Introduction
This course provides postgraduate education in the history of art and architecture. Students are taught in a supportive environment and develop professional competence and the capacity to conduct supervised research in an aspect of the history of art or architecture. The course meets the needs of teachers, professionals in cultural institutions, and those hoping to undertake research for the Ph.D. degree. The course consists of five modules and writing a dissertation of approximately 21,000 words. Modules are delivered in the late afternoon on three days during the twelve weeks of both the Autumn and Spring semesters. The history of art and architecture is a visual discipline with a focus on works of art and architecture: looking is central to the subject and art works are the key primary sources. The student will learn how to engage with a visual language, how to examine an art work (or a series of art-works) carefully, and will consider how to interpret the work or works and place them in an art historical context. Issues of patronage and collections are also examined.
A student may complete the programme in either one or two academic years. Those taking two years research and complete the dissertation during in the second year. Student can complete the course by taking only History of Art and Architecture modules (Electives A) or if they wish, they can take modules offered by the MA in History and MA in History of Family (Electives B).
Objectives
The aim of the course is to promote advanced study in the history of art and architecture in its cultural contexts. On completion students will have deepened their knowledge of the history of art and design, gained the ability to identify significant issues for research in the history of art and architecture, and developed skills to conduct and present the results of their research.
Programme Content
The programme maybe completed in one or two years. For those completing in one year 'the disseratation' is submitted by the end of August each year.
Autumn Semester
Core Course: Research methods and sources in the History of Art.
Students take two of the following modules. One must be an Electives A. The second may be an Elective A or B. If an Elective B is chosen, students must choose an Elective A in the following semester.
Electives A
Art, devotion and society in Renaissance Italy (offered by MA History of Art & Architecture)
Art and Cultures of Display: Museums, Galleries, Curating (offered by MA History of Art & Architecture)
Electives B
History of the European Idea (offered by MA History)
The History of Women, Medieval to Modern: Sources, Methods and Approaches (offered by MA History)
Irish Travellers: Nomads in a Sedentary Society, 1850-1980 (offered by MA History)
Linking Families to Communities (offered by MA History of Family)
Sources and Techniques in the History of the Family (offered by MA History of Family)
SpringSemester
Core Coure: MA Research Seminar (offered by the MA History of Art & Architecture and MA History)
Students must choose one of the following modules. If only one Elective A module was taken in the first semester, the student must choose an Elective A in the second semester. If two Elective A modules were taken in the first semester, the student may choose a module from either the Elective A or Elective B list.
Electives A
Architecture and Building, Ireland 1690-1914: Research Issues, Methods, Sources (offered by MA History of Art and Architecture)
The Look of the Past: Art and Visual Culture in Modern Ireland (offered by MA History of Art and Architecture and MA History of Family)
Electives B
International History of the Twentieth Century (offered by MA History)
American Foreign Relations (offered by MA History)
People on the Move: Studying Migration (offered by MA History of Family)
Archiving Non-Governmental Organization: Oral Histories and Institutional Memories since 1945 (offered by MA History)
Year 2
Dissertation.
Careers
Teaching and research in history of art and design in higher education., second-level teaching, museum and art gallery curatorship and consultancy, publishing and journalism.
Entrance Requirements
The requirements for entry are usually a 2nd class honours degree (Primary degree: level 8 NQAI) in history, or history of art or archaeology or in a cognate area such as industrial design or fine art Applicants with approved equivalent qualifications or substantial relevant professional experience may also be considered for admission.
What to Include with your Application
- Qualification transcripts and/or certificates (including certified English translations if applicable)
- English language qualification(s) (if English is not your first language)
- A one page supporting statement
- A copy of your birth certificate
Application Fee
An application fee will apply from January 2011 to all postgraduate programmes. Please see Frequently Asked Questions for more information on the application fee.
Tuition Fee
The University recognises that many students are experiencing serious financial constraints in the present economic climate. Accordingly the Fees Office will endeavour to accommodate, where possible, the payment of fees via an agreed instalment payment plan. For further details please contact the Fees Office at feesoffice@ul.ie.
Contact
Department: History.
Course Director: Dr Catherine Lawless.
Tel : 353-61-202636
Fax : 353-61-202569
Email : catherine.lawless@ul.ie
Web : www.humanities.ul.ie
