History of Art / Conservation / Curating Postgraduate Prospectus 2019/20 1 Welcome 2 Contents Director’s Welcome 5+ About Us 7+ Courtauld Graduate Diploma in the History of Art 10+ Postgraduate Diploma in the Conservation of Easel Paintings 12+ MA Buddhist Art: History and Conservation 14+ MA Conservation of Wall Paintings 16+ MA Curating the Art Museum 18+ MA History of Art 20+ Research Degrees 32+ Admissions 34+ Study Resources 36+ Careers 38+ Student Life 42+ Accommodation 44+ Student Support 46+ Fees and Funding 48+ Visit Us 50+ Contact information 51+ 3 The Courtauld is a world-leading centre for the study of Art History, Curating and Conservation. 4 Director’s Welcome I am delighted you are considering The Courtauld Construction work started in Somerset House in Institute of Art for your postgraduate studies. The September 2018, and the teaching and learning will Courtauld is a world-leading centre for the study of therefore be temporarily relocated to a spacious, Art History, Curating and Conservation. We have a purpose built educational facility at Vernon Square. world-class faculty of art historians and conservators It is located a short distance away from Somerset dedicated to specialised research-led teaching. House near King’s Cross, London (pictured left). Our strong emphasis on research is core to our Further information on Courtauld Connects and ethos and we run a continuous programme of talks, Vernon Square can be found throughout this seminars and conferences through The Sackler prospectus and online here: https://connects. Research Forum, which strengthens connections courtauld.ac.uk/ with colleagues throughout the world. The Courtauld has over 7,500 alumni, many of The Courtauld’s strength lies in it being a small, whom occupy key positions as Museum Directors, single-subject academic institution, providing Curators, Academics, Conservators, Critics, students with an intimate environment in which to Journalists, and various roles in the commercial art participate, develop their knowledge, and gain world and beyond. They include the Directors of skills for employment in the arts sector and beyond. the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and Tate Modern in London. We are currently embarking on a major, multi- million-pound transformation project called I hope you will join our lively and friendly Courtauld Connects. The project is designed to community of students and scholars who are significantly improve our teaching and learning, committed to helping one another to pursue their conservation and Gallery facilities at our Somerset ambitions. We look forward to welcoming you. House site, enabling deeper connections between curating, teaching and research. Professor Deborah Swallow Märit Rausing Director 5 The Courtauld as an institution leads the whole higher education sector for research quality, and is ranked highest for History of Art. Latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory Sub-Panel 6 About Us The Courtauld Institute of Art is a small, The project has two phases: the first will focus 98% of our friendly, specialist centre for the study of the on The Courtauld Gallery, improving the History of Art, Conservation and Curating. building’s accessibility and the care of our internationally-renowned collection with newly students are It is an independent college of the University of integrated back of house facilities for storage London and was founded in 1932 by Samuel and art handling, and improved spaces for our satisfied with Courtauld, Viscount Lee of Fareham and Conservation programmes. The second phase Sir Robert Witt as the UK’s first university focus on The Courtauld Institute, and provide department devoted to the study of art. Over state-of-the-art teaching, learning and teaching the past 85 years it has developed as the leading research facilities. Art History department in the country, attracting Guardian University 2019 Guide the best students, teachers and researchers. Throughout the work we are committed to maintaining an excellent student experience, With about 500 students taking degrees from and will ensure that students have access to BA to PhD you will quickly meet students from our world-class library and image resources all courses and years. which will be based at Vernon Square. The Courtauld was originally located in The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House and Ranked 1st Portman Square, Marylebone. In 1989 we the Prints and Drawings Study Room will be moved to Somerset House, Strand, and, from closed during this time, however, The January 2019, we will be moving to our new Courtauld remains committed to ensuring as specialist home at Vernon Square, King’s Cross, until much of our collection as possible remains on 2022. This move marks the start of our exciting display during the Courtauld Connects institution transformational Courtauld Connects project refurbishment. We have partnered with The that you can read about in further detail below. National Gallery, based in Trafalgar Square who will host an exhibition of our works from in the UK The Courtauld’s location at Vernon Square September 2018 until early 2019. The National ensures that we continue to be in easy reach of Gallery will also display many of our works Complete University Guide 2018: all the capital’s major museums, galleries and throughout the gallery, amongst their Arts, Drama and Music libraries. Teaching is led by a faculty of about permanent collection throughout the duration institutional league table 35, and we have fantastic resources in our of the refurbishment. library and image collections. We have a very lively research culture, attracting some of the As well as maintaining a presence in London, leading figures in Art History from around the we are loaning works to museums and world, who give lectures and seminars at The galleries across the UK including: Courtauld, which we encourage all our + The Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston students to attend. + The Ferens Art Gallery, Hull. + The Ulster Museum, Belfast. Courtauld Connects + The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Courtauld Connects is a major, multi-million- Coventry. pound transformation project – the biggest development programme since The Courtauld An international tour is also planned including moved to Somerset House in 1989. This a partnership with Fondation Louis Vuitton in visionary project, supported by the Heritage Paris, where key works from The Courtauld Lottery Fund, will enable The Courtauld Galley Collection will be displayed from significantly to improve teaching and research January to June 2019. facilities, enhance the Gallery and widen and extend our reach locally, nationally and Please check our website for further and internationally. With a refurbished home, we up-to-date information on Courtauld Connects will be better suited to host new audiences, at https://connects.courtauld.ac.uk/. global partnerships with other key institutions, If you have any questions, please email and enhance our digital presence. [email protected] A key part of the project will be a major redevelopment of The Courtauld’s buildings in the North Block of Somerset House. We are working with Stirling Prize-winning architects Witherford Watson Mann carefully to restore our important Grade One listed building as well as transform access to and the experience of The Courtauld for our students and the public. 7 A note from the President of the Students’ Union We at the Students’ Union would like to warmly welcome everyone considering studying at The Courtauld Institute of Art. To study at The Courtauld is truly unique. Not only do we have outstanding professors and a rich research programme, but we are based in the heart of London, amongst some of the most stunning collections in the world. Here, each student is supported from the very beginning of their studies into their lives after graduation through our international network of alumni. At enrolment, every Courtauld student becomes a constituent of the Students’ Union, a valued part of our vibrant community. We are an independent body within the university, run by and for those who have chosen to study here. Building upon the many academic benefits of study at The Courtauld, the Students’ Union hosts a range of extracurricular events and activities that encourage students to expand beyond the demands of their courses. The Courtauld’s many societies enable our members to engage in activities ranging from staging their own fine art exhibition through the East-Wing Biennale, to developing their appreciation for cinema through Film Society, to membership of societies explicitly intended for people to come together and drink. Events begin with the Freshers’ week and continue throughout the year. Societies are organised by our members and each develops packed schedules that entertain us, bring us together, and allow us to share our extra-curricular passions. You might also want to form your own society, or join one of the many clubs and societies available to you through our ties to the University of London. For further information, visit our website at: courtauldsu.com. If you cannot find the information you require however, do not hesitate to drop an email to [email protected]. Having been a Postgraduate at The Courtauld myself, I understand the excitement and apprehension that many of you may feel in applying to join us at this venerable institution. All that I can say is that I have been a part of few, if any, places so welcoming, engaging and exhilarating as The Courtauld. Gus Teasdale Students’ Union President 2018/19 8 I have been a part of few, if any, places so welcoming, engaging and exhilarating as The Courtauld. Gus Teasdale Students’ Union President 2018/19 9 Graduate Diploma in the History of Art Intake: Up to 30 students. 2. Constellations I and II In each term students will take one of several Duration: Nine months, full-time.