History of Art, Conservation and Curating - Postgraduate Prospectus - Courtauld Institute of Art
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History of Art,
Conservation
and Curating
Postgraduate Prospectus
2021/22
Contents
2021/22
2021/22
Director’s welcome 03
About us 07
Our campus 08
Why study at The Courtauld? 11
History of Art
Graduate Diploma in the History of Art 12
MA History of Art 14
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
Conservation
Postgraduate Diploma in the Conservation of Easel Paintings 21
Curating
MA Curating the Art Museum 25
Research Degree 26
Admissions 28
Fees and funding 30
Student stories 32
Study resources 37
Health and wellbeing 38
The Research Forum 40
The Collection 43
Careers 46
Alumni 48
The Students’ Union 52
Accommodation 54
Contact us 55
Welcome
Contents
Cover image: J.M.W. Turner, Dawn after the Wreck, circa 1835-40, The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust) © The Courtauld.
2 1
Director’s
2021/22
welcome
I am delighted you are considering studying at The public. Meanwhile, our university operations, teaching
Courtauld Institute of Art, the world leading centre for and learning have been relocated to a spacious, and
the study of History of Art, Conservation and Curating. purpose-built educational facility at Vernon Square.
This transformation is not just about our physical
The Courtauld is unique. It brings together buildings, but also about how we continue to open
exceptional teaching and research in the history and The Courtauld up to new audiences, and ensure our
conservation of art and an outstanding art collection. student experience is relevant to today’s challenges.
It has an unmatched concentration of specialisms from For example, plans are now underway to recruit two
antiquity to the present, and across the world. Our new academic posts in Modern and Contemporary
small class sizes create an inspiring atmosphere where Art and Visual Culture, with a specialism in Black
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
you can explore those subject matters that most studies, the arts of Africa, or its global diasporas.
interest you, and where you will develop knowledge, Further information can be found throughout this
friends and contacts for life. We pride ourselves on prospectus.
offering a truly memorable learning experience, open
to everyone — regardless of background — which will I hope you will join our unique and friendly community
stay with you always. of students and scholars, passionate about Art
History and committed to the very highest levels of
Our academic staff are leaders in a broad range of achievement. We look forward to welcoming you.
fields, from the medieval to the modern day. Their
passion and commitment to their disciplines enriches
the student experience by bringing current research
and debates into classroom discussion. Through its
global network of 8,000 alumni, The Courtauld is
at the heart of an evolving community of specialists
who shape the international art world, and plays a key Professor Deborah Swallow,
roles in a huge range of professions beyond it. Alumni Märit Rausing Director
have included the Directors of the National Gallery,
National Portrait Gallery and Tate Modern in London,
and further afield in the Metropolitan Museum of Art,
Istanbul Modern Art Museum and Christchurch Art
Gallery. Many of our graduates enter other professions
as entrepreneurs, lawyers, publishers, journalists,
politicians, teachers, and more.
But coming to The Courtauld is not just about our
incredible history. The Courtauld is at a moment of
great change and excitement at present, with our
Director’s welcome
Director’s welcome
major transformation project at Somerset House in
full swing. The Courtauld Gallery will reopen in 2021,
giving you constant, free access to its collections and
providing opportunities for you further to develop
your skills – for example, by giving gallery talks to the
2 3
About us Postgraduate Prospectus 2021/22
4
Conservation student at the studio at Vernon Square
5
Welcome Postgraduate Prospectus 2021/22
About
2021/22
2021/22
us
The Courtauld Institute of Art is a The Courtauld brings together all Over the past 85 years, The
small, friendly, specialist centre for aspects of the visual world in one Courtauld has developed as the
the study of Art History, Conservation centre. We have the largest faculty leading Art History department in the
and Curating, with one of the UK’s of art historians in the country, who country, attracting the best students,
major art collections at its heart. are working on an increasingly global teachers and researchers. With over
It is an independent college of scale, from the Americas to Europe, 500 students taking degrees from
the University of London and was and Asia, and we have funding to BA to PhD, you will meet students
founded in 1932 as the UK’s first make appointments in the field of from all courses and years. We have a
university department devoted to the the arts of Africa in the coming year —
very lively research culture, attracting
study of art, by Samuel Courtauld, with a particular interest in studyingsome of the leading figures in Art
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
Viscount Lee of Fareham and Sir how the arts of all these regions History, museums and galleries
Robert Witt, who believed in the interact and intertwine. from around the art world, who
importance of art, the power it has give lectures and seminars at The
in societies across the world, and Our size means that we have Courtauld, which we encourage all
the need to study and understand expertise across all periods from our students to attend. Students are
the ways in which it works. the Late Antique World to the also encouraged to debate, engage
contemporary, but we are still small and question, not only during your
enough that we can all come together formal studies, but in the range of
as a community. We study, research events outside this, through societies,
and teach about art in all forms and Research Forum and careers events.
all media, from the smallest, most
personal painting or object to the Our graduates are a testament to
design and evolution of whole cities; the lasting impact of studying at
from medieval cathedrals, mosques The Courtauld, and go on to have a
and temples, to modern fashion, tremendous impact in the art world,
photography and performance art. as well as in academia, politics, law,
journalism, technology, marketing,
finance and other non-arts sectors.
The Courtauld brings together
all aspects of the visual world
in one centre.
About us
About us
6 7
Our campus
2021/22
2021/22
Courtauld Connects
Vernon Square campus Our neighbourhood at Somerset House
Since January 2019, teaching and King’s Cross is home to one of Courtauld Connects is a major
learning, including our faculty staff the biggest and most exciting transformation project, which will
and book library, has been housed in redevelopment projects in London. enable The Courtauld significantly
a spacious, purpose-built educational It is a vibrant part of the city with to improve teaching and research
facility at Vernon Square, located in the likes of Google HQ, UAL Central facilities, enhance the Gallery and
King’s Cross, London. Saint Martins campus, and many new widen and extend our reach locally,
homes, shops, offices, galleries, bars nationally and internationally.
This is while our permanent home at and restaurants moving into the area.
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
Somerset House is being transformed We are also close to Regent’s Canal, A key part of the project is the major
as part of our major project to open a charming waterway which runs refurbishment of The Courtauld’s
up our Gallery and teaching facilities through the heart of King’s Cross. The magnificent buildings in the North
to even more people, and create location has excellent transport links Block of Somerset House, which
exciting new study facilities. throughout London via bicycle, buses will transform the experience of
and tubes. You can even go directly The Courtauld for our students and
We are located a five minute walk into central Paris using the Eurostar at the public.
from King’s Cross Station in a St Pancras International train station,
dynamic and vibrant part of London, which is only a short walk away from With a refurbished home, we will be
near world-class research and the campus. better suited to host new audiences,
cultural facilities including the British create partnerships with other key
Library and the University of London Our campus at Vernon Square means institutions around the world, and
Senate House. that we are within walking distance of enhance our digital presence.
13 extraordinary museums, including The first stage of the programme
At Vernon Square we offer an some of the world’s biggest museums will see our Gallery at Somerset
excellent student experience and and collections: the British Library, House planned to reopen in 2021 —
learning environment, with purpose- the British Museum and The National an exciting landmark
built lecture theatres and seminar Gallery. There are also lesser known in our development.
rooms, as well as digital resources gems, such as the Foundling Museum
and our library with more than — the first public art gallery in London
200,000 books. — and the Wellcome Collection.
There is a strong sense of community
in King’s Cross, with an exciting
cultural scene and a thriving business
community. It is modern, innovative,
and a great location for our students
to study and thrive.
Our campus
Welcome
8 9
Why study at
2021/22
2021/22
The Courtauld?
At The Courtauld, you will be able importance of seeing works of art
to study across media, time and in person, and teaching takes place At The Courtauld,
geographies, and will be taught in galleries and museums across
by academics who are leading London, as well as further afield. you will be able
researchers in their field. The
Courtauld has achieved Silver in the
Courtauld students will have access
to our own Gallery once it reopens, to study across
Teaching Excellence Framework
(TEF) for delivering high quality
and with this, are able to access our
collection, and can take advantage
media, time and
teaching, learning and outcomes of work and training opportunities geographies, and
for its students, exceeding rigorous in the Gallery. You can also study
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
national quality requirements for works from our collection in the Prints will be taught by
UK higher education. Our teachers
will give you lots of different ways of
and Drawings Room, where you can
call up works to examine from Old
academics who are
looking at and thinking about art, and Masters to the Avant Garde. leading researchers
are all committed to the work of art as
an object. Our small class sizes create Outside formal teaching, you are in their field.
an inspiring atmosphere where you encouraged to participate in a range
can explore those subject matters of activities to support and broaden
that most interest you, and where you your art historical knowledge. Our
will develop knowledge, friends and Research Forum hold over 150 events Each year we welcome more than
contacts for life. per year including workshops and 200 students onto our various
public lectures from guest speakers. postgraduate programmes. This
Studying in London places you at Our Careers Service also run a range is the largest and most vibrant
the heart of the global art world, of events and activities to support community of students dedicated to
and allows you to access a range your career aspirations, whether the study of Art History, Conservation
of galleries and museums across in the arts or beyond. Although and Curating anywhere in the UK. The
London, as well as art fairs such as small in number, our alumni form a large size of the cohort is balanced
Frieze London. We understand the global community of world-leading by our ethos of small group teaching:
specialists in the arts and other the Art History MA Special Options
sectors. Courtauld graduates have are taught in groups of 8–10; the
gone on to work for prestigious Curating MA recruits a maximum of
organisations such as Tate, V&A, 12 students, and the conservation
Sotheby’s, BBC, Google and Amazon. programmes provide even more
focused teaching.
Why study at The Courtauld?
Welcome
10 11
History of Art
2021/22
2021/22
Students have access to all that
The Courtauld has to offer, including
world-class events run by the Research
Forum, careers events and one-to-one
Graduate Diploma
sessions with professional writers.
in the History of Art
Structure
Intake: Around 30 students
Duration: Nine months, full-time The Graduate Diploma is structured
into three elements:
The Graduate Diploma is The programme is supported by a The Diploma is particularly suitable 1) The Foundations Lecture Course 2) Constellations I and II 3) The Assessed Essay
a concentrated form of the personal tutor and by study sessions for people coming back into higher Foundations consists of a series In each term you will take one of This 5,000-word essay provides an
undergraduate degree and gives and workshops on topics such as education after a period away, or of 60 lectures, arranged broadly several Constellations courses, with opportunity to undertake a more
graduates of other disciplines the reading art historical texts and essay those who want to gain a broad chronologically, that introduce you to twice-weekly lectures on a broad substantial piece of independent
opportunity to transfer their existing writing. Students have access to overview of the possibilities of Art a selected range of key works of art theme and/or period in the History research. It allows students to engage
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
skills to the study of Art History. all that The Courtauld has to offer, History before moving on to more and architecture, as well as themes of Art, and an accompanying weekly with an extended treatment of an
Through the Foundations course, including world-class events run specialised study. It provides a and issues in the History of Art from seminar (maximum 10 students) object or issue on a subject of their
which runs throughout the year, by the Research Forum, careers rigorous and solid foundation for classical antiquity to the present. The which will engage with a particular choice, supported by a supervisor
you will gain a broad overview of events and one-to-one sessions with further postgraduate study, and Foundations lectures are supported aspect of the theme in a separate but from amongst the faculty.
art historical themes and methods. professional writers. In addition to many graduates from the programme by weekly discussion classes, which complementary way. Courses are
Alongside this, you will take a course the core elements of the programme, continue to MA study at The give you the opportunity to analyse assigned taking into account student
each term (called a ‘Constellations’ you are welcome to attend lectures Courtauld or elsewhere. Others go the arguments proposed in the preference, but please note that in
course) devoted to looking in greater from other programmes, including on to careers in the art world, such lectures, develop critical skills, and order to retain small group teaching Entry requirements
depth at a theme and/or period in the the other Constellations options as in art education or publishing, or raise any questions you may have. we are unable to guarantee specific
History of Art. Finally, you also write and Frameworks, which provides combine skills and knowledge from course choices. The courses on offer You will normally have achieved a
a 5,000-word assessed essay, which a challenging introduction to a previous career with Art History differ in any given year, but previous high 2:1 undergraduate degree,
allows you to explore a particular art-historical methodologies, to take an entirely new path. There courses have included: considered to be at least 65%. Please
issue and develop your individual ranging from biography, formalism, are others who take the Diploma see our website for information about
research skills. The teaching is a and iconology to Marxism, purely for their own satisfaction and • From Shiraz to Beijing: Persian Arts the application process:
mixture of lectures (with up to 100 psychoanalysis, and postcolonial personal development. Whatever in the Global Fifteenth Century courtauld.ac.uk/pg-how-to-apply
students) and seminars in groups theory. your motivation, you will become part • Cold War Cultures: Art in a Divided
of 10–15 students. of a diverse and rich cohort, ready to World 1945–1991
share experiences and knowledge • Object, Subject, World: American
in a way that fosters high levels of Art 1945–1975
engagement, academic achievement • Arts in Italy 1580–1680: Mass
and a unique sense of community Culture, Innovation and Censorship
Graduate Diploma in the History of Art
• The City and the Country: Painting
Graduate Diploma in the History of Art
that often long outlasts the taught
programme itself. in France, 1871–1914
• Questioning the Italian Renaissance:
Art in Italy from 1470–1527
12 13
MA History of Art
2021/22
2021/22
Intake: 180–200 students
Duration: Nine months, full-time
The Courtauld MA History of Art Special Options taught in small The MA History of Art combines
provides the best in research-led groups of 8–10 remain the hallmark our long-standing commitment to
teaching by world class faculty of The Courtauld MA History of Art. specialism with new means to foster
members in a unique, single- Renowned for their rigour, their fresh dialogues among students from
subject setting. It is renowned breadth and scope continues to across our tightly-knit community.
for offering outstanding training expand, with options on Eastern Throughout the first term, you will
in the specialised analytical and Europe, China, the Middle East, Latin attend a weekly lecture course
communication skills necessary for America and Russia. Special options designed and delivered by faculty to
further research or for employment range across media, temporalities explore cutting-edge thinking from
in the arts sector and across a and geographies to include across the breadth of our discipline.
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
wide range of other careers. The topics such as ‘Strolling Isfahan: You will also participate in shared
programme excels at developing Masters, Merchants and Monarchs’, interest study strands designed to
well-rounded and intellectually ‘Countercultures: Alternative Art in complement your chosen Special
astute art historians and museum Eastern Europe and Latin America Option. MA History of Art students
professionals equipped to make an 1959–1989’ and ‘Photography, Film are also warmly invited to continue
important contribution to public life. and Video in Global Contemporary to expand their engagement with
Art’. Recent additions to the art history by auditing a range of BA
programme include ‘Beyond Abstract lecture series (BA1 Foundations, BA2
Expressionism: American Origins, Constellations, BA2 Frameworks, BA3
Global Afterlives’ and ‘Wordplay: Lessons in Critical Interpretation).
Intersections between the verbal and
the visual, c.1870 to the present’. The Courtauld MA History of Art
provides outstanding tailored
support and supervision to help you
to realise your full academic potential
and to go on to flourish in your career.
MA History of Art
Welcome
MA History of Art teaching at the British Museum
14 15
MA History of Art
2021/22
2021/22
Students benefit from tailored
individual support in the form
of one-to-one tutorials with faculty
and receive extensive feedback on
Special Options
drafts of their written work.
2021/21
Click on the Special Options below to find out more.
Structure Term 1 Term 3 All our MA Special Option teaching is • Architectures of Empire: Contested Spaces and their Legacies
Students attend two classes per week The third term is devoted to the research-led. In making your choices,
• Art in Northern Europe: Reinterpreting the Object, c. 1360–1520
The Courtauld MA History of Art as part of their Special Option: one research and writing of the 10,000 please explore our faculty profile
combines a range of teaching per week takes the form of a Special word Dissertation. Students benefit pages on the website to discover more • Beyond Abstract Expressionism: American Origins, Global Afterlives
methods and learning strands, Option seminar, the other may take from tailored individual support about individual research interests and • Beyond Utopia: New Geographies of Russian Art
delivered through lectures, seminars, the form of shared interest seminar or in the form of one-to-one tutorials approaches to art history:
exhibition and site visits and lecture, bringing together different with faculty and receive extensive courtauld.ac.uk/faculty • Beijing and Beyond: Art and Empire in Early Modern China
individual tutorials. The course is groups around shared historical feedback on drafts of their written • Bodies of Knowledge in the Early Modern Netherlands, 1540–1660
structured as follows: or theoretical concerns to provide work. The results are often highly Please Note: Special Options vary from
a robust foundation for further original contributions to scholarship year to year and are subject to demand. • Circum-Atlantic Visual Culture, c. 1770–1830
specialisation. Students attend across a wide field and are regularly The Courtauld reserves the right to • Countercultures: Alternative Art in Eastern Europe and
weekly faculty-led methodology commended by external examiners amend or withdraw the options which
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
Latin America, 1959–1989
lectures, designed to engage for being of publishable quality. Past run if necessary, and will always directly
students in a broad range of critical MA History of Art Dissertations are inform all applicants of any changes via • Collecting and Curating the Modern: European Art, 1863–1930
debates current across Art History as available for consultation and listed courtauld.ac.uk/ma-hoa • Continuity and Innovation: Reframing Italian Renaissance
an academic discipline. In addition in our online library catalogue.
to completing a range of informally Art from Masaccio to Michelangelo
assessed writing and presentation • Documentary Reborn: Photography, Film and Video
tasks, students attend tutorials with Entry requirements in Global Contemporary Art
their Special Option tutor as they
research and write Assessed Essay 1 You will normally have achieved a • Documenting Fashion: Modernity, Film and Image
and begin planning Assessed Essay 2. high 2:1 undergraduate degree, in America and Europe, 1920–60
considered at least 65%. Please see
• ‘Drop Dead’ New York: Art, Film and Activism Downtown, 1971–1992
Term 2 our website for information about
Students attend two Special Option the application process: • England, Europe and Beyond: Art, Trade and Identity
seminars per week over the course courtauld.ac.uk/pg-how-to-apply in the Middle Ages
of the second term. They also
attend a series of tutorials designed • Experiencing Modernism: Utopia, Politics, and Times of Turmoil
to support them in researching • Global Conceptualism: The Last Avant-Garde or a New Beginning?
and writing their second formally
assessed essay and developing • Miniature to Monumental: Encounters with Medieval Art
an independent Virtual Exhibition • Modernism after Postmodernism: Twentieth Century Art
project, before beginning to plan and its Interpretation
their dissertations.
• New York – London – Paris, 1880–1940
• Strolling Isfahan: Masters, Merchants and Monarchs
• Victorian Science and Aesthetic Movement Art
• Wordplay: Intersections between the verbal and the visual,
MA History of Art
MA History of Art
c.1870 to the present
16 172021/22
2021/22
Special Option: England, Europe and Beyond: Art, Trade and Identity in the
Middle Ages
Detail of Window nIV, Canterbury Cathedral, c. pre 1220,
© Photo: Rachel Koopmans, Canterbury, United Kingdom.
Postgraduate Prospectus
Detail of ‘Ten Thousand Countries Come to Court’,
(Wanguo laichao tu), Qianlong period, Qing artist,
The Palace Museum, Beijing, China. Special Option: Documenting Fashion: Modernity, Film
and Image in America and Europe, 1920–60
Portrait of Nina Hamnett, Roger Eliot Fry (1866–1934),
The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust) © The Courtauld
Special Option: Victorian Science and Aesthetic Movement Art
Study of a draped female figure for The Garland Weavers, 1866.
Edward Burne-Jones (1833–1898). Graphite on paper,
The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust) © The Courtauld
Special Option: New York – London – Paris, 1880–1940
Boulevard des Capuchines, Claude Monet, 1873–74. Oil on canvas, © Nelson-
Special Option: Bodies of Knowledge in the Early Modern Netherlands,
Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri.
1540–1660
Rembrandt, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicholaes Tulp, 1632,
Oil on canvas, Mauritshuis, The Hague.
Special Option: Global Conceptualism: The Last Avant-Garde
or a New Beginning?
Detail of Snail Action (piece 1 of 2), 1972, Géza Perneczky, Courtesy of the artist and
Chimera-Project Gallery, Budapest, Hungary.
MA History of Art
MA History of Art
Special Option: Experiencing Modernism: Utopia, Politics,
and Times of Turmoil
Republikanische Automaten (Republican Automatons),
George Grosz, 1925 © The Museum of Modern Art, New York/Estate of George
Grosz.
18 19Conservation
2021/22
2021/22
Postgraduate Diploma in the
Conservation of Easel Paintings
Intake: Five students
Duration: Three years, full-time Structure
The study of the conservation of The course is structured into three
easel paintings is an interdisciplinary elements:
programme, bringing together
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
Art History, Fine Art and Natural Year 1
Sciences. The competitive nature In the first year, the emphasis is on
of the course leads to an equally the development of visual, practical
exceptionally high degree of and intellectual skills. Seminars
employment upon graduation, in cover the following topics: artists’
both the most reputable institutions materials and techniques including
and private conservation studios replica making; the deterioration
in the world, such as the National of paintings and preventative
Gallery, the Metropolitan Museum conservation; documentation and
of Art, The Getty, the National Trust, technical examination; methods and
and the Royal Collection. materials of painting conservation;
On graduating, students are research and critical thinking skills.
able to address the complexity Students with a BA in Art History or
of easel painting conservation, the fine arts take Chemistry classes,
are knowledgeable about artist’s while students with a degree in
Postgraduate Diploma in the Conservation of Easel Paintings
materials and techniques from the Natural Science attend Art History
medieval to the contemporary period, classes. Time is divided equally
and thus are highly employable between teaching of theory and
practitioners in painting conservation studio practice.
and conservation science.
Welcome
20 212021/22
2021/22
Entry requirements
Year 2 Year 3
The second year centres on In the first term of the third year, Bachelor’s degree in Art History,
developing frameworks for students complete a 10,000 word- Fine Art or Science. Students will
decision-making. Teaching is long diploma thesis. The research normally have achieved a good 2.1,
primarily in the studio, working projects often achieve such high considered to be an overall average
on paintings on canvas or panels standards that they are published 65% or above. Please see our
from all periods. Students apply or presented at international website for information about the
problem-solving skills grounded conferences. In addition, application process:
in theoretical understanding and students gain such command courtauld.ac.uk/pg-how-to-apply
art historical research to specific of the theoretical and technical
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
treatments. Topics from the first year frameworks of conservation that
are studied in greater depth, such they are now able to apply their
as the technical analysis of artists’ knowledge and skills independently.
materials; painting techniques Second- and third-year students also
of modern and contemporary go on study trips abroad to centres
painters; structural treatments; of excellence and benefit both
and approaches to cleaning. from the active research culture in
The second year also includes the department itself and at The
visits to conservation studios and Courtauld at large.
scientific departments as well as
the opportunity to participate in
“Painting Pairs”, where students
collaborate with Art History students
on the research of a particular
painting.
Postgraduate Diploma in the Conservation of Easel Paintings
Postgraduate Diploma in the Conservation of Easel Paintings
22 23Curating
2021/22
2021/22
MA Curating the Art Museum
Intake: 12 students
Duration: 12 months, full-time
This programme is an excellent entry in London, one or two days a week museum visits; essay).
point for a career in museums and over a six-month period. There is a • Virtual Display exercise: four
galleries. It puts the physical object strong emphasis on collaborative sessions, with a professional curator,
at the heart of curatorial training working, in taught sessions and in at the National Gallery or Tate Britain.
whilst placing specialist knowledge the organisation of museum debates; • Contemporary Approaches to the
firmly within the context of the field trips, in the UK and Europe, are Museum (four seminars).
contemporary museum. The course organised across the year to ensure • Individual work placement in a
offers a wide range of learning the widest contact with curators, London museum or gallery, 1 or 2
environments and exercises, from museum professionals and artists, as days per week, from November to April.
taught seminars to group projects well as with exhibitions, displays and
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
and hands-on work experience, museum spaces. The programme Term 2
and encourages a wide range of culminates in a collaborative • Contemporary Approaches to the
expression, written and oral, from exhibition project, and the mounting Museum (four sessions, museum
academic writing to public debates of a public exhibition and related visits or presentations from external
and gallery talks. public events. curators, architects or artists; essay).
• Development of an Exhibition Project
This broad-based programme, The programme aims to address a (from December).
which has run since 2007, attracts wide range of interests and equip • Language and Interpretation (10
students with a range of interests, students with the expertise, research sessions, seminars, visits and group
across all periods and media, with a and professional skills for an equally exercises).
strong focus on contemporary and wide range of career paths. Over • Student-organised public Museum
innovative approaches to curating in 140 students have graduated from Debate.
public museums and galleries. The the Programme to date; around 90%
programme’s teaching draws widely of them have progressed within the Term 3
on the expertise of the art history museum and gallery sector, in a • Continuing development and
faculty, the conservation department variety of curatorial and management delivery of the Exhibition Project
and The Courtauld Gallery, and roles as well as in public programmes, (exhibition runs mid-June to mid-July).
benefits from close relations and marketing and development. Some • Leadership session with a prominent
excellent connections with museums enter private galleries or practise museum director or curator.
and galleries across London and independently, while others go on • 10,000-word Dissertation on a
the UK, and internationally. Curators to further research in the fields of curatorial or museological subject
and other professionals in museums curating or art history. (from June; submission mid September).
including Tate and the National
Gallery are actively involved in Term 1 Entry requirements
MA Curating the Art Museum
the programme, leading practical • Introductory sessions to the
exercises such as the Virtual Display. Programme, The Courtauld’s You will normally have achieved a
Individual placements are arranged collections and the various high 2:1 undergraduate degree,
for each student with museums programme elements. considered at least 65%. Please see
and galleries in London: students • Ethics and practice of Conservation our website for information about
MA Curating
work closely with mentors in a (five sessions). the application process:
range of national museums, public • History and Theory of Museums courtauld.ac.uk/pg-how-to-apply
galleries and other organisations (eight sessions, seminars and
24 25Research Degree
2021/22
2021/22
Intake: Around 15 students Research programmes are further A research-intensive institution,
Duration: Full-time: Three years, supported by a variety of thematic The Courtauld consistently achieves
Part-time: Six years clusters. Groups such as the Sculptural outstanding results in the UK Research
Process Study Group and Painting Excellence Framework (REF) audit.
Pairs: Art History and Technical Study Courtauld teachers publish on a host
Since 1930, The Courtauld has been highlight the Institute’s foundation in of topics, with recent important books
among the world’s leading institutions object-based research; Connecting and articles on Persian kingship and
for research in Art History and Cultures, 1200–1850, Sacred Traditions architecture, Spanish Renaissance
Conservation. Our internationally and the Arts, and the Digital Art sculpture, Netherlandish artists and
renowned PhD programme is one of History Research Group underline migration, gardens and empire in
the largest in the United Kingdom, the interdisciplinary nature of our China, Victorian art and science,
hosting over 100 doctoral students at teaching and research. The Courtauld American fashion photography, and
any one time on their paths toward a is also home to several major research many others. Members of faculty
PhD. At The Courtauld, you will join centres, including the Centre for have extensive experience curating
a cohort of the most ambitious and American Art and the Cambridge major exhibitions of historic and
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
gifted students in your field as you Courtauld Russian Art Centre. contemporary art, editing and
pursue your research goals. contributing to academic journals,
These groups bring together winning competitive research grants,
As the UK’s leading centre for postgraduates, faculty and visiting speaking publicly in a great variety of
doctoral training in Art History and scholars for seminars, study days, site institutions and events, and working
Conservation, our diverse cohort of visits, and symposia, all supported in archives and collections worldwide.
students comes from across the UK by our professional Research Events All this and more contributes to
and around the world to explore an team. From all this, doctoral students our mentoring of students as they
equally wide range of research topics. enjoy unique opportunities to suggest undertake their doctoral careers at
Our students’ excellence is reflected speakers, devise and convene events, The Courtauld.
in the large number of AHRC-funded chair sessions, and draw together
awards gained over the last decade, research in published form. Courtauld To learn more about current faculty
one of a number of routes available for Research students edit and produce at The Courtauld, visit:
supporting your studies. a postgraduate journal, Immediations, courtauld.ac.uk/faculty
and have opportunities to contribute
Recent and current doctoral projects curatorially in our gallery and print
include mosaics in Constantinople, room. Our doctoral students can also
Entry requirements
Buddhist wall paintings in Bhutan, gain valuable teaching experience
Cubism in Japan, and postwar Korean through our Public Programmes and PhD applicants are expected to hold a
avant-gardes, among many others. at BA and MA level. Master’s degree in a subject relevant
to their proposed research. Those with
The Research Forum is central to The A Courtauld Research degree Masters awarded in the UK normally
Courtauld’s intellectual community includes scheduled skills and have received at least 70% in the
and to doctoral life here. Presenting methodology seminars along with dissertation or thesis.
a programme of leading professors, the main element: one-to-one
curators, conservation scientists, and supervision on your chosen project. Please see our website for information
artists from around the world, the Your supervisory team will guide about the application process:
Research Forum invites you to explore your research, help plan, develop courtauld.ac.uk/pg-how-to-apply
Research Degree
a wide range of art historical thinking and shape your thesis, and support
and consider your research from new your scholarly and professional
Welcome
perspectives. development in diverse ways.
26 27Admissions
2021/22
2021/22
Taught programmes PhD Programme
Decide which programme is right for you, reading Determine which of our faculty bests suits your
through each programme description listed in the research, and would be best placed to act as your
prospectus and online. supervisor: courtauld.ac.uk/study/academic-staff
International Students
Check that you meet the entry requirements for Check that you meet the entry requirements for
Applicants can apply directly to Qualifications English proficiency the programme. the programme.
The Courtauld Institute of Art for For advice on international entry For applicants whose first language
entry in 2021 using our online requirements, please contact Student is not English (as determined by International students will need to check International students will need to check
application form, found at the and Academic Services at: the UK Visa and Immigration list of international qualification equivalencies, whilst international qualification equivalencies, whilst
below web address: pgadmissions@courtauld.ac.uk English-majority speaking countries) also ensuring that they can/will meet the English also ensuring that they can/will meet the English
courtauld.ac.uk/pg-apply wishing to apply to The Courtauld, Language Requirements. Language Requirements.
we require proof of English language
proficiency. Details can be found on
our English Language Requirements
page: courtauld.ac.uk/elr
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
Check application deadlines Check application deadlines
Students requiring a Tier 4 visa to
study in the UK must satisfy the
requirements for English language
before The Courtauld can issue a If you wish to apply for loans or scholarships, start
Confirmation of Acceptance for Submit a pre-application.
researching which options are available to you.
Studies (CAS). As government
guidance on English language test
providers is subject to change, it is
important to check The Courtauld’s If you wish to apply for loans or scholarships, start
website for the most up-to-date Any questions you have at this point – before starting researching which options are available to you.
information. to submit your application – should be made to Home/EU students should familiarise themselves
pgadmissions@courtauld.ac.uk with the AHRC CHASE funding process and
deadlines: courtauld.ac.uk/ahrc
AHRC CHASE funding is not typically available to
Submit your application via the appropriate online those outside the UK/EU. If you are applying for
application form: courtauld.ac.uk/pg-how-to-apply funding from your government, you should check
requirements and deadlines well in advance.
If your pre-application is approved, proceed to
submit a full application.
Submit your application via the appropriate online
Admissions
Admissions
application form: courtauld.ac.uk/pg-how-to-apply
28 29Fees and
2021/22
2021/22
funding
For up-to-date information about
fees, please check our website:
courtauld.ac.uk/study/fees-and-
funding/postgraduates Consortium for the
Courtauld Institute of Art Humanities and Arts South-
Postgraduate Master’s Loan Alumni loyalty scheme Hardship Fund Scholarships East England (CHASE)
Postgraduate Master’s Loans operate This scheme is open to any graduate The Courtauld Hardship Fund Thanks to the generosity of an The Courtauld is one of nine leading
in a similar way to the undergraduate of The Courtauld Institute of Art provides short-term emergency international group of committed institutions of higher education —
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
loans maintenance component. admitted to a taught postgraduate funds to meet the immediate donors, The Courtauld Institute of together with the Universities of
programme of study. Recipients will financial needs. It is intended Art is pleased to be able to provide East Anglia, Essex, Kent and Sussex,
You might be eligible if you: receive a 10% loyalty discount off primarily to provide support for financial assistance to postgraduate The Open University, Goldsmiths,
• are a UK or EU national who has their tuition fee for the duration of the short-term urgent needs, such as students when possible in the form Birkbeck and SOAS – which form
settled or pre-settled status under course. This discount will be applied living costs and rent and cannot be of scholarships and bursaries. In the CHASE Doctoral Training
the EU Settlement Scheme automatically and does not require used in payment of tuition fees. It 2019 this amounted to more than Partnership, funded by the Arts and
• are aged 59 or under on the start any further action from applicants. is open to all students studying at £750,000. Postgraduate scholarships Humanities Research Council. The
date of your course The Courtauld, including overseas are awarded to students to cover Consortium annually offers a number
• have not successfully completed students. fees and in some cases a contribution of scholarships to PhD students from
an equivalent level qualification, towards living expenses. Scholarships the UK and the European Union.
regardless of whether it was self- are awarded on the basis of academic Providing an enhanced training
funded, or undertaken abroad merit combined with financial programme for its funded scholars,
• are undertaking a full-time MA need. The average postgraduate CHASE seeks to shape a future in
programme lasting 1–2 academic scholarship awarded in 2019/20 was which the values and dispositions of
years £6,000. Applications are welcomed scholarship in the arts and humanities
from Home, EU and Overseas — inventiveness, craft, rigour, intuitive
Please visit the Student Finance students applying to or currently and counter-intuitive insight — can
England website for further studying the following programmes flourish alongside developments in
information and to apply online: in 2020/21: creative practice, digital technologies
gov.uk/mastersloan/apply and media forms. Studentships cover
tuition fees, research training, and
• Postgraduate Diploma in the a maintenance allowance (the last
Conservation of Easel Painting for UK students only). For further
• MA Conservation of Wall Paintings information, visit: chase.ac.uk
• MA History of Art
• MA Curating the Art Museum
• PhD Research
For more information,
Fees and funding
Fees and funding
please check the website at:
courtauld.ac.uk/study/fees-and-
funding/postgraduates
30 31Student
2021/22
2021/22
stories Joshua,
MA Conservation
of Wall Painting
Nina,
The MA History of Art course at The Courtauld was the Studying on the MA Conservation of Wall Painting
only Masters programme that I applied for. I instantly was a personally transformative experience. This
knew that the Italian Renaissance specialism was exactly intense, three-year programme is unusual in its degree
MA History of Art
what I wanted to study. The chance to go to university of specialisation and, importantly, seeks to train
in London, with access to the fantastic libraries and conservators who take a central role in the long-term
artworks here, meanwhile working alongside leading care of wall paintings.
scholars in the field, was a chance I did not want to miss.
Initially I was worried about finances and the practicality A great deal of the significance of wall paintings
of commuting into London, as I live about an hour’s train lies in intimate connection to the places for which
journey outside of the city. However, all of these worries they were made. Situated at the interface between
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
were so small compared to the excitement of receiving structures and their environments, they are vulnerable
my offer. On my first day at The Courtauld, the arrival at to damage and deterioration from a wide range of
Vernon Square was warm and welcoming. causes. It was this aspect that drew me to study wall
painting conservation in particular.
One of my favourite things about the course is that,
although you specialise in your period, there are evening The range of knowledge required to investigate,
talks that cover a range of topics. I found the careers understand, and address the causes of deterioration
programme particularly useful. The alumni networking means that teamwork is the norm. Additionally,
event gave us an opportunity to talk to successful conservators often need to call upon others for
Courtauld graduates and discuss the next step in our specialist advice whether art historians, geologists,
career. Looking back over the year fondly, the study trip or anyone in-between. The conservator then must
to Rome in January was a personal highlight. A travel also sit at interfaces between disciplines, being able
fund from the university made the trip accessible for to frame questions for experts in a way that will serve
everyone. the conservation questions at hand. This programme a student, I often benefited from contact with this
teaches you to take this central role. broader community – for example with site visits to
In London, there are so many galleries and museums active conservation projects or advice on researching
amidst the fast-paced and exciting atmosphere. During The programme attracts students from across the particular subjects.
a visit to the Prints and Drawing room at The British world with diverse backgrounds and interests.
Museum, we were able to study a Raphael drawing Learning and working together means you get to Fieldwork is a highlight of the programme. Working
up close. It is experiences like this, and the friends know your fellow students very well, forming a core closely with your cohort and experienced conservators
and tutors that I have met in the process, that I will not professional network on graduation. The department you hone your practical skills and each take
forget. There is an overall friendly and inviting mood also has strong links to professional practice and responsibility for the smooth running of components of
at the Vernon Square campus. Just around the corner, research in the UK and abroad. External experts often the project. In this way, you develop your professional
Exmouth Market is full of little independent shops and give guest lectures for the programme, which also communication while working together towards
delicious places to eat. The location of the University is provides opportunities to build your network. While common goals.
very close to King’s Cross station, making my commute
very easy and offering quick access to tube connections
across the city. I am so glad I made the decision to study
here at The Courtauld.
Student stories
Student stories
32 33Ambra, PhD
2021/22
2021/22
Translating Collectivity:
Surrealism of the Levant
The Courtauld PhD Programme has given me
generous means to develop my professional and
personal life. The full programme of Skills and
Methodology seminars in Year 1 prepared me for the
different stages of PhD life and allowed me to discuss
in a collective manner the key theoretical frameworks
and objects of my thesis, helping me make important
strides in my research. The method is rigorously
theoretical, as well as encouraging of an object-
based approach through active and critical close
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
looking. Through these seminars I formed meaningful
connections with my peers. The PhD Study Room at
The Courtauld also allows for a dedicated study space
where PhD students can work, discuss ideas or kick
back after a long day.
Outside of The Courtauld, the potential for
independent study and research within the city is
large, and students can choose where to spend their
time. Nevertheless, the Institute fosters a dynamic and
exciting community, with which I sought to become
more involved. I attended the rich programme of
lectures and conferences at the Research Forum, as
well as the smaller seminars and symposia that take
place on a weekly basis. I organised and convened
a seminar for two years, Conversations Across Time,
with the intention of bringing together research
students across periods to discuss and grow their
research through informal feedback. I was a PhD
Representative for the Student Union for two years:
getting involved with the SU is a precious way to get
involved with the administrative side of the Institute
and engage with the student body in meaningful ways.
Finally, I delivered seminars on a Teaching Assistant
post; while this is not a compulsory part of the PhD
programme, it is a valuable experience which enriched
my professional life and my research.
Student stories
Student stories
34 35Study resources
2021/22
2021/22
The Courtauld Book Library Digital resources The Witt and Conway
photographic libraries
Students have access to a significant As a Courtauld student, you will be The Witt Library is a collection of
collection of some 200,000 books, able to access most of the required over 2 million photographs and
exhibition catalogues and journals, readings for all of your courses reproductions of Western paintings,
focussed on Art History and related online through the Virtual Learning drawings and engravings from c
subjects. Students have access to Environment (VLE). The Library 1200 to the present day, and the
numerous electronic resources provides links to e-books, articles Conway Library has a collection of
to help their studies, including from digital magazines and scans of photographs of world architecture,
electronic journals, databases and key chapters to help you prepare for architectural drawings, sculpture and
e-books. Librarians are available to each lecture and seminar. We have manuscripts. A digitization of both
answer enquiries, help students to a range of electronic resources on libraries is currently underway.
find library resources, teach students the history of art and architecture,
how to use library databases, and including image and video
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
offer guidance about referencing. As databases, as well as more traditional
Digital collections
members of the University of London academic resources. You also have
you also have access to the central access to Senate House Library, the The Courtauld’s publicly accessible
university’s printed and electronic University of London’s library. digital collections already feature
resources of Senate House Library. the Gallery’s complete collections
of paintings and drawings, and over
The library is at Vernon Square and 40,000 images of world architecture
Prints and Drawings Room
will remain there throughout the and sculpture from the Conway
Courtauld Connects refurbishment The Courtauld Gallery houses one Library. Students also have access to
project. The Book Library includes of the most significant collections more than 130,000 images covering
individual study spaces as well as of works on paper in Britain, with painting, sculpture and architecture
areas for collaborative work and also approximately 7,000 drawings and to illuminated manuscripts, prints
contains computers, scanners and watercolours, and 26,000 prints and decorative arts.
printers. ranging from the late Middle Ages
to the twentieth-century avant-
garde. This includes masterpieces
by artists such as Dürer, Leonardo
da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt
and Turner, and provides coverage of
major national schools and periods.
Students can also have access to our
collection through our Prints and
Drawings Room, which is used for
collection-based teaching.
Study resources
Welcome
36 37Health and
2021/22
2021/22
wellbeing
Wellbeing Manager Personal support Coursework and
organisational support
Your wellbeing is a priority for us, We have three experienced
and our team of wellbeing, disability Counsellors who are available The Courtauld has an Academic
support and mental health staff to support you on a range of Skills Tutor who offers one-to-
provide a safe, confidential and personal issues. one Study Support sessions to all
non-judgemental space to support students during term time. The
all students. The Wellbeing Manager tutor works closely with students,
is a first point of call for students helping you to stay motivated and
who are experiencing any form of Health support encouraging you to reach your full
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
personal, health, financial or welfare potential in order to achieve success
issues which may be affecting their The Gower Street practice is located in your studies. We also have two
studies. The Wellbeing Manager also a short walk from Vernon Square, Royal Literary Fund fellows who will
provides guidance for students with and offers a full range of medical help you with your writing skills,
a disability, mental health conditions, services, including a travel clinic, concentrating on how to structure
or other long-term health conditions. lifestyle clinics and counselling and improve your writing. Similarly,
The Wellbeing Manager can help services. It is vitally important that you we also have a Specialist Study Skills
you to apply for Disabled Students are registered with an NHS doctor tutor, who delivers specialist 1:1
Allowance (DSA) if appropriate, in London to ensure that you have study skills support to students with
which may include the funding access to medical services when you study skills recommended in their
for a Mental Health Mentor. The need them. Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA)
Wellbeing Manager can also arrange package. This includes students
for reasonable adjustments, such as with specific learning differences,
extra time in assessments and exams, mental health concerns, autistic
access to specialist equipment and spectrum condition, long-term health
assistive software, library assistance conditions and physical and sensory
in the form of extended book loans, impairments.
assistance to locate and/or collect
research materials, access to course
materials in alternative formats and
advocate special circumstances to be
considered during periods of illness.
Health and welbeing
Welcome
38 39The
2021/22
2021/22
Research Forum
The Research Forum delivers an Our extensive programme, which has We are proud to have recently
extensive programme of lectures, adapted to online viewing throughout introduced cross-sectional research
conferences, workshops and the COVID-19 pandemic, provides clusters which include groups such
seminars supporting advanced postgraduate students with insight as Courtauld Asia and Gender
inquiry into the History of Art, into topics beyond their main area of and Sexuality. Activities organised
Conservation and Curating. study. Students are encouraged to by advanced working groups
engage, debate and question ideas encourages attendees to think
We host around 150 events per at our events. Attending our events broadly about how their area of
year, from research group seminars provides students with additional study relates to wider themes and
to lecture series catering to a wider opportunities for enhanced learning. concepts — these events sharpen
Postgraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus
interest. Our varied programme of Hearing different perspectives postgraduates’ awareness of how
events explore different periods and ideas also helps contextualise their studies impact wider networks
and themes in art, visual culture material taught in class. and strands in both history and the
and its history. Recent events present day.
include a series on the arts of In addition to our core programme,
pre-colonial Africa, ‘Van Gogh at The Research Forum also runs Further information on our
the Met: recent insights through Open Courtauld events that upcoming programme and
technical examinations’ and Open embrace a wider and more diverse recordings of previous events are
Courtauld Hour - magazine-format public audience. For example, available online. To find out more,
content analysing current issues Open Courtauld’s flagship event is follow us on social media via
through the lens of art history. RES|FEST — a festival celebrating @CourtauldRes or visit
why Art History matters to all of courtauld.ac.uk/research-forum
us. RES|FEST consists of pop-up
talks from leading figures from the
art world, poetry performances
and making workshops. Search
#OpenCourtauld on social media to
see how you can get involved in these
events too!
The Research Forum
The Research Forum
Watch here
40 41You can also read
