What you will study
You will benefit from a systematic approach to understanding the core functions of the art market across different periods and mediums, from pre-modern markets to today, allowing you to cater your studies to your individual interests.
The History of the Art Market focuses your understanding of past and present art business practices and changes to the art market over the past 400 years. Object Analysis & Appraisal asks what an object is and which values it contains, also incorporating questions of cultural heritage and globalisation. It focuses on art valuation and appraisal through lively workshops and seminar sessions with both teaching staff, art market professionals as well as examination of study collections.
The Business and Art module, delivered by Kingston Business School, is designed to open a dialogue between art and commerce; blending these dual imperatives so as to fulfil and sustain personal passions and the aesthetic, while building sustainable revenue streams and investment. It also provides art law basics for operating in the art business environment.
Modules
This course gives you both an overview of the art market business and also the opportunity to gain detailed knowledge in a specific area of fine art and/or design.
Fundamental to the course are modules which introduce you to wide ranging subjects, from connoisseurship, object identification and authentication to cataloguing.
The modules will enhance your business practice skills, and through the research element of the programme, you'll develop your critical analysis skills as well as detailed knowledge within a chosen specialist area.
Core modules
History of the Art Market
30 credits
This module introduces you to the history of the art market, an interdisciplinary academic discipline of great dynamism. It draws attention to the developments of the key agents in the art market within their historical perspective, such as notion of patronage, distribution channels for works of art and the auction and dealer systems. The module emphasises the way in which the European phenomena of collecting and exchange were globalised in the 20th century and continue to develop in multiple ways in the 21st century. The module guides you through the resources available for research into the history of the art market and introduces you to the cross-disciplinary skills involving economic, political and collecting histories, which are necessary to develop a rounded understanding of the subject. On completion you should achieve a new perspective upon the history of art within its markets, integrating the aesthetic and the economic. Taught through a series of lectures and seminars, it is assessed by presentation and a critical essay. Independent learning skills will be developed throughout the module, through directed reading and study visits.
Object Analysis & Valuation
30 credits
This module introduces students to the specifics of object analysis, valuation and appraisal within a primary and secondary market context. Students will examine and critically analyse objects for different purposes. A core element of these classes is an awareness of the meaning of professionalism and professional ethics, professional standards and the role of professional bodies - especially the RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors), together with the role of different stakeholders within the art market including gallerists, collectors and others, and how valuation affects these.
Business and Art
60 credits
This module is designed to break down the barriers between art and commerce; blending these dual imperatives so as to fulfil and sustain personal passions and the aesthetic, while building sustainable revenue streams and investment. This module considers the elements of commercialising art in its broadest sense; and building and managing an arts-based business within current local and global environments. The module will react to current opportunities and challenges affecting the broader economy and the art market in particular with a special emphasis on technology and innovation, sustainability and governance. It also considers the role and opportunities presented by art within businesses and the broader commercial environment.
Major Project
60 credits
The Major Project is the capstone module of the Masters programme. Focusing on critical research, analysis, and presentation, the capstone project enables students to synthesise and apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the course. The module provides students with an extensive programme of training and resources which are designed to aid them in the development, planning, research, and writing of their projects. It brings together students from several MA programmes in the School of Critical Studies and Creative Industries and embeds a range of interdisciplinary and practice-led approaches to their respective fields of study. It provides students with the opportunity to craft their own approach to their field through critical-theoretical and/or creative, practice-based research. The Major Project can accommodate research projects developed through a range of academic and professional contexts depending on the motivation and interests of the student. It can be presented either as a written dissertation or as a creative project, such as a portfolio comprising a chosen medium or media, accompanied by a critical commentary. The intensity of the workload increases across the three teaching blocks, allowing increasing focus in line with the level of your expertise.
Optional modules
Professional Placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates professional placement learning, following completion of 120 credits. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to an appropriate working environment, and to develop and enhance key employability skills and subject-specific professional skills in your chosen subject. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for your subsequent major project module, and would be expected to use it to help inform your decisions about future careers.
