This exciting interdisciplinary master's programme combines philosophical aesthetics, art theory and hands-on experience in galleries and museums, thereby bringing together both theoretical and practical interests. It is specifically designed to equip students with the competence to pursue either a doctorate programme in the Arts and Humanities, or a professional career in the cultural sector.

In addition to traditionally taught modules, students also benefit from research-led teaching a two-week practical placement with one of our cultural partners in the city. The programme also offers the opportunity to apply for a three-month studentship with Tate Liverpool, exclusively offered to our students.

The programme is structured around four compulsory core modules: Main Topics in the theory of art, in which members of staff lead weekly seminars on their own current research; Cultural Institutions, which takes places at a range of collaborating cultural institutions around the city, including the University’s Victoria Gallery and Museum; Research, Employability, and Professional Skills and placement, supported by the careers and employability service and our cultural partners, and a supervised dissertation or case study over the summer. Students also take three elective modules chosen from a list of relevant modules available in the Department and across the University.

Graduates of the MA Art, Philosophy and Cultural Institutions have gone on to a variety of careers within the cultural sector: including curating, development, marketing, and teaching. The programme acquaints you with the key issues facing the cultural world, as well as provides you with hands-on experience, and both are important for a career in the arts. Other graduates have gone on to continue their studies through a PhD in art-related subjects or philosophy: depending on the modules you choose, the programme gives you a basis for several PhD routes. Furthermore, the programme gives its students analytical, argumentative and problem solving skills valued by many employers. Other career destinations of our graduates therefore include business, media, the civil service and education.