Master of Research - Art: Theory and Philosophy
- 2 years
- Duration
- 17,440 GBP/year
- Price
- September
- Start
- June
- Deadline
- Master
- Degree
- Campus
- Format
- London / United Kingdom
- Location
Program description
The MRes Art: Theory and Philosophy pathway at Central Saint Martins is designed for artists and writers to study philosophy and art from a contemporary perspective, exploring how radical innovations in philosophy can shape both understanding and practice. It engages with cutting-edge theories, including continental philosophy, decoloniality, intersectionality, feminism, ecology, and the Anthropocene, within a dynamic teaching environment supported by a staff team active in both art and philosophical research.
The pathway responds to recent transformations in thinking, encouraging fluid, non-didactic models of writing and theory that enhance your critical, creative, and artistic practice. Students have opportunities for shared taught components across pathways and are encouraged to develop student-led collaborative activities, such as exhibitions and publications, fostering a rich research community.
Program structure
- Unit 1: Innovations: Art, Writing, Philosophy
Unit 1 builds on Deleuze and Guattari's definition of philosophy as the art of inventing concepts, exploring how seminal advances in continental philosophy open new realms of perception and subjective experience. It conceptually maps these philosophical legacies to create fresh possibilities for thinking, writing, and interpreting developments in contemporary art, culture, and society.
- Unit 2: Methodologies and Methods I
Unit 2 brings together all MRes Art students to study foundational categories and approaches that define key positions across the humanities, social sciences, and arts. It maps various schools of thought, methodologies, and concepts to help you shape and define your research topics and aims.
- Unit 3: Methodologies and Methods II
Building on Unit 2, this unit deepens your understanding of specific artistic and discursive methods by examining how they operate in texts, debates, and events relevant to your pathway. Through seminars and workshops, you will collectively test methods of research and writing, strengthening your analytical and critical skills.
- Unit 4: Individual Research Project
Unit 4 consists of two parts: the first continues the seminar series on philosophical innovations and their relevance for thinking and writing, while also guiding you in developing your research project proposal through reading, formulating research questions, and producing a literature review.
Price
Tuition fee:
- 17,440 GBP per year*
*Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.
You may need to cover additional costs which are not included in your tuition fees, such as materials and equipment specific to your course.
Requirements for applicants
The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:
- An honours degree
- Or an equivalent EU/international qualification.
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.
English language requirements
- IELTS level 7.0 or above, with at least 6.0 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.
