests taken on or after 21 January 2026: TOEFL iBT:
5.0 overall with 4.5 in each component.
Pearson Test of English: 65 overall with 60 in each of the four components
Cambridge: 176 overall with 169 in each of the four components
For more information on English Language Requirements visit our
How to Apply webpage
Fees & funding
Fees & funding
Postgraduate tuition fees for students starting their programme this academic year can be found in the table below.
Programme Fees (Per Year)
UK
EU / INT / US
Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
MA Programmes
(per year)
£12,500
£18,500
Hint:
Scroll left & right to view the full table)
For more information visit our
Tuition Fees & Funding webpage
Link to: UK/EU Postgraduate Scholarships & Funding
UK SCHOLARSHIPS
Link to: International Postgraduate Scholarships & Funding
INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Link to: United States Postgraduate Scholarship & Government Loans
US SCHOLARSHIPS
Careers & Employability
Careers & Employability
We offer career support and advice through our
Careers & Internships Office
that will assist and guide you in your study choices to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Through internships you will gain business acumen, beneficial work experiences and transferable skills which will give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced working environment. Work while you study across 5 continents through our partners
Connect123
and
CRCC Asia
with destinations in Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.
MA Art History & Visual Culture Career Paths
Award winning advertising agencies and PR agencies, WPP Group, Ogilvy & Mather, Saatchi & Saatchi, DDB, OMG Group, MediaCom, Edelman, Dentsu Aegis, Publicis, Mindshare, Racepoint Global, Mischief PR, TBWA, Havas Media
Further Education
IAA – International Advertising Association, Advertising Association (AA), London Business School, London School of Economics, CIM, IDM
Membership
PRCA – Public Relations and Communications Association. For detailed information please visit the
website
Optional Accredited Internships
London or International
The Internship Programme at Richmond integrates industry knowledge with real working experience. Students will be challenged to relate course projects to the workplace, make contacts which may prove valuable to their future employment prospects, and gain confidence in their capabilities, creativity and communication skills. Internships are designed to be both demanding and rewarding. The internship will provide an opportunity to better understand the marketplace, using the skills learned on courses in a real-world setting, as students produce an assessed record of their experiences.
A broad education of this kind equips graduates for a wide range of careers internationally, while enabling them to develop specialist expertise in areas of particular interest.
USA (additional cost)
Students interested in gaining work experience in the USA during their last semester and wishing for help to secure a placement can be linked up to Richmond’s partner GCC (Global Career Center).
This organization will offer students comprehensive career training, find them a placement with a hosting company related to their field of studies in the USA and provide all the necessary support to students with their J1 visa application.
This optional internship will incur an additional cost of $3500 (£2600) which will cover: the J1 visa application, site visit and insurance costs ($1820), GCC’s continuous training as well as finding a placement.
The initial cost to start the coaching and training part of the programme is $1,000 and the rest of the fee is only paid once the internship has been confirmed by the host organisation/company and validated by RAIUL’s International Internship Coordinator.
An official certificate of completion will be awarded to every student having successfully completed the programme.
Visit our
Careers & Internships
webpage for more details on the Host Organisations and examples of Work projects.
How to apply
How to apply for MA Art History & Visual Culture
You can apply for Postgraduate study using our
online application form
Whilst most of our courses do not set an exact deadline for applications, you are advised to apply early to secure your place and organise any sponsorship or funding.
Visit our
How to Apply webpage
for more information regarding Entry Requirements, admissions processes and to start your application.
“Seeing comes before words”
John Berger
Ways of Seeing
What our students say
“The MA Art History and Visual Culture represented an incredible opportunity on many levels. First, the programme provided me with all the tools and instrument to critically engage with the art world, from both a theoretical and practical perspective. Indeed, it gave me the freedom to further explore my area of interest, and expand my research acknowledging and applying different methods of analysis. Coming from a linguistic background, I was unsure of my success in the art world. However, the intelligent and in-depth structure of the programme guarantees for any student the complete, various and thorough education needed to approach the art world.
“Second, being part of this programme opened so many working possibilities I originally did not take into account, which, on the contrary, turned out to be my actual career path.”
“Lastly, but most importantly, while studying at Richmond, I have always felt encouraged to explore, expand my research and, in a way, to pursue my dream. No voice and no opinion was ignored, allowing an interesting and stimulating dialogue not only with the professors, but also with my fellow classmates who turned this academic year into an amazing journey and who became my system of support. The professionalism and efforts of the faculty members and of my peers, especially in these challenging times, soon became a source of inspiration to work hard and to contribute to the programme.”
“Choosing to move to London, enrolling in the MA Art History and Visual Culture programme and pursuing a career in the art world represents one of the best decisions I have taken, one I will never regret.”
Enrica Medugno
Art History and Visual Culture - MA
“My experience was radically different from my classmates. I lived an hour away, I worked three jobs and completed two internships all while in the program. Mostly I made friends with people in my community rather than at school.
My experience was far from typical, even gruelling at times. But I walked away having lived the best version of studying abroad and becoming the best version of myself–growing as a person, as a student, as a critical thinker and a writer. I loved Richmond and owe so much to this experience.”
Antoinette Alba
Art History and Visual Culture - MA
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