Why art and visual culture matter in today’s world
Images are everywhere: in museums, classrooms, advertising, and online. They shape how societies remember the past and imagine the future. Understanding visual culture means learning to interpret these images critically, to see beyond surface beauty, and to uncover the ideas they carry.
The MSt in History of Art and Visual Culture at University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) is designed for professionals and adult learners who want to explore the subject in depth. It combines study with flexible delivery, making it possible to pursue postgraduate learning alongside your career.
Why PACE?
Professional and Continuing Education offers a unique environment for studying art history and visual culture.
- Academic rigour: Cambridge is renowned for its scholarship in the humanities, and the MSt reflects this tradition of excellence.
- Collections and resources: You gain access to world-class collections, including the Fitzwilliam Museum, Kettle’s Yard, and college archives. These provide direct engagement with artworks and artefacts.
- Expert teaching: Lecturers and supervisors are leading scholars who guide you through complex debates in art history and visual culture.
Choosing PACE means joining a community where intellectual curiosity and critical thinking are valued and nurtured.
What you will study
The MSt in History of Art and Visual Culture is structured to give you both breadth and depth.
- Themes and topics: You explore subjects ranging from medieval manuscripts to modern photography, from global perspectives on art to the politics of museums.
- Critical approaches: You learn to analyse images through art historical theory, cultural studies, and interdisciplinary methods.
- Independent research: Your dissertation allows you to pursue a topic of personal or professional interest under expert supervision.
This balance of taught modules and independent research ensures you develop both a strong foundation and the ability to contribute original insights.
Learning experience
This part-time course is designed for professionals and adult learners who need flexibility.
- Part-time structure: Delivered over two years, with teaching blocks in Cambridge that fit around your work and life commitments.
- Supervision: You receive one-to-one guidance from academic supervisors, helping you refine your research and writing.
- Peer collaboration: You study alongside a diverse cohort of learners, including teachers, museum staff, and heritage professionals.
The course is demanding but rewarding, encouraging you to think critically and engage deeply with visual culture.
A past learner, Margaret Mckenna, reflected: “Since doing the courses, I can now look at a work of art or material culture with a completely new eye; understanding how to interpret the object and the relevant context.
“I felt truly inspired by the young people I met on my studies; they gave me great hope for the future.”
You can learn more about Margaret’s story in this video here.
Who the programme is for
This The MSt in History of Art and Visual Culture is tailored for:
- Museum and gallery professionals who want to deepen their expertise and enhance their curatorial practice.
- Teachers and educators seeking to enrich their teaching with critical perspectives on art and visual culture.
- Heritage and cultural sector staff who wish to connect historical artefacts with contemporary debates.
- Adult learners and enthusiasts passionate about art history who want to pursue postgraduate study in a structured, supportive environment.
If you are curious about how images shape ideas and want to study history of art at postgraduate level, this programme is designed for you.
Career and personal outcomes
Graduates of the course often find their studies transformative.
- Heritage and museums: Many alumni use their expertise to progress in curatorial, conservation, and interpretation roles.
- Teaching and education: Teachers bring new perspectives into classrooms, inspiring students with critical approaches to visual culture.
- Research and academia: Some graduates continue to doctoral study, contributing to scholarship in art history and cultural studies.
- Personal enrichment: For adult learners, the MSt offers intellectual fulfilment and the chance to engage with art at the highest level.
The skills you gain, critical analysis, research and communication, are transferable across professions, making this programme valuable beyond the arts sector.
How to apply
Applying to the The MSt in History of Art and Visual Culture is a worthwhile process.
- Entry requirements: Applicants typically hold a good undergraduate degree and demonstrate a strong interest in art history or visual culture. Professional experience in education, heritage, or museums is welcomed.
- Application process: Guidance is available on preparing your application, including personal statements and references. Watch this video to learn more about the application process.
- Support: The enrolment team offers advice, and supervisors help you shape your research once enrolled. You can contact them via enquiries@pace.cam.ac.uk.
Find full details on the Postgraduate and Master’s admissions page.
Explore the power of images
The The MSt in History of Art and Visual Culture is more than a degree. It is a chance to explore how images shape ideas, to engage critically with visual culture, and to bring those insights into your professional and personal life.
Whether you are a museum professional, a teacher, or an adult learner with a passion for art history, Cambridge offers you the academic rigour, resources, and flexibility to succeed.
Explore the power of images and ideas. Find out more about the The MSt in History of Art and Visual Culture at Cambridge.