This programme encourages a creative, holistic and practical knowledge of this increasingly expanded field, grounding practical schooling in fields such as criticism, art writing and curating, in knowledge of key histories and theories of contemporary art. The programme addresses issues raised by the practices of contemporary art, criticism and curating as a means of encouraging you to contribute both critically and practically.
How will I learn?Artists think and act. Being contemporary means engaging with multiple perspectives and different ways of learning. Students of contemporary art theory conduct research in relation to a broad range of creative, cultural and historical contexts in ways that are speculative, writerly, philosophical, organisational, social and economic.
You will apply aesthetics, art theory and criticism, art historiography, anthropology, and critical theory to engage with contemporary art鈥檚 variety of media, technologies, images, artefacts, tactics, texts, cultural contexts and professional practices.
September 2025
The University of Edinburgh
Student Recruitment and Admissions,
33 Buccleuch Place,
EDINBURGH,
EDINBURGH, CITY OF,
EH8 9JS, SCOTLAND, Scotland
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.