Art History and Visual Culture

The Richmond MA in Art History and Visual Culture is an exciting, challenging and cutting-edge academic program, completed over one year in a central London location.

I am delighted to be able to introduce Richmonds MA in Art History and Visual Culture. The programme builds on the success of Richmonds MA in Art History which, over more than a decade, established an international reputation for its innovative, intercultural curriculum and successful record of student placement in world-class museums, galleries and PhD programs. The MA in Art History and Visual Culture takes Richmonds approach to art history, theory and practice to a new, global and contemporary level.

The program is distinctive in two ways: first, engaging students with an academic curriculum in tune with current interdisciplinary trends in visual culture, exploring a variety of visual art across cultures and through time, particularly in terms of what is happening on the contemporary global art scene; and second, giving students the skills and experience, including classes on professional practice and an accredited internship, for successful career placements in the arts and creative cultural industries. The program has a rigorous academic curriculum embodying Richmonds mission of fostering intercultural awareness and we recognise the importance of applying this knowledge beyond the seminar room, in students daily lives and their perspectives on the world.

5 Key Features of the MA in Art History and Visual Culture:

• One year program in central London with access to world class galleries, museums, libraries and archives
• Dual validation in the US (Middle States Commission on Higher Education) and UK (the Open University, revalidation awarded April 2011)
• Unique intercultural orientation and engagement with contemporary art in a global setting
• Accredited internship and courses equipping students with professional skills
• Small classes (average 10-15 students) and close supervision from faculty engaged in research-led teaching

Successful professionals in the arts and creative industries of the 2010s and beyond will be as fluent with the burgeoning art markets in the Middle East, East Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, as those established in the West. Cosmopolitan students, trained to think globally and interdependently, will become the next generation of scholars and arts professionals: Richmonds MA in Art History and Visual Culture equips students with the knowledge and skills required to critically engage with global visual cultures of the twenty-first century and become leaders in their fields. Our international, research active faculty, including three new appointments this academic year, are committed to this mission.

I welcome your application to the program. Please take the time to work on your Professional Statement and think about the way in which the individual character of this MA can enhance your career and how you can contribute to the program during your year with us. We encourage you to visit our Kensington campus and if you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

In the Fall semester students acquire knowledge of the key theoretical and methodological considerations required for working with the visual arts in the 2010s, applying this knowledge to key examples, especially those held in the world class collections of the museums and galleries of London. These rigorous academic apparatus are balanced by training in the conceptual professional practices required for working in the arts and creative industries.

In the Spring semester, the theoretical and methodological background of the Fall curriculum is applied in sustained analysis of contemporary visual culture on the global stage. Research begins on the dissertation, as students seek innovative material and fresh directions for thinking through visual culture. And, students apply their conceptual knowledge on professional practices to practical, working examples. After completion of the coursework, in the Summer students undertake an internship at a gallery, museum or other arts institution and complete their dissertations.

Degree requirements:

FHEQ Level 7

• AVC 7100 (4 CREDITS) - Research Methods
• AVC 7102 (4 CREDITS) - Art and its Histories
• AVC 7103 (4 CREDITS) - World Arts
• AVC 7104 (4 CREDITS) - Contemporary Art
• AVC 7105 (4 CREDITS) - Visual Cultures
• AVC 7106 (4 CREDITS) - Professional Practices in Visual Arts

Plus EITHER

• AVC 7902 (4 CREDITS) - Grad Internship Art History Visual Cult
• AVC 7500 (8 CREDITS) - Thesis Research

OR

• VAM 7550 (12 CREDITS) - Extended Professional Research Project

Students are required to be in London from early May to Mid-June for thesis supervision and seminars. The thesis is handed in no later than September 1. Students must be registered for VAM 7550.

Graduate Certificate in Art History and Visual Culture

The Graduate Certificate in Art History and Visual Culture is awarded to students registered on the MA who have successfully completed in good academic standing (with a 3.0 GPA / B average / Pass) for all coursework components but: 1) fail to submit the thesis ( without extenuating circumstances eligible for resubmission), or 2) fail to pass the thesis. The Certificate is therefore conferrable as an exit award in recognition of successful completion of graduate coursework, but it is not possible for students to register on the Graduate Certificate.

A minimum of 24 credits, are required from the following coursework:

Minimum Requirements

FHEQ Level 7

• AVC 7100 (4 CREDITS) - Research Methods
• AVC 7102 (4 CREDITS) - Art and its Histories
• AVC 7103 (4 CREDITS) - World Arts
• AVC 7104 (4 CREDITS) - Contemporary Art
• AVC 7105 (4 CREDITS) - Visual Cultures
• AVC 7106 (4 CREDITS) - Professional Practices in Visual Arts

Academic Background US Bachelors degree from an accredited institution, or UK first degree with minimum second class honours, or an overseas equivalent as determined by the University. Relevant work experience is welcomed and may on occasion be accepted in lieu of a first degree, but is not required. Professional Statement We seek students who are committed to engaging in serious research and who demonstrate a curiosity and interest in their chosen field. Therefore, all applicants must submit a Personal Statement of 1,500 words addressing their reasons for wishing to undertake the Masters programme at Richmond. Academic References To help us evaluate your potential for success in the Richmond graduate programme, we require at least one academic references from an academic who know you and who knows your work. English Language Proficiency The language of instruction at Richmond is English, and non-native English speakers are asked to provide TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson Academic Test of English language examination results as proof of their fluency in written and spoken English. We look for an IELTS of 6.5 overall with no element below 6.0 or iBT TOEFL of 88 overall with 20 in reading, 19 in listening, 21 in speaking and 20 in writing, or Pearson Academic Test of English with 61 overall and 56 in each element. Admissions Process: The admissions process is a multi-step team approach. Typically, applications are reviewed by the Postgraduate Applications Review Committee which consists of the Programme Director and the Head of Admissions. These parties will be responsible for deciding upon all matters pertaining to this area. Applications are reviewed holistically. Applications are not eliminated for admission based on test scores, nationality, gender, ethnicity or other factors. Each criterion is considered to provide a holistic picture of an applicant's qualifications. This process allows the committee to select those candidates most likely to be successful in our Programmes.

Masters Scholarship

Each year Richmond will award a scholarship to a maximum of three outstanding new entrants to our Masters programmes. Each will cover the duration of the programme, subject to grades, with one as a 100% remission of tuition fees payable and the remaining two worth 50% remission of tuition fees payable.

To be eligible for consideration, a prospective scholar must have, by 1st June preceding the programme start date:

accepted the offer of a place on a Richmond Masters programme for the entry year concerned and

submitted a complete scholarship application form.

Recipients of the scholarship will be decided by the Vice Chancellor on the basis of:

their applications for study and the Scholarship,

their level of academic achievement prior to entry to the Richmond Masters programme, and

advice from the Richmond academic departments concerned.

Scholars will be informed by July 15th. The University reserves the right to make the offer of a scholarship subject to certain conditions being met (for example, where the final outcome of undergraduate study is not known at the point of scholarship application)

Once awarded, continuation of the Scholarship into the second and subsequent semesters of study will be dependent on the Scholar:

progressing normally on the programme, having achieved a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.7 by the completion of the previous semester; and

remaining in good standing and making a positive contribution to University life.

The fee waiver is cancelled in total if the student does not remain actively enrolled for three successive semesters (full time programmes) or six successive semesters (part time programmes).

The Masters Scholarship may not be held in conjunction with any other form of financial or scholarship support from the University.

Financial Assistance

Tuition fees, books, a laptop computer (required), and living costs are the main items you will need to take into account in estimating the total cost of your MA Program.

MA students fund their studies from a variety of sources such as loans, grants, and personal resources.

United States Government Loans

Stafford Loans

U.S. citizens and U.S. green card holders may qualify for Stafford loans. To apply you must complete the Free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In the U.S. you can also call 1-8004FED AID to request a form. The U.S. Department of Education number for Richmond, The American International University in London is G10594.

Other Loans

There may be some private loans available to American students studying abroad. Private loans are subject to a credit check. Some Richmond students fund their studies through the Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loans. We do not have a preferred lenders list and we are not currently aware of other U.S. private loan providers. You should consider terms and conditions carefully in comparison with Federal Direct Loans.

Accreditation

The MA in Art History and Visual Culture is dually accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and validated by The Open University.