Bachelor of Arts (Hons) - Culture, Criticism and Curation
- 3 years
- Duration
- 30,890 GBP/year
- Price
- September
- Start
- June
- Deadline
- Bachelor
- Degree
- Campus
- Format
- London / United Kingdom
- Location
Program description
The BA Culture, Criticism and Curation course is delivered at Central Saint Martins and draws on interdisciplinary practices and critical theories to engage with curation, research, and writing. Its curriculum is inspired by urgent social issues, history, and futurity, aiming to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and produce future critical thinkers.
The course provides space for research and projects that reflect on our digital and material worlds, engaging with social, political, and community-focused issues. It emphasizes collaboration and collective practice to disrupt the present and take ownership of the future. Learning is student-centred, focusing on process and fostering a culture of reflection within an art school context.
The programme actively initiates debate within frameworks of anti-capitalist, eco-feminist, and post-colonial critique, preparing graduates to make a contextual and socially aware impact in arts, culture, and heritage.
Program structure
Year 1
- Unit 1: Introduction to Culture, Criticism and Curation
- Unit 2: Introduction to Cultural Histories and Theories
- Unit 3: Introduction to Critical Writing as Practice
- Unit 4: Introduction to Curatorial Ethics
- Unit 5: Creative Unions
Year 1 establishes a foundational understanding of culture, criticism, and curation through lectures, seminars, and collaborative projects. The units introduce key histories and theories while developing core practices in writing and curating. This initial stage helps you explore your individual strengths and learn essential skills in working with others.
Year 2
- Unit 6: Exploring Critical Issues in Culture
- Unit 7: Interrogating Histories
- Unit 9: Interrogating Usable Pasts
Year 2 builds on the first year's foundations by applying critical theory through academic writing and hands-on curatorial projects. You will engage with pressing social and cultural debates in dedicated units and deepen your expertise through a focused elective of your choice. The year is enriched by seminars from creative researchers and academics, offering innovative perspectives on the vital link between theory and practice.
Year 3
- Unit 10: Exploring Critical Issues in Culture: Elective 2
- Unit 11: Dissertation via Critical Practice or Theories
- Unit 12: The Curatorial Commons and Publics Project
- Unit 13: Curatorial Projects and Realisation
The final year is dedicated to developing your independence, with a focus on ideas and practices rooted in social and political contexts. You will complete your dissertation and a group project, expanding your understanding of how your work relates to the wider field of curation and cultural production. A key focus is on deeper engagement with political activism and collective solidarity, aiming to embed care, agency, and criticality into all aspects of your creative and research work.
Price
Tuition fee:
- 30,890 GBP per year*
*Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.
During your studies, you may need to cover extra costs which are not included in your tuition fees. You might need to budget for materials and equipment specific to your course. You may also need a laptop or other digital tech/software.
Requirements for applicants
The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:
One or a combination of the following accepted full Level 3 qualifications:
- Three A Levels at grade B or above (two of which are in essay-based humanities subjects such as History, History of Art, English Literature, Philosophy, Government and Politics, Classical Studies)
- Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4) and two A Levels at grade C or above (one of which is in an essay-based humanities subject such as History, History of Art, English Literature, Philosophy, Government and Politics, Classical Studies)
- Equivalent EU/international qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma
- And five GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A– C).
Exceptionally applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered.
The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
- Related academic or work experience
- The quality of the personal statement
- A strong academic or other professional reference.
- Or a combination of these factors.
Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
- Please note that these qualifications alone will not be sufficient to secure entry to the course.
English language requirements
- IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking
About the university
The University of the Arts London (UAL) produces and encourages the creativity essential for a better future. Its colleges have been at the forefront of innovative education since 1842, creating work with a lasting impact on people and the planet, driven by curiosity, imagination, and purpose.
London is fundamental to UAL's identity, providing a vital context where the university connects and exchanges ideas with individuals from all walks of life. Globally, its creative network influences education, culture, business, and society.
Through innovative research and creative instruction, UAL's faculty and staff bring fresh perspectives to education. The university enables students to build the careers they desire by working with them at every level - from pre-degree to postgraduate, and from short courses to online learning.
UAL's colleges
Ranked second in the world for art and design, UAL comprises six distinct colleges:
- Camberwell College of Arts
- Central Saint Martins
- Chelsea College of Arts
- London College of Communication
- London College of Fashion
- Wimbledon College of Arts
Together, they form a community of creatives, innovators, trailblazers, and storytellers, united in their mission to reimagine the future.
Courses in the visual arts, animation, screen, communication, fashion, media, and performance are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
