Curatorial Practice

· Research Methodologies
Introduces generic research methodologies and the ways subject specific material, analysis and evaluation techniques can be a vehicle for personal study. This is shared with other Masters programmes in the School of Art and Design, and so gives an opportunity to share ideas with artists, designers and curators from across disciplines.

· The Role of the Curator
Considers the changing role of the curator, the 'politics' of curating and real-world issues through first hand contact with working curators in our region and beyond. It addresses developments in critical theory and their impact on curatorial practices such as representing communities, ethnicities, gender issues, 'interventions', gallery learning, the 'post-museum' and curating in the public realm.

· Collections and Collecting
Considers the nature of collecting and the influence of collecting on curatorial practice. We assess the way collections act as a 'ground' for new work by artists, makers and in specialist creative project work , as well as traditional interpretation. You can study private collectors, the transition of 'private' to 'public', and the process of defining objects as 'collectible'. It covers material culture, collecting the digital, oral history and its methods, research in archiving and management of historical and contemporary collections.

· Reaching Audiences
The module allows you to present or study a live project to a real audience. You’ll study current discourse around engagement, participation and learning, and link this to exploring how curatorial practices reach audiences.

· Master's Project
The Master's Project can be either text or practice based. It accommodates a variety of approaches for assessment, that can include the traditional written dissertation, the study of historical or archival case studies, curating an exhibition or project in a venue, or forms of digital production, the construction of a museum or gallery specific web site. Many long studies come from the student’s own practice, and can be used to broaden or reflect upon work-place or voluntary experience.

Course assessment

Project based work can be developed and assessed as part of the course. Real life projects can be pursued in response to assessment assignments, especially in relation to the final 'Master's Project' double module.

We assess:

· Your ability to deal with complex issues in the area of curatorial practice history, theory and context, effectively employing skill in analysis and synthesis as necessary.

· Your ability to independently plan and implement research activities in the subject fields of curatorial practice, demonstrating professionalism, self-direction and originality.

· Your ability to effectively propose and curate exhibitions, drawing on research and understanding.

· Your ability to initiate and contribute to debate and discussion in relation to curatorial practice.

· Your capacity to advance knowledge, learning and skills in the subject fields of curatorial practice.