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Open University in Ireland

Art History

The MA in Art History draws upon the exciting research and outstanding teaching expertise of the department. Studying art history at postgraduate level will deepen your understanding of art, architecture and visual culture, build your analytical and critical skills, and develop the skills needed for independent study and research. You will start by exploring the core concepts and recent developments that have shaped art history from Renaissance Italy to the contemporary Caribbean, before building on these foundations to expand your understanding of visual and material objects incorporating architecture, art and design. You will complete the degree by researching and writing a dissertation on an agreed topic of your own devising.

Key features of the course
Engages critically with key theories and approaches developed to interpret and explain works of art and architecture
Examines critical debates both within the academic discipline of art history and in the 'real world' contexts of heritage, curating and museums
Prepares and inspires you to confidently develop and articulate your own standpoint within the discipline
Concludes with a substantial piece of independent research and a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Entry requirements

You must hold an honours degree to study for our MA in Art History course. Although your degree need not be in art history, you must have a substantial background in the subject, together with the study skills expected of a graduate in this field. The part 1 module brings you up to date with the latest ideas and approaches, but it does not offer remedial undergraduate training if your qualifications and/or experience are inappropriate if youre in any doubt, please contact us before you enrol.

To study successfully for this MA, you need to be able to:
write clear, concise, accurate prose
read large quantities of text quickly, accurately and critically
classify evidence precisely and assess its value and reliability
argue logically, consistently and sceptically
marshal various sorts of evidence to support a logical argument.

Duration

2 - 10 years. The minimum time to complete is two years, the maximum time to complete is ten years.

Number of credits

180 credits

Careers or further progression

Career relevance
An MA in Art History will provide you with a wide range of skills, including visual and textual analysis and critical thinking and writing, which can be successfully transferred to a variety of careers in the professional and educational sectors. The MA in Art History will teach you to think critically about historical and contemporary cultural debates around works of art and will provide you with an awareness of art historys professional contexts. The MA is an excellent starting point for a career in the heritage and cultural sectors, from educator to curator to art critic. If youre interested in an academic career, the MA is an essential step towards embarking on a PhD.

There is more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OUs Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.

Further enquiries

Tel: (01) 678 5399
Fax: (01) 678 5442
Email: ireland@open.ac.uk

Subjects taught

Modules
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:

Compulsory modules Credits next Start:
MA Art History part 1 (A843) 60 7th Oct 2017
MA Art History part 2 (A844) 120 7th Oct 2017

Or 180 credits from the discontinued modules A840, A841 and A847 if you started before 2014.

You should note that the Universitys unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

The modules quoted in this description are currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time.

Comment

On completion
On successful completion of the required modules you can be awarded the Master of Arts in Art History entitling you to use the letters MA (Art Hist) (Open) after your name. You will have the opportunity of being presented at a degree ceremony.

If you leave the programme before you qualify for a degree you can be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Humanities after successfully completing MA Art History part 1 (A843).

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