Richmond American University London
MA Art History & Visual Culture
London, United Kingdom
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
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.
Fall Semester
- AVC 7100 Research Methods
- AVC 7102 Art & its Histories
- AVC 7111 World & Global Arts
Spring Semester
- AVC 7104 Contemporary Art
- AVC 7105 Visual Cultures
- AVC 7106 Professional Practices in the Visual Arts
Summer Semester
plus EITHER
- AVC 7902 Internship
- AVC 7500 Thesis
OR
- AVC 7550 Extended Thesis Research
- 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 small classes (average 10–15 students)
- 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
Further Education
IAA – International Advertising Association,Advertising Association(AA),London Business School, London School of Economics, CIM, IDM
We offer career support and advice through our Careers & Internships Office which 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
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 requires 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%