Overview

Why Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors at University of Buckingham?

The University of Buckingham is renowned for its exceptional academic standards and has a strong reputation in the field of decorative arts. The programme benefits from strategic partnerships with prestigious institutions such as the Wallace Collection and the Victoria and Albert Museum, providing students with unparalleled access to collections and expertise. The university's commitment to high-quality education is reflected in its traditional Oxbridge-style teaching methods, ensuring that students receive personalised instruction and support from experienced faculty members. This unique course focuses on the decorative arts within historic interiors, particularly emphasising the cultural contexts of Britain and France during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The curriculum is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for various career paths in the arts and heritage sectors.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the M.A. in Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors are as follows:

• UK Students: £10,300 per year
• International Students: £16,480 per year
• Part-time (UK): £5,150 per year
• Part-time (International): £8,240 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The programme comprises core modules that provide a comprehensive understanding of decorative arts and historic interiors. The modules include:

• Architecture, Power and Display: The Town and Country House in Europe
• Dissertation (Decorative Arts)
• Objects Interpretation Project
• Research in Practice in the Museums and Heritage Sectors
• Revolution and Revival in the Age of Exhibitions, c. 1830-1900
• Society, Makers, Patrons: Luxury in Eighteenth-Century Interiors
• The Practice of Research

The course structure is spread across four terms, with teaching taking place in central London, incorporating both lectures and in-gallery sessions. Students will also participate in study visits to significant collections, enhancing their learning experience.

Industry Demand

The decorative arts and heritage sectors are continually evolving, and professionals with specialised knowledge in historic interiors are in high demand. Graduates of this programme are well-prepared to meet the needs of museums, auction houses, and historical consulting firms, making them valuable assets in the job market.

Guaranteed Work Experience

The programme includes practical components such as the Professional Practice Project, where students gain hands-on experience by planning exhibitions or proposing restorations of historic interiors. This built-in work experience is essential for developing the skills necessary for a successful career in the arts and heritage industries.

Careers with Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors

Graduates of the M.A. in Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors have a diverse range of career opportunities. Many alumni have secured positions in prestigious museums, auction houses, and heritage organisations. Specific roles include museum curators, historical consultants, and antique dealers. The programme's strong vocational focus ensures that students are well-equipped to navigate the competitive job market in the decorative arts field. Additionally, graduates have pursued further studies at leading institutions, enhancing their expertise and career prospects.