Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Art History

at Goldsmiths University of London

The programme comprises a number of taught modules and tutorial sessions. You are assigned a personal tutor who monitors your overall progress and advises you on the suitability of the various modules available.

Central to the programme is the core course, a lecture and seminar series that introduces you to a range of perspectives that have shaped the history and theory of the discipline. You will be encouraged to think creatively, rigorously and expansively exploring critical ideas and practices in the fields of visual cultures, which we think of in terms of ways of doing, thinking and producing in contemporary art, film, music, literature, politics and theory.

This is accompanied by a laboratory module, which gives you the opportunity to process the taught materials further through strategies such as museum and gallery visits, film screenings, and experimental projects.

You also choose one option module and one special subject, or two special subjects. These in-depth modules allow you to explore themes that are of particular interest to you. Option modules may include any second-year module on the BA History of Art. Special Subjects may include any third-year module on the BA History of Art.

You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least second-class standard in a relevant/related subject.

We particularly encourage applications for the Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Art History from those who have a degree in an unrelated field, but can show that they have the relevant experience, ability and interest to work at a postgraduate level.

International qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.

Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2022/2023 academic year.

• Home - full-time: £6170
• International - full-time: £16600

If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time if you require a Student Visa, however this is currently being reviewed and will be confirmed in the new year. Please read our visa guidance in the interim for more information. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

Skills
You'll acquire a wide range of skills in research, critical thinking, visual analysis, writing and other modes of presentation.

Careers
Many of our students go on to carry out further postgraduate studies. These then lead into careers in museums and galleries, publishing, education, the media, journalism, and marketing.