Master of Curatorial Studies in Fine Arts (Research)
A research-focused master’s degree combining curatorial practice with museum placements and exhibition development in Perth.
Best for:Best for graduates in art history, museum studies, or related humanities disciplines with a passion for curatorial research and exhibition development.
Overview
This research-based Master of Curatorial Studies at the University of Western Australia (UWA) integrates hands-on experience with leading Western Australian museums and galleries. Students develop expertise in curatorial research, exhibition design, and museology through three possible pathways: a major exhibition proposal with a professional catalogue, a dissertation on museological theory, or a publishable catalogue raisonné of an uncatalogued artist’s work. A mandatory placement in a public gallery ensures practical exposure, culminating in a comparative report. The programme bridges academic rigour with professional practice, ideal for those seeking to advance curatorial scholarship and practice.
What you'll do
- Develop a fully researched proposal for a major exhibition, including a professional catalogue with an essay on proposed works (minimum 30,000 words).
- Alternatively, write a dissertation (minimum 30,000 words) on a relevant aspect of museology or compile a publishable catalogue raisonné (up to 30,000 words) for an uncatalogued artist.
- Complete a mandatory placement in a public gallery and prepare a detailed comparative report (up to 5,000 words) based on the experience.
- Collaborate with UWA museums and external Western Australian public galleries to gain direct curatorial research experience.
- Engage in exhibition presentation and curatorial practice under academic supervision.
Requirements
Degree required: A bachelor’s degree from this university requiring at least four years of full-time study (or equivalent) in a subject area relevant to curatorial studies, as determined by the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts.
Degree offered: Master of Curatorial Studies (Research)
Language: English proficiency (standard university requirements apply).
Instruction: English
- Ability to conduct independent research and write a substantial thesis or catalogue (minimum 30,000 words).
- Strong writing and critical analysis skills for curatorial and exhibition-related texts.
- Experience or interest in museum studies, art history, or related humanities disciplines.
- Proficiency in organizing and presenting research findings in a professional format.
- Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree equivalent to at least four years of full-time study at UWA or an equivalent institution.
- The Dean’s office will assess the relevance of the applicant’s prior degree to curatorial studies.
- Applicants must demonstrate the ability to complete a research-based master’s degree and produce a thesis or catalogue.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
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- Teaching language
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- Taught / research mode
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- Study mode
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- Campus
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- Prerequisites
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- Application instructions
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- Tuition
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- Funding
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How to apply
Deadline: unknown
Applicants must submit an online application through the UWA portal, including academic transcripts, a research proposal or statement of intent, and any additional documents required by the faculty. The application process involves review by the Dean’s office to assess eligibility and relevance of prior study.
- CV or resume
- Academic transcripts (bachelor’s degree and beyond)
- Research proposal or statement of intent (outlining intended research focus)
- Two academic references
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
Contact
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