What roles do galleries and museums have in society today? How have they shaped our understanding of art? On this course you’ll explore these questions and more through first-hand experience of a major art gallery and museum. You’ll discover the history of art across time and cultures, and explore the relationship between culture and society from the past to the present day, and into the future.
Based in the world-famous Sainsbury Centre, you’ll become part of a unique community. We’re the only Art History Department in the UK located within a world-renowned art museum.
You’ll explore the politics and practises of display across diverse collections and exhibitions. This includes contemporary art galleries, natural history collections, historic houses, and heritage sites. And you’ll consider the work of curators, conservators, and educators, including how they engage broad audiences. These topics are pivotal to careers in museums, galleries, and the heritage sector.
The course allows you to immerse yourself in the historic city of Norwich. You’ll study in the collections of the Sainsbury Centre, which was designed by Norman Foster. You’ll examine objects and artworks. You'll learn about the processes and politics of collecting, while considering diverse communities and audiences. Learning from world-leading experts, you’ll gain different perspectives on art and material culture.
We’re part of an international network for the study and display of art. This includes the Sainsbury Centre, Sainsbury Research Unit for the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures. Among the benefits of the network is to enable you to connect with local and national museums. Our graduates have gone on to exciting and rewarding careers in the cultural, creative, and heritage sectors. We look forward to you joining our community.
