Modern and Contemporary Art: History, Curating, Criticism MSc

Offered in one of the largest, oldest and most research-focused art history departments in the UK, set in a culturally rich capital city, the MSc in Modern and Contemporary Art provides in-depth understanding of art and its contexts of interpretation and mediation.

The programme focuses on the period from the 19th century to the 21st century, spanning from the historical avant-gardes to the latest trends of contemporary art.

Through two core courses and a wide range of option courses, you will acquire solid knowledge of art in the covered period and of how artworks are mediated to the public through curating, exhibition making and event organising.

Our option courses are taught by expert academics and include a Work Placement, offered on a competitive basis and in collaboration with art institutions in and near Edinburgh.

The option courses include topics such as:


- radical art movements, on critical positions such as feminism and postcolonialism


- institutions such as modern art museums, art biennials and independent art spaces


- practices such as artists' film, photography and performance.


The MSc combines a focus on art history, what is happening now in the art field, theoretical frameworks, and curatorial thinking while it prioritises the encounter of art and society.