Global Contemporary Art MA

Next open evening Wednesday 5 June
Book Now

Can't attend? See more open events

Course Overview

Attendance

UK Fees £1,300 *
International Fees £1,700 *
Alumni Discount See details
Duration 2 years

* Price per 20-credit module

Course summary

The Global Contemporary Art MA is a practice-led course designed to nurture the professional, critical, and collaborative skills needed to pursue impactful, globally-aware and socially responsible artistic and curatorial practices.

The course recognises that there has been a fundamental shift in the vision and purpose of contemporary art in global and translocal contexts. Informed by the work of the Centre for Research and Education in Arts and Media (CREAM), the course will enable you to become a mobile and dynamic professional capable of developing artistic and curatorial practices that are sustainable, critical and imaginative responses to major global challenges.

The course has been designed for arts graduates wishing to further develop their practice, or professionals wanting to explore new opportunities for research-led initiatives and engagement with wider audiences. You’ll advance your artistic and curatorial practices through activities that emphasise learning through engagement with real-world scenarios, organisations, platforms and technologies.

You’ll be encouraged to experiment with collaborative and interdisciplinary artistic and curatorial methods. Additionally, you’ll be given opportunities to develop independent or collaborative projects across diverse sites, contexts and platforms, and remain connected with key research and practice themes developed by Westminster School of Arts research platforms and partners. These include sustainable ecosystems, alternative futures, and reclaiming collective identities.

You’ll study the year-long Professional Practice module, which aims to support your progression beyond graduation. The module provides mentorship sessions, career seminars and practical workshops alongside other opportunities.

Top reasons to study with us

  • Fantastic location – You'll enjoy all the benefits of studying at our Harrow Campus, just a 20-minute Tube ride from Central London, a global hub for contemporary art as well as the creative and technology industries
  • Study in a creative environment – You’ll have access to course studios and extensive industry-level facilities including the Emerging Media Space, computer labs, green screen and film studios, editing suites, 3D workshops, 2D print and photographic printing and darkroom facilities
  • Informed by CREAM – The course has been developed by the Centre for Research and Education in Arts and Media (CREAM). The global network will give you access to professional production and public engagement contexts, from exhibition and performance to online platforms and film screenings
  • Choose your own path – Our range of option modules enables you to deepen your knowledge of specific practices, develop flexible approaches and tailor your degree to your interests and chosen practice

Course structure

This course is part of a suite of MA art courses which include the Art and Emerging Technologies MA and the Expanded Photography MA. You’ll tailor your learning through a set of shared optional modules that address contemporary challenges, advanced digital approaches and specialised professional contexts. You’ll also undertake the Professional Practice and the Master's Project modules alongside students from the other MA art courses, thus benefiting from collaborative opportunities and cross-disciplinary learning.

The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.

Core modules

This practice-led module engages with key examples of social engagement and collaborative artistic and curatorial practices in dialogue with local and translocal contexts through real-world case studies and briefs.

You’ll develop skills for conceiving, implementing and evaluating specific collaborative methods that are relevant to your practice. The module will focus on making civic spaces, reclaiming collective identities and building sustainable ecosystems.

This practice-led module takes the concept of artistic platforms as spaces for encounter and engagement. You’ll focus on artist-led collective approaches and publishing, developing your own strategic approaches to global challenges.

The module situates values of respect, care and social integrity that are key to collective production and experimentation across a range of artistic media, digital and curatorial approaches in this area.

This module will support you to develop an independently defined practice-led project grounded in the contextual understanding of your area of practice, relevant theoretical debates and the wider creative industry. The output may take the form of either practical outputs, a written dissertation or a combination of both. The output format is negotiable in terms of the balance of written and practical elements but should be the equivalent of 10,000 words – you’ll work with your tutor to assess the balance between text and practice.

Workshops, talks and seminars are offered to introduce you to a range of research and practical skills, such as writing proposals, project management and dissemination strategies. Through continuous critical reflection, you’ll consider the societal impact, ethical implications and sustainability of your cultural practices.

This module offers a framework for you to reflect, develop and identify your professional interests and future career path, and to gain a working knowledge of the creative industries while supporting you to develop a range of relevant professional skills. Through a series of talks, seminars, workshops and external visits, you’ll be introduced to various working practices in the art and creative industries.

Support is offered through tutorials to monitor your progress and live projects, advise on your professional development needs and direction to relevant resources and networks. You’ll also be supported by the Careers and Employability Service and Westminster Enterprise Network (WeNetwork) to identify opportunities, develop skills and make informed decisions about your career plans.

Option modules

This practice-led module is hosted by the Global Contemporary Art MA and focuses on the range of practical and conceptual skills involved in curating for diverse contexts of global contemporary art and creative industries more widely.

The module’s emphasis is on new forms of curation which are collaborative, innovative and disruptive and where the concept of the ‘exhibition’ becomes a site of negotiation and challenge. You’ll be introduced to theories and histories about the artistic and social role and function of the curator in art practice in a shifting landscape. 

This module is hosted by the Art and Emerging Technologies MA and investigates the potential of digital art & design practices and advanced technologies such as 3D scanning and photogrammetry to expand and create the archive of the future. You’ll consider archives and source sites as curatorial tools to present and experience collections that employ transmedia approaches and interactive and immersive platforms.

You’ll also use participatory practices to democratise access, engage new audiences and create dynamic ‘living’ archives. You’ll work in cross-disciplinary groups and engage with live projects within archives, galleries and heritage sites. The module also addresses the societal, ethical and sustainable aspects of archival practices, including contested material and narratives.

This module is hosted by the Global Contemporary Art MA. It is a research-led module that may take either a text-based or practical approach to address concerns with global issues of climate, social justice and biodiversity. The module will include experimentation, fieldwork and/or digital/material investigations.

Outputs could take the form of interventions, artworks, performances or presentations, supported by documentation and research findings. A key feature of this module is the development of ideas that are actionable in the context of future challenges and that provide audiences with an understanding of these issues and their global context. 

This module is hosted by the Expanded Photography MA and addresses essential aspects of future-facing photographic production: cutting-edge presentation and dissemination of projects for specific audiences and industries. The module will enable you to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to create and distribute photographs and related practices in a sustainable and ethical manner while remaining responsive to changing technological and cultural contexts.

Seminars and workshops will address a range of innovative physical and virtual spaces where current practices are disseminated, including but not limited to digital platforms, social media, galleries, pop-ups, site-specific public interventions, magazines and photo books. You’ll develop exploratory methods for presenting a self-directed body of work in a particular context, demonstrating a self-critical use of technologies, emerging research and understanding of the relevant creative industries.

This module is hosted by the Art and Emerging Technologies MA and investigates the scope and potential for digital art practices and emerging technologies to be used to develop new forms of experiences and approaches to interactive storytelling.

Through technical exploration and project development, you’ll critically engage with techniques, methods and concepts used in digital storytelling, interactive and immersive experience design, virtual environment creation and world-building, game design and digital simulation.

The module will further challenge you to consider cultural and industry-based audiences in the creation of their practical self-defined projects by emphasising the user experience and participatory elements of interactive technologies.

This module is hosted by the Expanded Photography MA and aims to engage students with expanded notions of photography within virtual spaces, such as gaming, AR, VR, AI, creative coding and 3D visualisation. You’ll be introduced to the critical and ethical context of these practices in media and aesthetic theory.

Workshops are offered to deepen your technical understanding of specific virtual photography practices and how they function in the creative industries more broadly. You can choose to produce either a visual or written project in response to a self-directed research question to assess the functioning mechanisms of photographs and their ethical and legal challenges.

book icon in turquoise
Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

Checklist top tips icon
Prospectus

Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.

Request a prospectus

Chat icon in turquoise
Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)

[email protected]

Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)

Careers

This course offers the opportunity to develop projects with external partners. You’ll be well placed to take up graduate roles within a range of professional settings, including policy development, research and development, third sector and artist-based cooperatives. The course concludes with a significant self-directed Master's project which develops your independence, project management skills and development of your portfolio to showcase your practice for future employers.

Industry knowledge

You’ll be taught by a teaching team with a wide range of experience both in industry and academia.

Professional development

A year-long Professional Practice module puts professional development at the core of your journey. You’ll be supported by mentors, industry experts and your tutors to develop a personal career plan according to your own interests and professional goals. 

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers. 

Industry links

Our global network gives you access to advanced professional contexts of production and public engagement, from exhibition and performance to online platforms and film screenings.

Job roles

Depending on your area of creative endeavour – this course acts as a launchpad for careers that reflect changes in the growing global field of contemporary art and its related creative community. From thought leaders to social and eco visionaries leading on sustainable art futures, the course is intended to support independent, cultural and industry-focused graduates who can work on connected local challenges and across global contexts.

The course will prepare you for roles in a variety of areas, including:

  • Collaborative, collective or independent artists
  • Creative, political or socially minded curators
  • Disruptive digital practitioners in creative industries
  • Managers of cultural organisations, museums and galleries
  • Cultural and arts events producers
  • Cultural and social entrepreneurs
  • Creative non-fiction film and media practitioners
  • Educators, academics and researchers
  • Public, arts and cultural policy advisors
  • Independent arts administration and advocacy managers
  • Managers, archivists and advocates for collections, intangible heritage and socially engaged arts

Westminster Employability Award

Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.

The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities. 

Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.

Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.

Westminster Employability Award

Why study this course?

Learn from expert tutors

Our internationally-renowned academics have diverse experiences and a wealth of expertise working as artists, curators and researchers.

State-of-the-art facilities

Enjoy industry-level facilities including the Emerging Media Space, computer labs, photographic green screen and film studios, editing suites, 3D workshops, 2D print and photographic printing and darkroom facilities.

Fantastic location

With Central London only a 20-minute Tube ride away, you’ll enjoy the benefits of studying in a major capital for the creative industries.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) with relevant experience in related subject areas.

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of recent practice projects. This should be presented in digital form and be annotated to demonstrate the progression from brief or inspiration through to completion. All images should be fully captioned with date of completion, size and medium used. Applicants will also need to identify in writing (maximum 500 words) a specific area of personal interest, which they envisage studying in depth whilst on the course. Interviews will be held online.

If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Application process

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) with relevant experience in related subject areas.

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of recent practice projects. This should be presented in digital form and be annotated to demonstrate the progression from brief or inspiration through to completion. All images should be fully captioned with date of completion, size and medium used. Applicants will also need to identify in writing (maximum 500 words) a specific area of personal interest, which they envisage studying in depth whilst on the course. Interviews will be held online.

If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Application process

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

More information

Learn new skills

Volunteer and gain new skills

We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.

Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.

Get extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £1,300 (Price per 20-credit module)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).

Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £1,700 (Price per 20-credit module)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.

Find out more about funding for international students.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and assessment

How you’ll be taught

Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:

  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision

How you’ll be assessed

Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:

  • Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
  • Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation

Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

  • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course Location

The vibrant home of our creative, media and digital courses, the Harrow Campus offers one of the richest portfolios of creative industry research and learning in Europe. The recent redevelopment of the campus has seen the creation of fluid, informal learning spaces, dedicated project and gallery spaces and a revamped library. For more details, visit our Harrow Campus page.

Contact us

Call our dedicated team on:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

More information

Your Westminster

Book an open day. Order a prospectus. Sign up for newsletters.