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Postgraduate

MRes Art: Exhibition Studies


College
Central Saint Martins
Start date
September 2023
Course length
Two years (60 weeks)
Extended full-time

MRes Art: Exhibition Studies examines the history of contemporary art through key developments in the exhibition form.

Applications closed 2023/24

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

In addition to the selection of art and mode of address, you will consider the wider social conditions and impact exhibitions can have on those who experience them. The MRes Art course is part of the Art programme.

Why choose this course at Central Saint Martins

  • Collaboration with Afterall: MRes Art: Exhibition Studies is delivered in conjunction with Afterall, the art research and publishing organisation based at Central Saint Martins. You will have unique access to resources as well as its network of contributors and collaborating institutions. These include high-profile curators and theorists.
  • Enhance your research skills: You will have dedicated training on research methods and methodologies, allowing you to proceed onto further academic research and to deploy those skills in a professional context.
  • Research community: You will be part of a wider research community within Central Saint Martins. The College has its own, dedicated research group which brings together theorists, artists and curators who are investigating the exhibition form.
  • Debate your work with professionals: You will have the chance to direct and participate in a group event with invited professionals. This will build your professional skills and provide a discussion forum, challenging you to recognise and debate key questions arising from your research project work.

Course overview

MRes Art is made up of three specialist pathways: Theory and Philosophy; Moving Image; and Exhibition Studies. MRes Art uses research and writing to develop modes of questioning, speculative thinking and critical evaluation. Drawing upon a wealth of scholarly expertise from the staff team, visiting lecturers and practitioners, the course considers the relationship of contemporary art research to wider aesthetic, cultural and socio-political issues.   

There are opportunities for students on each pathway to come together for shared taught components. You will also be encouraged to develop student-led activities. In the past, our students have collaborated on research events and publications, as well as the annual Tate Exchange programme at Tate Modern.  

MRes Art: Exhibition Studies draws on the pioneering Exhibition Histories publication series produced by Afterall. On this pathway, you will be encouraged to think of the exhibition as an entry point to the study of contemporary art. You will consider not just the selection of art, the handling of time and space or platform and modes of address, but also wider social implications of the “being in public” of artworks.  

MRes Art: Exhibition Studies takes exhibitions to mean not just conventional gallery or museum shows. Instead, it considers all kinds of artistic presentations, presence and engagement, manifestos, publications, festivals and other formats through which art encounters its publics. You will research, document and critically analyse these forms. This will allow you to work on new narratives which go beyond the art-historical in order to account for the intricacies of these moments of exchange. 

On this pathway, you will engage with recent debates about modern and contemporary art in the context of public presentations of art. You will also explore key concepts and critical theories in a variety of fields. The pathway asks two core questions: can we tell a different story of modern and contemporary art through its exhibitions? And, what do the histories of exhibitions tell us about the wider cultural field in which artworks are produced and made public? The aim is to develop your ability to interpret, analyse and critique a range of methods in exhibition-making. You will develop visual analysis skills through the examination of works of art as presented in exhibitions of varying form.

We are committed to developing ethical art practices. To achieve this, we are working to embed UAL's Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice into the course.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

On MRes Art: Exhibition Studies, teaching in the first year will cover methodologies and research skills. It will also engage you in the specialist subject of exhibition studies. In parallel with this, you will prepare for a personally directed programme of study, your research project. In the second year, the emphasis shifts towards independent study and student-led engagement. You will pursue and realise your final research project. Throughout your studies, you will receive support through tutorials, workshops, group critiques and discussions.  

This pathway focuses on significant exhibitions from the early 20th century to the present. You will become familiar with the history of mainstream practices, such as the development of the white cube into a default curatorial trope. In addition, you will also pay close attention to alternative articulations of the exhibition form. This includes the large and the small, institutional and otherwise. MRes Art: Exhibition Studies promotes the idea that research should not only cover biennales and mega-shows operating at a global scale. It calls for more analysis and documentation of the under-explored exhibition histories of the global south and the peripheral north.  

You will also examine archetypal figures within exhibition-making. These include the professional curator, the globetrotting artist, the cultural producer, the dealer and the corporate patron or collector. Through their relationships, you will study the worldwide networks and power hierarchies that shape exhibition practices. You will also focus on alternative relationships which influence the public exhibition. This includes those of solidarity, resistance, protest and experimentation.

Unit 1: Exhibition Histories: Art in the Public Sphere 

This unit will introduce you to the subject of exhibition histories. Through seminars and lectures, it serves to ground your knowledge of the key developments in the history of exhibitions. The unit is split into two thematic parts: Doing Exhibition Studies and From the Universal to the Global. Doing Exhibition Studies will introduce you to significant debates and methodological approaches in the field. From the Universal to the Global traces key developments in the exhibition form from the early 20th century to the present. You will pay particular attention to the shifting geographies of exchange and influence which have shaped these developments.  

Unit 2: Methodologies and Methods I

Unit 2 is an opportunity for all the students in the MRes Art course to study together. The unit has two distinct components: methodologies and methods. Methodologies aims to make you aware of a range of methodological approaches that have shaped debates in your field of study. Methods aims to equip you with essential research skills.  

Unit 3: Methodologies and Methods II

This unit deepens your understanding of theoretical debates by testing them in a professional context. The unit is designed around a practical research project. You will work with your peers, either within an art institution or within Afterall. Projects might involve, but are not restricted to, primary research or the organisation of public events in online and physical spaces.

Unit 4: Individual Research Project

Unit 4 has two parts. Part one is focused on the preparation of your individual research project proposal. Lectures in this part of the unit centre on key issues and problems that pertain to the study of exhibitions. These may include publics, institutions temporality, space, design and narrative. Your research project can focus on a single exhibition or a group of related exhibitions that afford interesting comparisons; a complete institutional programme; or a broader subject-centred study.  

Part two is devoted to independent study and the development and completion of your research project. You will present and discuss your project proposal at a symposium shared across the three MRes pathways. You will also have the opportunity to organise a student-directed group event at the end of the unit. Here you will present your project outcome aims to make potential contributions to the area of exhibition studies. This also provides opportunities for publication or other professional opportunities.  

Important note concerning academic progression through your course: 

If you are required to retake a unit you will need to cease further study on the course until you have passed the unit concerned. Once you have successfully passed this unit, you will be able to proceed onto the next unit. Retaking a unit might require you to take time out of study, which could affect other things such as student loans or the visa status for international students. 

Mode of study 

MRes Art is offered in extended full-time mode which runs for 60 weeks over two academic years. You will be expected to commit 30 hours per week to study, which includes teaching time and independent study.  

The course has been designed in this way to enable you to pursue studies, while also undertaking part-time employment, internships or care responsibilities.  

Credit and award requirements 

The course is credit-rated at 180 credits.  

On successfully completing the course, you will gain a Master of Research (MRes degree).  

Under the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, an MRes is Level 7. All units must be passed in order to achieve the MRes but the classification of the award is derived from the marks for the third and fourth units.  

If you are unable to continue on the course, a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) will normally be offered following the successful completion of 60 credits. 

Learning and teaching methods

The learning and teaching methods devised for this course include: 

  • Briefing materials, written guidance and meetings
  • Inductions and workshops
  • Lectures and guest speakers 
  • Project proposal document for individual programme of study
  • Project opportunities
  • Off-site, site-specific and collaborative project opportunities 
  • Personal and group tutorials 
  • Seminars and symposium 
  • Presentations and discussion forums 
  • Recommended reading, viewing and visits 
  • Independent study 
  • Self-critical and peer evaluation 
  • Assessment feedback

Facilities

Fees and funding

Home fee

£6,350 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£14,665 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows: 

  • An honours degree
  • Or an equivalent EU/international qualification. 

AP(E)L – Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Exceptionally applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by: 

  • Related academic or work experience 
  • The quality of the personal statement 
  • A strong academic or other professional reference 

Or a combination of these factors. 

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case. 

English language requirements 

IELTS level 7.0 or above, with at least 6.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our main English language requirements webpage). 

Selection criteria

We select applicants according to potential and current ability in the following areas:

  • Evidence of skills and experience appropriate to the proposed field of enquiry
  • Effective communication of the intentions and issues in the proposal
  • The level of contextual awareness
  • Awareness of the range and nature of challenges implied.

The interview: for those applicants selected following submission of the form, indicative proposal and supporting work. The interview is used to evaluate the extent to which a candidate demonstrates:

  • The capacity for independent research
  • Appropriate background knowledge and critical abilities
  • Awareness of the cultural and social context within which their interests/work is situated
  • Appropriate communication skills
  • A preparedness to participate collaboratively in debate and presentation.

What we are looking for

We are seeking imaginative, resourceful individuals who are committed to exploring art discourses.

Apply now

Applications closed 2023/24

You should apply by clicking on the link to the direct form below. The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you submit the application form.

Deferred entry

Central Saint Martins does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.

Transfers

If you are currently studying at another institution and if you have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units and modules on your current postgraduate course and wish to continue your studies at Central Saint Martins, you can apply to transfer. The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and unit transcripts.

You will need to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following information when completing the online application form:

General information

  • Personal details (including legal full name, preferred name, date of birth, nationality, addresses)
  • Current English language level
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history

Personal statement

Your personal statement should be approximately 500 words in length, and outline the following:

  • Why you are interested in the course?
  • What aspects of your experience relate to the course?
  • How will the course impact on your future career?

Indicative Project Proposal

To apply for this course we require that you write an initial project proposal. This proposal should demonstrate your critical understanding and thinking. The course sets no boundaries to the fields of possible interest, and it is understood that proposals will evolve and change during the course (you will probably need to write between 800 and 1,000 words).

Summary of proposed project
  • Briefly describe what you are interested in undertaking and developing; describe the overall aims, objectives and rationale of the project.
  • Briefly explain your proposed approach and the methods for structuring your project and ideas
  • Highlight any problems you may encounter and how you hope to solve them.
  • Indicate key texts and sources. What resources will be involved? For example, access to archives, collections, specialist networks etc.
Methods and resources
  • Briefly explain your proposed approach and the methods for structuring your project and ideas
  • Highlight any problems you may encounter and how you hope to solve them.
Sources and references
  • Indicate key texts and sources. What resources will be involved? For example, access to archives, collections, specialist networks etc.
Any final points
  • Please briefly indicate any particular questions or further points in relation to your proposal.
Previous work
  • You will be required to submit digital examples of previous written work and/or documentary material relevant to your research interests.

We cannot consider your application if you do not provide all the information above.

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal.  We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal.  You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

When you'll hear from us

If this course requires a digital portfolio as part of the application process, you will be invited to submit this through UAL’s online submission tool, PebblePad. We will request this separately after initial processing of your application is complete. Once we request your portfolio, you will have 7 days to submit it.

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

Applications closed 2023/24

There are two ways international students can apply:

You can only apply to the same course once per year.

If you are applying directly you click on the link to the direct form below. The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you submit the application form.

Transfers

If you are currently studying at another institution and if you have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units and modules on your current postgraduate course and wish to continue your studies at Central Saint Martins, you can apply to transfer. The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and unit transcripts.

You will need to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Deferred entry

Central Saint Martins does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.

Visas

Read our visit our immigration and visa advice page to find out whether you need a visa to study.

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following information when completing the online application form:

General information

  • Personal details (including legal full name, preferred name, date of birth, nationality, addresses)
  • Current English language level
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history

Personal statement

Your personal statement should be approximately 500 words in length, and outline the following:

  • Why you are interested in the course?
  • What aspects of your experience relate to the course?
  • How will the course impact on your future career?

Indicative Project Proposal

To apply for this course we require that you write an initial project proposal. This proposal should demonstrate your critical understanding and thinking. The course sets no boundaries to the fields of possible interest, and it is understood that proposals will evolve and change during the course (you will probably need to write between 800 and 1,000 words).

Summary of proposed project
  • Briefly describe what you are interested in undertaking and developing; describe the overall aims, objectives and rationale of the project.
  • Briefly explain your proposed approach and the methods for structuring your project and ideas
  • Highlight any problems you may encounter and how you hope to solve them.
  • Indicate key texts and sources. What resources will be involved? For example, access to archives, collections, specialist networks etc.
Methods and resources
  • Briefly explain your proposed approach and the methods for structuring your project and ideas
  • Highlight any problems you may encounter and how you hope to solve them.
Sources and references
  • Indicate key texts and sources. What resources will be involved? For example, access to archives, collections, specialist networks etc.
Any final points
  • Please briefly indicate any particular questions or further points in relation to your proposal.
Previous work
  • You will be required to submit digital examples of previous written work and/or documentary material relevant to your research interests.

Immigration history check

Whether you are applying online or through a UAL representative you will need to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL.  If you do not complete the check we will not be able to proceed with your application.

We cannot consider your application if you do not provide all the information above.

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal.  We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal.  You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. This course will remain open to applications for 2023 entry until places have been filled. Please be aware that courses can close without notice.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

After you apply

What happens next

Initial application check

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course.  Following a review of the application documents, successful applicants will be invited to an online interview, lasting 15 to 20 minutes.

Interview

The interview is used to evaluate the extent to which a candidate demonstrates:

  • The capacity for independent research
  • Appropriate background knowledge and critical abilities
  • Awareness of the cultural and social context within which their interests/work is situated
  • Appropriate communication skills
  • A preparedness to participate collaboratively in debate and presentation.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Portal.

Feedback

This course receives a high number of applications, and unfortunately we cannot provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you have had an interview.

If you would like to request feedback, please contact us via your portal.

Each and every application is carefully considered by a member(s) of our academic team. With so many strong applicants to choose from, it is often a very difficult decision to make. If you are unsuccessful, you are welcome to apply to us again in the future.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Careers

Our Postgraduate Art Programme offers valuable opportunities to build transferable professional knowledge and skills. The exchange of perspectives with others through shared units, reading groups and debates helps establish stimulating and productive networks.

The focus on proposing and developing a major independent programme of study is supported by a shared professional practice lecture series featuring guest speakers plus opportunities to attend symposia and critique work in progress across subject areas. The Postgraduate Art Programme has wide-ranging links with professional organisations, collections and galleries, and includes opportunities for interaction and networking according to your personal career direction.

MRes Art: Exhibition Studies is unique in its relationship with Afterall, the high-profile international art publishers based at CSM. MRes Art: Exhibition Studies is spearheaded by academic expertise within the Afterall team and benefits from the professional international networking opportunities created by publishing projects. Publications include the Afterall journal and the 'Exhibition Histories' series of books - these can provide opportunities for student involvement in professional practice as well as relevant contacts for individual research and career development.

MRes Art: Exhibition Studies equips you to understand the history of contemporary art practice through a new prism - one that reflects your practice as writer, artist or curator. You'll be able to analyse the evolution and influence of the curator and the institution in contemporary art practice, to examine critically strategies of display (both from an artistic and curatorial perspective), and to articulate thought critically.

MRes Art: Exhibition Studies graduates will be particularly well qualified to engage in professional research and publication activities and to initiate postgraduate research projects for MPhil or PhD. Career development opportunities exist in a wide range of roles and directions within contemporary arts institutions, businesses, museums and collections, both in London and internationally.