History of Art and Architecture (M.Phil. / P.Grad.Dip.)

Course Overview

The M.Phil. in History of Art and Architecture offers a distinctive programme founded on primary study of the outstanding collections on campus and nearby. The focus on both Irish and global art and architecture held in collections in Ireland provides students with a broad range of possible avenues for research. Students are asked to think critically about the interpretation of works of art and architecture using a range of methodological approaches in a selection of taught courses alongside a research seminar and dissertation module.

Students taking this M.Phil. will gain an understanding of best practice in art history through a series of modules designed to encourage sophisticated documentation and analysis of both works of art and architecture in Ireland and of the diverse range of approaches and methods current in the discipline. The taught modules will inform and enrich the research component of the course and thus develop students’ ability to produce original and articulate contributions to scholarship.

There is a strong emphasis on direct engagement with works of art in public and private collections throughout the degree, including with the unique collections held by Trinity on campus and the world-class collections and institutions with which we have close connections, such as the National Gallery, the Chester Beatty, and the Irish Architectural Archive. Visits to sites, buildings, archives, artist studios, collections and institutions are important features of many of the modules and are actively encouraged as part of the dissertation research.

Applicants should normally have at least an upper second class (2:1) Honours Bachelors degree or equivalent (for example, GPA of 3.3) in a relevant area. An undergraduate degree in art history is preferable but not essential. Since places on the course are limited, applicants may be interviewed or asked to submit a writing sample for assessment. In your application, we are interested to hear about why you want to study for this degree in Ireland, so read the course details carefully and reflect this in your submission.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page here.

The M.Phil. provides a strong foundation in art-historical skills, methodologies and approaches and helps prepare graduates for a wide variety of careers including in the gallery, museum and heritage sectors, libraries and archives, public policy and administration, teaching, media, public relations, publishing, and art practice. For those already working in these sectors, the course will enrich knowledge and skills, stimulate lateral thinking, and act as a spur to innovation. It also provides invaluable training in research for those planning to pursue a doctorate and/or career in research.