Develop your skills and specialist expertise for a career in the arts and cultural heritage sectors while taking full advantage of Edinburgh’s outstanding archives and collections. 

This is a programme that directly responds to a growing need for graduates able to work at the interface of academic research and curatorship. Drawing on resources and expertise from professionals and academics from across the University and Scotland’s flagship cultural institutions, you will have the opportunity to combine research-focused study with experience-based learning.   

Your chosen independent research topic need not address curatorship or museology as the programme is designed to be flexible. We can support varied interests in the history of art and visual and material cultures, from contemporary photography in West Africa or medieval artefacts from Northern Europe, right through to modern and contemporary art in Britain and beyond.  

In addition to addressing current debates in the museum and galleries sector from decolonisation strategies to digital futures, the core courses offer introductory practical training in areas such as object handling, writing interpretation and project management. 

You will also put theory into practice by delivering a live research-based project for one of our partner institutions. Past briefs have invited students to test different approaches to displaying digital holdings, develop knowledge about and artwork by organising an exhibition and undertake detailed provenance research on a particular collection.

The only programme of its kind in Britain, Collections and Curating Practices is devised and delivered in partnership with:

• Fruitmarket
• National Galleries of Scotland
• National Library of Scotland
• National Museums Scotland
• the University of Edinburgh’s own Heritage Collections and museums, including the Talbot Rice Gallery

If you have a background in the field – either through previous study in a related discipline or work experience (professional or voluntary) – and a desire to deepen your knowledge while expanding your vocational skills and networks, you’ll find our programme offers an ideal balance.

If you'd like to study on a postgraduate research programme at Edinburgh College of Art, you must apply through EUCLID, our online application system. You can find out how to do this on the University of Edinburgh website, where you'll also be able to:

• See detailed entrance requirements for each programme on the Degree Finder
• Get information on what to expect after you apply
• Find out about study modes, start dates and fees
• Find out if, and how, you need to submit a portfolio, showreel or research proposal
• Find out where to go for further advice and guidance.

Read the University of Edinburgh's student terms and conditions

Before you apply

Students are assigned two research supervisors, the second of which may be from another discipline within ECA, or from somewhere else within the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS) or wider University. 

Please ensure that at least one member of staff (see below) maintains an active research programme that aligns with the themes of your proposed project.  

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to make contact with the relevant member(s) of staff via email to explain your research interests prior to submitting an application. Please note that we only accept applications and review application materials submitted through the official EUCLID application portal.

After you apply

Once your application has been submitted for consideration, it will be sent to a team of academic reviewers for their attention. They will then make a decision about your application and research topic, and decide whether it is possible to make an offer of a place to study with us. You may be asked to attend a brief online interview but if this is the case, you will be notified in advance.