Graduate Diploma Contemporary Art History
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Why study the Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Art History
The Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Art History is for graduates of other disciplines with an interest in contemporary art and ideas, and who wish to carry out research at higher levels in the fields of visual cultures. By engaging with rigorous, experimental and creative approaches, you will build upon your existing knowledge and develop a greater independent and critical engagement in the field.
- You'll investigate contemporary art, art theory and visual culture from around the world through an approach that is interdisciplinary, thematic, practice- and ideas-led rather than chronological.
- You will develop an independent approach to learning as well as a greater ability to think critically and creatively, and prepare for further study at a graduate level.
- We'll explore visual culture in all forms to broaden your outlook. You’ll not only examine the kinds of artefacts you might see in museums and art galleries, but also those that make up our everyday environment: like architecture, city and landscapes, adverts, TV and film, websites, the body, and street style.
- You’ll study at one of the top art universities. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ has been ranked 26th in the world for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026).
- We'll encourage you to get involved in student-led activities and personal development projects, while part-time students might combine their studies with their professional practices.
- Being based in London means you can take advantage of the many galleries, art spaces, museums, cultural facilities and specialist libraries the city has to offer.
- Many of our recent graduates have gone on to further study in Visual Cultures at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ, including MA Contemporary Art Theory, MA Research Architecture and MRes Advanced Practices, as well as other programmes across the university.
- Other graduates have also gone on to work as international curators, editors of art journals and in creative fields such as arts management, marketing, and education.
Contact
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Alice Andrews .
Length
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Fees
Home - full-time: £8250
Home - part-time: £4125
International - full-time: £20950
School
Subject
We are an Adobe Creative Campus. During your studies, you will be able to use Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator and more for free on your own devices.
Overview
Visual Cultures at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ has been at the forefront of a contemporary approach to Art History research and practice for well over a decade and has helped to redefine the field.
The Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Art History programme draws on this research, its modules are taught by leading curators, theorists and researchers. The degree combines a strong grounding in art history and contemporary cultural theory with the development of experimental methods that allow you to lay your own path.
The programme opened my eyes to entirely new ways of looking at and feeling art, approaching contemporary art history not chronologically but through unexpected entry points: Daoism, Cosmotechnics, Affect and others. It gave me permission to find new ways of seeing.
Hannah, Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Art History alumni
What you'll study
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Histories of Art (Lecture and Lab) | 45 credits |
| Curating and the Curatorial | 15 credits |
| Inhabitations | 15 credits |
Teaching style
This programme is taught through scheduled learning – for example, through a mixture of lectures, seminars, and labs (exploring creative, practice-based research methodologies).
How you'll be assessed
You’ll be assessed by coursework only. This may consist of essays, creative projects, group projects, multi-media projects, presentations, symposia, reviews, reflective practice, and studio work.
Credits and levels of learning
The Graduate Diploma is made up of 120 credits at level 6, with up to 30 credits from level 5. Modules are worth 15 or 30 credits.
What our students say
Careers
The Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Art History prepares you to develop independent and collaborative projects in the field of visual cultures ensuring you graduate with the ability and confidence to enact your creative practice in the contemporary world. Graduates are well placed to pursue careers in:
- Museums and galleries – for example as administrators or curators
- The art world – for example as artists, art historians or theoreticians
- Journalism and the media
- Teaching and research
- The commercial world
Many of our alumni are active in the contemporary art world, whether working for major art and cultural institutions, or having set up cultural initiatives of their own.
Other graduates choose to continue their studies to Masters level and beyond.
Alongside our lecture and seminar programmes, we run events and workshops specifically aimed to help students prepare for their future directions.
You can read more about the career options open to you on our dedicated Visual Cultures careers page.
Skills
Some of the skills you'll develop during the Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Art History include:
- Critical and analytical skills, especially relating to modern and contemporary art, ideas and visual culture
- Creative thinking and reflective practice
- An ability to question existing ideas and concepts
- An understanding of the historical emergence and development of contemporary artistic practices
- An understanding of the institutions of exhibition and criticism that shape art practices
- An understanding of the ways that art practices produce and reflect on the formation of cultural identities
- An awareness of the role of art practices in shaping subjectivity, signification, cultural difference and participation
- Research and evaluation skills
- Communication skills, including the ability to express your ideas clearly verbally and in writing, and other creative means
- A commitment to ethical and sustainable ways of living and working, to social justice and racial equity
- Flexibility and self-motivation
Entry requirements
You should normally have (or expect to be awarded) the following qualifications:
- 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 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 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 study.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the PG fees for students starting their programme in the 2026/2027 academic year.
- Home - full-time: £8250
- Home - part-time: £4125
- International - full-time: £20950
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 under a student visa. 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.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Funding opportunities
Explore the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ scholarships finder to find out what funding you may be eligible for.
If you are a UK student you may be eligible for a .
Meanwhile our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies.
Paying your fees
Find out about paying your tuition fees.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
How to apply
You apply directly to 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ using our online application system.
To complete your application, you will need to have:
- Details of your academic qualifications
- The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively a copy of your academic reference
- Copies of your educational transcripts or certificates
- A personal statement
You'll be able to save your progress at any point and return to your application by logging in using your username/email and password.
When to apply
We accept applications from October for students wanting to start the following September.
We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you haven't finished your current programme of study. It's very common to be offered a place that is conditional on you achieving a particular qualification.
Late applications will only be considered if there are spaces available.
Selection process
Admission to many programmes is by interview, unless you live outside the UK. Occasionally, we'll make candidates an offer of a place on the basis of their application and qualifications alone.
Further guidance
Read our guide to applying for a postgraduate degree at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ.
