Overview

The Curating Art MA is designed to provide students with an unparalleled experience and a professional edge in the field of historical and contemporary art. The course blends cutting-edge contemporary theory with real-world experience essential for establishing or progressing a career in the art world.

What You'll Learn

Students will explore professional practice in art museums and galleries, developing an understanding of the practical and intellectual implications of curating art by designing a real-time exhibition project. The course covers all aspects of art museum and gallery work, using a variety of teaching and learning strategies to help students achieve their learning objectives.

Modules

The course includes the following modules:

• Museums, Galleries and Heritage in Society (20 credits)
• Understanding Objects, Collections and Stories in Museums, Galleries & Heritage (20 credits)
• Contemporary Curating: Histories, Ethics, Sites (20 credits)
• Curating Art in the Gallery (20 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Digital Communication for Cultural Institutions and Organisations (20 credits)
  • Management Practices in Museum, Galleries and Heritage Studies (20 credits)
  • Museum, Gallery, Heritage Practice (10-day placement) (20 credits)

How You'll Learn

The course is delivered through a combination of scheduled contact time, including seminars, practical sessions, and workshops, as well as online lecture materials and activities. Part-time study consists of the same modules and options as the full-time course but spread over a longer period.

Assessment Methods

Students will be assessed through a combination of:

• Design or creative project
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Portfolio
• Report
• Research proposal
• Written exercise

Your Future

The course equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in the art world, with graduates going on to work in roles such as curator, gallery manager, exhibitions officer, and collections assistant.

Careers Service

The university's Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, providing an extensive range of opportunities to all students through the ncl+ initiative.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked:

• Global Top 140 University (QS World University Rankings 2026)
• Global Top 160 University (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025)
• Top 100 for Performing Arts (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024)

Facilities

Students will benefit from the university's links to significant cultural organisations and resources on campus and in the city, including:

• BALTIC, Centre for Contemporary Art
• Laing Art Gallery
• Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art
• The NewBridge Project
• North East Museums
• Great North Museum: Hancock
• Hatton Gallery
• UNESCO-recognised Gertrude Bell Archive
• Farrell Centre
• The Institute for Creative Arts Practice

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry:

• PGDip Full time: £7,600 (Home), £17,250 (International)
• PGDip Part time: £3,800 (Home)
• MA Full time: £11,400 (Home), £25,900 (International)
• MA Part time: £5,700 (Home)

Scholarships

The university offers a range of scholarships, including Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in any subject
• Non-standard qualifications and/or relevant professional experience in the museum, gallery, and heritage sectors may be considered
• English Language requirements: IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or other qualifications

Admissions Policy

The university's Admissions Policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.

How to Apply

Applications can be made through the university's application portal. There is no application closing date for this course. International students are advised to apply at least two months before the course starts. A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students who need a visa to study in the UK.

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Degree Overview:

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MA Curating Art:

• This program aims to develop students into leading curators, educators, producers, or visual arts professionals in the field of historical and contemporary art.
• The program blends contemporary theory with real-world experience in the art world.
• Students are taught by established curators, artists, educators, researchers, and sector professionals with substantial experience in the field.
• Through practical sessions, exhibition making, and placement opportunities, students develop their professional practice.
• The program culminates in the co-curation of a public-facing group exhibition in collaboration with the Hatton Gallery.
Additionally, students will organize and deliver a program of public activities and learning events.
• The regional location provides a rich environment with over 80 regional galleries and museums, two World Heritage Sites, and many heritage venues.

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Curating Art PGDip:

• This program is a shorter version of the MA program, covering the same theoretical and practical aspects.
• It provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills required for a successful career in curating art.
• The program culminates in a creative project or a researched essay.

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Outline:

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Modules:

• Compulsory Modules (All Programs):
• Museums, Galleries, and Heritage in Society (20 credits)
• Understanding Objects, Collections, and Stories in Museums, Galleries & Heritage (20 credits)
• Contemporary Curating: Histories, Ethics, Sites (20 credits)
• Curating Art in the Gallery (20 credits)
• Optional Modules (All Programs):
• Digital Communication for Cultural Institutions and Organisations (20 credits)
• Management Practices in Museum, Galleries and Heritage Studies (20 credits)
• Museum, Gallery, Heritage Practice (10-day placement) (20 credits)

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Dissertation/Project:

• MA program: Students can choose between a 12,000-15,000-word research dissertation or a 6,000-8,000-word reflective assignment on a 25-day placement.
• PGDip program: Students must complete a 12,000-15,000-word research dissertation.

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Assessment:

• The assessment methods vary depending on the chosen modules and may include:
• Design or creative projects
• Dissertations
• Essays
• Reports
• Research proposals
• Written exercises

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Teaching:

• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including seminars, practical sessions, workshops, and online learning materials.
• The delivery is on-campus in Newcastle city center.

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Careers:

• The program prepares graduates for careers as:
• Curators
• Educators
• Producers
• Visual arts professionals
• Arts administrators
• Gallery directors
• The program draws on the academic expertise and strong links to cultural organizations in the region.
• Students have access to various facilities, including libraries, computing facilities, and the Hatton Gallery.

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Summary:

Both the MA and PGDip programs provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the exciting world of curating art. The programs offer a rigorous academic environment, professional development opportunities, and close ties to the cultural sector. The location of the program, with its rich cultural offering, further enhances the experience.

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Overview:

Newcastle University is a public research university located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is known for its high-quality research and teaching, and its commitment to social justice and engagement.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to students, including: *

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Careers Service:

Provides guidance and support with career planning, job applications, and internships. *

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Library:

Offers extensive resources, including books, journals, databases, and study spaces. *

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Student Support:

Provides a variety of services to help students succeed, including academic support, counseling, and disability services. *

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Accommodation:

Offers a range of on-campus accommodation options, including halls of residence and self-catered apartments. *

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Sport:

Provides access to a variety of sports facilities and activities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Newcastle University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can get involved in a wide range of clubs and societies, attend events and lectures, and enjoy the city's nightlife and cultural attractions.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High-quality research and teaching:

Newcastle University is consistently ranked highly in national and international league tables.

Strong focus on employability:

The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.

Vibrant and diverse campus community:

Students can enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment.

Excellent location:

Newcastle is a thriving city with a rich history and culture.

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Academic Programs:

Newcastle University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including: *

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Science, Agriculture & Engineering

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Humanities & Social Sciences

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Medical Sciences

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Other:

• The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and social justice.
• It is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Ageing and Inequalities and the Centre for Data.
• Newcastle University is a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.