Material and Visual Culture

The MSc in Material and Visual Culture at University College London offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the ways in which material objects and visual representations shape and reflect human societies, identities, and histories. This programme provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the cultural significance of material artifacts, visual art, design, and media within diverse historical and geographic contexts. Through critical analysis and hands-on engagement, students will examine the processes by which objects and images are produced, circulated, and interpreted, gaining insights into their roles in constructing social meanings and power dynamics.

The course combines theoretical approaches from archaeology, anthropology, art history, and cultural studies with practical methodologies, including object-based learning and visual analysis. Students will engage with a wide range of material, from ancient artifacts to contemporary visual culture, encouraging them to develop an interdisciplinary perspective. The programme also emphasizes research skills and methodology, preparing students for careers in museums, galleries, heritage organizations, research institutions, and cultural consulting.

Throughout the programme, students have the opportunity to participate in lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions that deepen their understanding of material culture’s role in societal development. They will undertake a substantial research project, culminating in a dissertation, that allows them to investigate a topic of personal interest within the field in depth. The programme’s location in London provides access to world-renowned museums and cultural institutions, enriching the academic experience through internships and collaborative projects.

Graduates from the MSc in Material and Visual Culture will emerge with a sophisticated understanding of how material objects and images inform human experience across time and space. They will be equipped with critical, analytical, and practical skills to interpret material and visual phenomena, preparing them for advanced research or careers in cultural heritage, arts management, education, and beyond. Compliance with the latest developments in academic research ensures that students are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to debates surrounding materiality and visuality in contemporary society and academic discourse.

The programme covers a range of contexts such as production, exchange and consumption, and uses anthropological perspectives based on the comparative study of societies, historically and culturally. Skills training is given in social anthropological field research and analysis, and in specific methods for the study of material and visual forms.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of one core module (45 credits), three optional modules (45 credits) and a research dissertation (90 credits).

Core modules

• Critical Issues

Optional modules

The following is a selection of possible option modules:

• Anthropology and Photography
• Advanced Topics in Digital Culture: Ethnographies of the Digital
• Documentary Film and the Anthropological Eye
• Anthropology of Art and Design
• Social Construction of Landscape
• Transforming and Creating the World
• Anthropology of the Built Environment
• Mass Consumption and Design
• Risk, Power and Uncertainty
• Anthropologies of Religion
• Issues in Power and Culture

Dissertation/report

All MA students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, group presentations and discussion, tutorials, independent directed reading, interactive teamwork, laboratory and practical work, video, film and web based courses. There will also be visits to museums, galleries and other relevant sites. Assessment is through coursework, unseen examination and the dissertation.

This research based Master's degree is suitable for those students entering postgraduate study with a strong background in the discipline, gained either through an undergraduate degree, or through a well-regarded conversion Master's programme.

The financing options for the Material and Visual Culture program at University College London are designed to support students through their academic journey and facilitate access to high-quality education. prospective students can explore a variety of funding sources, including university scholarships, external awards, government loans, and private bursaries. UCL offers a range of scholarships specifically targeted at students enrolling in postgraduate programs, which are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or diversity considerations. Applications for these scholarships typically open several months prior to program commencement, and candidates are encouraged to submit comprehensive supporting documents to strengthen their chances of receiving funding.

In addition to university-provided financial aid, students may be eligible for government-funded loans, which can cover tuition fees and living expenses. For UK nationals and residents, the Student Loans Company administers government loans that are repayable after graduation once income exceeds a certain threshold. International students should investigate external scholarship opportunities, private grants, and sponsorships available from cultural institutions, foundations, and industry partners interested in material and visual culture. Many employers and professional associations also offer funding or sponsorship schemes for students pursuing advanced studies in this field.

UCL's financial support services provide detailed guidance and application assistance to help students identify suitable funding sources and complete necessary paperwork. Some programs may also offer teaching or research assistantships, providing both financial support and valuable academic experience. Prospective students are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and specific requirements for each funding opportunity, and to seek personalized advice from UCL's financial aid office. Overall, the combination of internal scholarships, external awards, government loans, and work opportunities enables students to finance their study in Material and Visual Culture at UCL effectively, making higher education accessible and attainable for diverse backgrounds.

The MA in Material and Visual Culture at University College London (UCL) offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of material artifacts, visual phenomena, and their social, cultural, and political contexts. This program is designed for students interested in understanding how objects and images shape human experience and cultural identities across different periods and societies. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks from art history, anthropology, archaeology, and cultural studies, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which material culture influences and reflects societal change. Students engage with a diverse range of objects, including everyday items, artworks, technological devices, and architectural structures, analyzing their forms, functions, and meanings. The program emphasizes critical skills such as object-based analysis, historiography, and interdisciplinary research methods, preparing graduates for careers in museums, galleries, cultural heritage organizations, research institutions, or further academic study. Taught by expert faculty with extensive research backgrounds, the program encourages students to undertake original research through a dissertation project. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for practical experience through collaborations with UCL’s renowned museums and collections. Located in central London, UCL provides access to a wealth of cultural resources, including museums, archives, and libraries, enriching the learning experience. The program typically spans one year full-time or two years part-time, making it suitable for a wide range of students, from recent graduates to professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge of material and visual culture. Its emphasis on both theoretical and practical understanding makes it a distinctive offering within the university’s suite of humanities programs. Graduates of this program have gone on to careers in curation, cultural consultancy, research, conservation, and academia, benefiting from the university's strong connections within the cultural sector.