Art History, Collections and Curating University College Dublin

Overview

The Art History, Collections and Curating programme at University College Dublin offers a sophisticated exploration of visual culture, combining rigorous academic scholarship with practical curatorial training. This degree is designed for those seeking to deepen their understanding of art historical styles while gaining professional insights into the management of prestigious collections.

Students engage with a curriculum that balances theoretical analysis with hands-on experience. By examining the social and political functions of museums, participants learn to critique and interpret works of art and architecture within various historical contexts. The programme encourages original research, culminating in a dissertation that demonstrates high-level analytical and writing capabilities.

Why Art History, Collections and Curating at University College Dublin?

University College Dublin provides a unique learning environment by leveraging extensive partnerships with local, regional, and national cultural institutions. Students benefit from direct exposure to active research and professional practitioners within the Dublin arts community. The university's location offers unparalleled access to significant art collections and historical sites, facilitating a deeply immersive educational experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: EUR 22600 per year
• European fee: EUR 9330 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Curating & Collections
• The Grand Tour
• Methods of Art History
• Field Trip
• Collecting in The Netherlands
• Collection Management
• Disruption and Disobedience
• Dissertation

Careers with Art History, Collections and Curating

Graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles within the global art world and cultural heritage sector. The programme develops transferable skills such as imaginative thinking and rigorous analysis, which are essential for success in academia, curatorship, and professional research. Former students have secured prestigious positions, including curatorial fellowships at the National Gallery of Ireland.

The degree also prepares individuals for careers in arts journalism, gallery management, and heritage consultancy. By fostering a specialised understanding of connoisseurship and authorship, the curriculum ensures that graduates can articulate critical responses to art in various professional contexts, from commercial galleries to public archives and educational institutions.