MRes Art: Moving Image

MRes Art is made up of three specialist pathways: Theory and Philosophy; Moving Image; and Exhibition Studies. MRes Art uses research and writing to develop modes of questioning, speculative thinking and critical evaluation. Drawing upon a wealth of scholarly expertise from the staff team, visiting lecturers and practitioners, the course considers the relationship of contemporary art research to wider aesthetic, cultural and socio-political issues.

There are opportunities for students on each pathway to come together for shared taught components. You will also be encouraged to develop student-led activities. In the past, our students have collaborated on research events and publications, as well as the Tate Exchange programme at Tate Modern.

From early pioneers of the twentieth century to contemporary moving image media, this pathway investigates the intersections of film, video and disciplines including photography, painting, performance, poetry and literature. MRes Art: Moving Image actively encourages new approaches to critical discourse. It is designed to appeal to writers and artists as well as those with an interest in art research.

Taught in close association with LUX, the Moving Image pathway focuses on the theoretical and historical study of artists moving image. Closely tied to the British Artists Film and Video Study Collection at Central Saint Martins, the Moving Image pathway represents one of the leading centres for moving image scholarship. It develops in-depth knowledge and exploration of one of the most visible and fast-growing contexts for arts practice. Drawing on theories from the arts and humanities, MRes Art: Moving Image develops research in a dialogue with an expanding and exciting field of moving image practice. The curriculum includes both physical and online; gallery visits, artist events, festivals, screenings and talks from visiting experts. Through this, you will engage with the urgent debates arising from current research in dialogue with historical precedents and contemporary discourse.

Our Postgraduate Art Programme offers valuable opportunities to build transferable professional knowledge and skills. The exchange of perspectives with others through shared units, reading groups and debates helps establish stimulating and productive networks.

The focus on proposing and developing a major independent programme of study is supported by a shared professional practice lecture series featuring guest speakers plus opportunities to attend symposia and critique work in progress across subject areas. The Postgraduate Art Programme has wide-ranging links with professional organisations, collections and galleries, and includes opportunities for interaction and networking according to your personal career direction.

MRes Art: Moving Image is unique in its relationship with LUX, the national public arts agency that explores ideas around artists' moving image and supports practice through a range of activities including distribution of works, exhibitions, education publishing and research. The pathway is supported by professional expertise from LUX and benefits from its extensive connections.

MRes Art: Moving Image anticipates both academic and professional outcomes for its students, enabling graduates to pursue a range of careers in artists' moving image culture. Some may opt for academic scholarship through doctoral research. Others may choose or continue in professions within curating and film programming, distribution, publishing and journalism. Possible career contexts include festivals, biennales, galleries, museums and archives. And for some graduates MRes Art: Moving Image will enable further enrichment of their own practice as artists working with moving image.

For details of the wide range of careers support provided for students, please visit the Student Jobs And Careers section.