MA Art History and Theory
University of Essex
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days?

Different course options
2 options available
academic-cap
Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

location-pin
Location

University of Essex

beaker
Study mode

Full Time

calendar
Start date

OCT-26

time
Duration

1 Year

Course info

Select a course option


Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

University of Essex

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

OCT-26

Duration

1 Year

SELECTED

Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

University of Essex

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

OCT-26

Duration

2 Years

SELECT

Subjects

Select a subject


Exam type

Select a an exam type


Location

Select student location


Domestic
SELECTED

EU
SELECT

Rest of World
SELECT

Course info

Our MA Art History and Theory is ideal if you are interested in working in academia, the art world or any other field in which visual, written and analytical skills are essential.At Essex, you have the freedom to study what most interests you. Some of the topics you may choose to explore include Early Modern art and architecture the history of photography modern and contemporary art curatorial practice and exhibition design as well as more vernacular forms of visual culture, such as body art ...Read more

Our MA Art History and Theory is ideal if you are interested in working in academia, the art world or any other field in which visual, written and analytical skills are essential.At Essex, you have the freedom to study what most interests you. Some of the topics you may choose to explore include Early Modern art and architecture the history of photography modern and contemporary art curatorial practice and exhibition design as well as more vernacular forms of visual culture, such as body art and activist placards.Regardless of the topics you pursue, we are committed to research-based teaching, with a particular emphasis on bringing the approaches of art history into contact with other disciplines and discourses. In so doing, we seek to facilitate a critical engagement with artworks and forms of visual culture, both within and beyond the traditional canons of art history.To supplement what you learn in the classroom, frequent staff-led visits to London museums and galleries will expose you to the some of the world’s best museums and galleries, and you will be strongly encouraged to apply for a placement in order to gain experience in the museum and gallery world. On campus, ESCALA, one of Europe’s most significant collections of contemporary art from Latin America, will provide an invaluable resource for studying art and curatorial practice first-hand.

Key stats

  IDP Connect
WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2025 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
73/279
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
29th
What students say
A
Ash
25 Feb 26

Essex uni is an incredibly supportive university. I have ADHD and chronic fatigue that has impacted my studies quite significantly, but they have helped me both practically with..Read more

I
Isobel
25 Feb 26

Wish there was more integration for postgraduate..Read more

Modules

Module Options
Module Options
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

A 2.2 Degree or equivalent in any discipline. Your Degree must contain at least three modules relating to visual culture. Visual Culture modules include, but are not limited to: Aesthetics, Archaeology, Architecture, Art History, Curatorial/Museum Studies, Design Studies, Digital Imaging, Fashion, Fine Art, Film Studies, Film and Literature, Graphic Design, Advertising, Landscape Design, Media Studies, Photography. if you do not hold a degree which includes relevant modules, then we can still consider you. You should be able to show that you have relevant professional experience. If you do not have a relevant degree or relevant experience, then we may ask you to provide a sample of written work which demonstrates your interest in this field.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£10,500 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Living and accommodation costs (per year, approximately)- 11,256 – 19,197

£22,750 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Living and accommodation costs (per year, approximately)- 11,256 – 19,197

£22,750 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Living and accommodation costs (per year, approximately)- 11,256 – 19,197

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Art History & Criticism reviews

Art History & Criticism
Art History & Criticism
A
Ash
25 Feb 26
Art History (Including Placement Year) - BA (Hons)
Essex uni is an incredibly supportive university. I have ADHD and chronic fatigue that has impacted my studies quite significantly, but they have helped me both practically with...
Read more
I
Isobel
25 Feb 26
MA Art History and Theory
Wish there was more integration for postgraduate...
Read more
Review breakdown
University rating
University rating
Students' union
Societies and Sports
University halls
Facilities
Lecturers and teaching quality
Local life
Career prospects
Student support
Location
Campus look and feel
Student life
Course rating
Course content
Work placements and internships
Tutor contact time
Subject facilities
University location
Cost of living
Safety
Public transport
Part-time work opportunities
Graduate employment opportunities
Diversity
Location
Safety
Room allocation
Internet/wifi
Value for money
Property management

How Art History & Criticism students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 22 reviews
5 star
37%
4 stars
55%
3 stars
4%
2 stars
0%
1 star
4%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 3,338 reviews
5 star
41%
4 stars
46%
3 stars
12%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park Colchester Essex CO4 3SQ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Hythe   0.6 miles away

Find a course

  • Undergraduate
  • HND / HNC
  • Foundation degree
  • Access & foundation
  • Postgraduate