Art History M.Phil. P.Grad.Dip.

at Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin

The M.Phil. in History of Art and Architecture (1 year full–time or 2 years part–time) offers well-qualified graduates an opportunity to undertake advanced study in the history of art and architecture in Ireland. This taught Masters course provides a strong
foundation in art-historical skills, methodologies and approaches for those considering doctoral research or careers working in museums, galleries, and auction houses, as well as in education, cultural media and heritage.

The focus of the course is to offer students a range of art-historical approaches to art and architecture in Ireland, including Irish art and the abundant holdings of art from the rest of the world held in Ireland. Throughout the course, there is a strong emphasis on direct engagement with works of art in public and private collections, including the unique collections held by Trinity on campus and the world class collections with which we have close connections like the National Gallery, the Chester Beatty and archaeological and architectural sites in Dublin and beyond. Students are expected to think critically about the
interpretation of objects using a range of methodological approaches and to conduct independent research.  

A central element of the course is a taught module in research methods that explores the principal sources and methodologies applicable to advanced study in the history of art. In addition, students choose four elective modules that offer detailed engagement with particular periods and media. These modules cover subjects such as: Medieval Monastic Ireland; Artist and the Printed Image; Interpreting Ireland’s Built Heritage; Arts of the Book (Islamic); Ireland and
France, 1800–2000; Themes and Agendas in Modern and Contemporary Irish Art; and Medieval Manuscripts in Irish Collections. The elective modules prepare students to undertake a substantial research dissertation of 15,000–20,000 words on a selected subject under the supervision of a member of staff.

 
Graduates of the course are well placed to pursue a multiplicity of career pathways, for example, in the museum and cultural sector, as media and public relations specialists, in publishing, public administration or business and, of course, teaching and research. For those already working in these sectors the course will enrich knowledge and skills, stimulate lateral thinking, and act as a spur to innovation.