Reasons to choose the programme

You will embrace cultural perspectives from across the globe to reassess a range of judgement values attached to medieval, renaissance and early modern art that have often been taken as universal.
You will draw on the expertise of internationally renowned global premodern art experts.
You will have the opportunity to spend an optional working week in Rome, experiencing first-hand the city as a global hub.
With access to Edinburgh’s world-class galleries, museums and libraries, you will explore rare visual, material and archival collections.
You will gain hands-on experience through our internship programme and graduate ready to begin PhD research or a career in the cultural and heritage sectors.

Outline

If you are interested in exploring the richness and diversity of artistic traditions from across the globe and eager to push the boundaries of traditional art history, this programme is for you.

This exciting new Masters programme aims to diversify art history, challenging the fragmented discourses that have dominated the discipline. Together, we will uncover neglected narratives and scrutinise assumptions that have often served as the foundations of art historical scholarship. The programme covers a period from the third to the eighteenth centuries and incorporates a far-reaching geographical scope, encompassing the British Isles, the Mediterranean, Latin America, the Middle East, India, China and Japan. 

You will have the opportunity to conduct research projects in Edinburgh's rich collection of archives and libraries, with behind-the-scenes access to world-leading galleries and museums. In the second semester, the programme incorporates an optional trip to Rome (depending upon the global travel situation). If the trip can go ahead, and if you elect to join it, you will have the opportunity to spend a working week in Rome, experiencing first-hand the city as a global hub. 

Joining one of the UK's most innovative art history programmes, you will develop an understanding of the political, social, and religious systems that used art in order to define and assert a range of premodern identities. Simultaneously, our optional internship programme will allow you to gain valuable hands-on experience for possible future careers in the academic, heritage and cultural sectors. 

Please note: when budgeting for this Programme you will need to consider potential additional costs. The trip to Rome is optional and not included in the Programme costs.   

 

Careers

When you graduate from this programme you will be ready for a diverse range of careers that engage with history of art, whether in the public or private sector, including work in museums, galleries, libraries, archives, auction houses and the media. You will also gain an array of highly transferable skills related to core competencies such as communication, project management and problem-solving: essential assets that employers look for in graduates. You might even be inspired to continue your research with a PhD. 


How to apply and entrance requirements

If you'd like to study on a postgraduate 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

Take me to the University of Edinburgh website on how to apply for postgraduate study


Staff

Dr Caroline McCaffrey-Howarth

Lecturer in History of Art

Programme Director, Global Premodern Art

Email: caroline.mccaffrey-howarth@ed.ac.uk


Facilities and resources

The extensive University of Edinburgh Collections are here to facilitate teaching and research around the University. The collections, which stretch over 60 kilometres of materials, relate to the history of the University, Scotland, and the wider world.

Students at the University of Edinburgh have access to a range of library resources across the campus and online.


Scholarships and bursaries

Andrew Grant Postgraduate Scholarships

  • Deadline: 1 March 2023
  • Value: £10,500
  • Eligibility: Scholarships available for one academic year of postgraduate Masters study at Edinburgh College of Art.


Contact

Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Admissions

Email: cahss.pgadmissions@ed.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)131 650 4086