Master of Arts (Interpretive Writing)

What is this course about?

This course enables students to complete a major piece of writing relating to art curation, exhibition, biography or publication. Students work with a supervisor to devise a writing project in a form appropriate to the medium of intended publication.

The Master of Arts (Interpretive Writing) recognises the many forms that art writing may take outside of the traditional thesis, such as biography, catalogue articles, reviews, encyclopedia and dictionary entries, and documentary. Students will have the opportunity to carry out their research on gallery and museum collections, or exhibition planning.

The course is a two-year part-time degree by coursework. The degree will enable students to develop their skills and complete a substantial project, in particular in the areas of curatorial projects, writing for exhibitions, and museology.  Diverse forms of descriptive, analytical, critical and reflective writing for the arts are engaged. 

The three subjects undertaken offer a methodology of theories of criticism, a critical reading and research subject, and a writing for the arts project that utilises the research, critiquing and analytical writing skills gained.

The course is offered by distance education, and is taught on-line utilising a forum.

Your course is recognised by industry

The course has been developed in liaison with the art gallery and museum sector to prepare students for professional industry practices.

Hands-on experience

The writing project provides hands-on experience and skills in initiating, crafting, honing and editing art writing.

Practical experience

Depending on the project proposals, there are possibilities of internships and working in conjunction with the art gallery and museum sector, or wider performing arts professions.