Triangle

Research overview

  • Are you passionate about digging deeper into art history?
  • Do you want the time, support and skills to carry out research?

The MRes is a substantial piece of original work and can be ideal if:

  • you cannot commit to a PhD but still have a topic you want to research further
  • your topic doesn't require three-years of PhD study
  • you want to develop your research and academic skills before starting a PhD

It can also be an advantage when applying for PhD funding as it demonstrates existing interest and research skills.

Our specialisations

Nineteenth-century art and cultural exchange

  • Including issues of national identity, intercultural contact, migration and innovation

Collecting, reception and revival

  • Including issues of display, imperialism, power, travel and memory

Photography, film and spectatorship

  • Including issues of representation, status, politics and relationships to other media

Politics and identity

  • Including issues of gender, class, race, identity, propaganda, power, protest and memory

 

This is a companion to the Visual Culture MRes. The requirements and supervision arrangements are the same but the title of your final degree is different.

Find out more

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Course content

As well as researching and writing your dissertation you will take a taught module that develops your research and interdisciplinary skills. The balance of work is:

  • Research dissertation - 160 credits
  • Taught module - 20 credits

Research Dissertation

You will research and write a 35,000 word dissertation.

You'll agree the subject with your supervisor who will provide full support and regular reviews.

Students must choose one from:

This module helps postgraduate students recognise the range of careers and opportunities that an Arts and Humanities MA/MRes can provide.

It highlights the skills and abilities present within these programmes and provides examples of the successful application of these skills. Students will explore how subjects within the arts can be ‘applied disciplines’ that serve to be impactful in wider society through research and engagement.

Through ‘live brief’ assessments, students work in groups, utilising their Arts and Humanities skill sets, to present and produce a consultancy report for a range of organisations, including SMEs/Third-sector.

The module examines key issues and contemporary debates in the study of media. It explores the implications of "de-Westernising" understandings of media communication, both in theory and in practice. It problematizes the nation state as the ethical and political horizon of media practices.

There are four areas of enquiry:

• Histories of the Present: Media in an International Context
• Political-Economic Strategies and Communication Power
• Emergence of New Actors in Society and Culture
• Ethics and Politics of Communication in a World without Borders

Key fields of research addressed are:

• Media sociology
• Cultural studies
• The political economy of media

This module is worth 20 credits.

This module introduces you to the wide range of interdisciplinary research happening in the Faculty of Arts. We invite you to ‘think outside the box’ in relation to your own research, while learning key research techniques and methods. The module aims to:

  • introduce the ideas, practices, complexities, and opportunities of interdisciplinary research in the arts
  • enable you to practice critical self-reflexivity about the conventions and expectations of your own disciplines in relation to those of others
  • train you in core research skills necessary for graduate-level study
  • develop your confidence in communicating research findings to non-specialist audiences

You will build on your existing research skills gained from your university career to date. Furthermore, you will develop a more nuanced understanding of your own research practice, inspiring you to explore different approaches questions. In addition, you will develop an understanding of professional practice in areas such as:

  • academic publishing
  • knowledge exchange
  • dissertation planning and writing
  • professional communication

This module is worth 20 credits.

An introduction to some of the key research skills required to become a more effective researcher and successfully complete your MRes.

You'll also develop a range of transferable professional skills - from writing and presentation to public engagement and project management.

You will also engage with key methdological concepts and debates within the arts and humaniities.

This module runs for one semester and is worth 20 credits.

Explore the role of technology in:

  • shaping processes of symbolic exchange
  • the material organisation of cultures
  • the growth of communication 'power' and subjective capacities for action

The module draws together research in media and communication theory, history and philosophy of technology, geography and the sociology of communication, material cultures.

You'll consider debates about:

  • the division between technical and cultural understandings of the world
  • links between technology and experience
  • critical appraisals of ideas about network and information society
  • technological determinism
  • digital infrastructures
  • theories of socio-technical organisation

This module is worth 20 credits.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on 08 November 2024.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

QualificationMRes
Degree

2:1 (or international equivalent) in art history or a related subject.

QualificationMRes
Degree

2:1 (or international equivalent) in art history or a related subject.

International and EU equivalents

We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.

For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.

IELTS7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.

Applying

We encourage you to get in touch with a member of academic staff about your research proposal before submitting an application. They will be able to help you with your proposal and offer support to find funding opportunities in your area.

If you're not sure how your research might fit into our existing programme contact our postgraduate admissions tutor Dr Mark Rawlinson who'll be happy to discuss.

Research staff and their areas of expertise

Most students start the course in September but February starts are also possible.

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

How to apply

Fees

QualificationMRes
Home / UK£5,350
International£23,000

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

Optional field trips may require you to pay for your own travel and entrance fees.

Funding

Funding opportunities for Faculty of Arts students

There are additional funding opportunities available to you as a Faculty of Arts student.

Other sources of funding

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Support

Research seminars

These regular seminars allow you to broaden your knowledge of the subject and gain a better sense of how research develops as part of an interactive process. In particular you can:

  • hear visiting scholars from elsewhere in the UK and from overseas
  • present research in progress in a friendly and constructive environment
  • keep up-to-date with fellow art history students and staff

See recent seminars organised by the Centre for Research in Visual Culture.

Digital Transformations Hub

  • Collection of more than 80,000 35mm art history slides
  • Support for cutting edge digital humanities research

Visit the Digital Transformations Hub website

Crop up gallery

Get involved in our student-led curatorial group and gain valuable practical experience in leadership, design, curatorship, marketing and promotion, networking and project management.

Language learning

You can make full use of the Language Centre facilities for both research-specific learning and personal interest.

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Graduate centres

Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.

Each space has areas for:

  • studying
  • socialising
  • computer work
  • seminars
  • kitchen facilities

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services, including:

  • academic and disability support
  • childcare services
  • counselling service
  • faith support
  • financial support
  • mental health and wellbeing support
  • visa and immigration advice
  • welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

  • international students
  • black and minority ethnic students
  • students who identify as women
  • students with disabilities
  • LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

Where you will learn

Centre for Research into Visual Culture

The Centre is involved with all aspects of contemporary art and visual culture. Its activities reflect the research interests of staff and students in the department.

Students attend regular seminars and symposia hosted by CRVC. Our latest seminar series "Re-writing history? Monuments, iconoclasm, and social justice movements in 2020" provided a snapshot of the long history of monuments, protest and oppression and explored the historical significance of this moment.

Visit the Centre's website

Careers

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Typically, our students are in great demand for their extensive knowledge and skills.

Recent destinations include:

Galleries, museums, collections

Commercial

Other

100% of postgraduates from Cultural Media and Visual Studies secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology.

Hollywood Internships programme

This course is perfect for a career in the creative industries. At Nottingham, you can gain valuable experience through internships, placements, and work opportunities. No more so though than with our prestigious Hollywood Internships programme, unique to Nottingham. Previous internships have involved:

  • First-reading of incoming film and television scripts
  • Collecting audience data and preparing evaluation reports
  • Filming interviews with Hollywood veterans for the archive
  • Training, masterclasses, professional lectures and panels
  • Working front of house at special screenings and industry events

Indicative partner organisations include A24, CAA, Disney, Warner, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate, UTA, and WME.

The partners, number and nature of the internships change each year, advertised in the Autumn term. These are highly competitive positions, and places are not guaranteed. Terms and conditions apply.

The internships are supported through the generosity of Peter Rice, Nottingham graduate and former Chair of Disney General Entertainment Content.

Isobel Elstob History of Art
By exploring contexts of art production, display, and interpretation you'll interrogate how art history is written, and expand these discussions into broader visual cultures like photojournalism and museology. It's this opportunity to explore a range of materials and methods that makes the MRes so special. I love seeing our students develop both intellectual and research skills in imaginative ways, knowing it gives them a great foundation for their future careers.”
Dr Isobel Elstob, Assistant Professor in Art History

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Research Excellence Framework

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

  • 90% of our research environment recognised as of world leading quality
  • 100% of our impact case studies recognised as having outstanding or very considerable impact
  • 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
  • 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
  • 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 08 November 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.