The Curating research programme is for appropriately qualified curators who want to develop and explore the wider implications of their work. We are especially interested in research into innovative contemporary curatorial practices, particularly as they reflect upon representations of contemporary visual culture – above all those in which art practice forms a central element.

We anticipate that your research project will have a close affinity to your continuing interests as a curator. We expect specific curatorial projects to become part of your thesis if they can be shown to be integral to your research project. Your curatorial activities will also explicitly inform your research methodology.

At research level, the Department’s aim is to support reflection upon its central concern with practice, both within the contexts of contemporary art and within our academic environment. The Department distinguishes practice at research level by its modality, which should be reflexive and contextualising. As a research student, you should be concerned to contextualise your practice in relation to other cultural production. Empirical research is understood as essential to innovative practice. Practice is also seen as a ‘primary source’ for analytical processes, both enhancing practice itself, and aiding the development of the text element of the thesis.

You meet your two supervisors regularly for discussion and guidance, and present your project to staff and students in the Department’s Research Seminar programme at least once each year. Find out more about our research degrees, including information about starting your research, upgrading to PhD registration, and submitting your thesis.

If you are an international student and would like to study a 'tailor-made' programme (for up to a year), you may be interested in applying for an Associate Research Studentship. 

Skills

Our Art programmes aim to equip you with the necessary skills to develop independent thought and confidence in your practice. In addition, these skills are of use in other career paths you may wish to follow.

Careers

Our students have been successful in many fields including media, museums, galleries, education, the music business and academia. Many have continued to be successful, practising artists long after graduating, and have won major prizes and exhibited around the world. The Turner Prize shortlist has consistently included at least one of our former graduates. Six of the prize winners have studied here:

• Grenville Davey
• Antony Gormley
• Damien Hirst
• Gillian Wearing
• Steve McQueen
• Mark Wallinger

Assessment

Thesis, including practice; viva voce. Or: thesis and viva voce.

Register your interest

If you register your interest in this programme we will keep you informed about open days and send you relevant further information. If you subsequently decide to apply for this programme you will be able to use the same login details to apply.