Global Gallery Studies

The MA in Global Gallery Studies (MAGGS) online programme is a unique two-year part-time MA that prepares you for a career in the gallery sector and fine arts institutions in Ireland and internationally. Directed by History of Art, and taught in association with Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies and Digital Humanities, UCC, the programme offers an innovative blend of theory, research and real-world gallery practices in a global context.



Our students engage with theoretical modules including an introduction to global gallery studies, global art histories for curators and digital arts and humanities, as well as practice-based modules including online fieldwork and networking with national and international galleries, and an onsite project-led internship with a prominent fine art gallery in Ireland or internationally.



This online programme will expose students to critical and practical skills prized by the Arts sector as well as provide a comprehensive understanding of 21st-century gallery practices across different geographical borders and cultural traditions.

The part-time programme (90 credits) is delivered online and across two years



Year 1: Theory Meets Practice



Core modules delivered across Semesters 1 and 2

HA6026: Global Galleries and Art: History, Theory and Practice (10 Credits)

DH6023: Conceptual Introduction to Digital Arts and Humanities (10 Credits)

HA6031: Global Galleries Fieldwork (10 Credits)

HS6024: Global Contemporary Art (10 Credits)



Year 2: Research Meets Practice



Core Modules Delivered across Semesters 1 + 2 + 3

HA6028: Research Project in Global Gallery Studies (30 Credits)

HA6029: Project-Led Gallery Internship (20 Credits)



Candidates may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to exempt themselves from having to complete select modules. RPL applications for module exemptions should be submitted before the learner/prospective learner is registered for their chosen programme. Please contact the Programme Director Dr. Mary Kelly for further information and queries.



Postgraduate Diploma in Global Gallery Studies

Candidates who pass 60 credits and who choose not to progress to the research project or who fail, or fail to submit, the research project, may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Global Gallery Studies.

Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in Arts and Humanities.



Applicants with a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8), in Arts and Humanities, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.



Applicants with a primary degree other than Second Class Honours who demonstrate a high level of significant and relevant experience, may also apply under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Admission of such applicants will be subject to the approval of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences.



As part of the application process, all applicants must submit a motivation statement (500 words) detailing their interest in the programme, their particular research interests and methodologies to date, and their future professional goals.



All applicants may be subject to an interview as part of the selection process.



Garda Vetting: All students on this programme will require Garda Vetting. Garda Vetting is compulsory for participation in the core Gallery Internship module and other practice-based workshops. Please see Vetting Procedure | University College Cork for further details on the vetting application process.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.



In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Closing Date

Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date

Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.

2 Years Part-time. Course Delivery Method Online

Start Date 7 September 2026

Skills and Careers Information

We support the gallery profession through entry-level training and continuing professional development of existing staff. Career pathways include:



Administrator/Gallery Assistant

Archive Digitisation (Gallery website content creation, maintenance, and development, including social media integration).

Artist Advisor

Creative Industries

Critical Writing

Cultural Tourism

Curator of Online Collections

Development Officer

Editorial Departments

Exhibitions Curator

Gallery/Art Consultancy

Global Outreach Officer

Heritage and the Arts

Programmes and Education Curator/Officer

Research in the Arts