Curating at UCA

UCA’s new Curating degree course is a theoretically informed and practice-based programme that opens up the world of contemporary curating. Taught at UCA Canterbury, it is embedded in a culture and environment of practice that opens up a range of curatorial opportunities.  

This course is designed to provide comprehensive professional experiences and real-world opportunities. You will develop a versatile skill set in critical discourse, analytical thinking, creative exploration, contextual study in the context of exhibition planning, presentation, installation, documentation, archiving, interpretation, and project management. You will have direct engagement with a broad art community, from blue chip galleries to art fairs and festivals to regional arts organisation events, fostered by mentors who are active and influential practitioners in their fields. 

It's not just about acquiring knowledge. It’s about immersing yourself in an environment that fosters innovative thinking and broad perspectives. It prepares you for a dynamic career in the art world, equipping you to become a leader in shaping the future of contemporary art curation. 

Your learning journey will be enriched by UCA's thriving gallery programme, with its multiple sites and networks, including connections to the emerging art scenes in South East coastal regions like Margate, Dover, Whitstable, Folkestone and Hastings, as well as to arts organisations across Surrey, Kent and London. Plus, there is The program's connections with world-class institutions like the British Centre for Photography, Tate, and the National Portrait Gallery, along with UCA's global presence, provide a unique platform for global arts engagement. 

The MA is also available as an MFA route which offers a further enhanced opportunity for students wanting to develop their professional portfolio to the highest level, or to build a proposal for Doctoral level study, and pursue an academic research career path. Applicants can apply to undertake the full MFA, or undertake an MA and transfer to the MFA at the end of the MA period.  

 

Course entry options

Select from the following options to find out more about the different study options available for this course:

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Curating
MA (full-time)

A one-year course of advanced study for furthering your research skills and specialising within your discipline. Also available part-time over two years.   

Apply now Submit an enquiry
Campus
UCA Canterbury
Start date(s)
September 2025
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry requirements

Honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in the subject/related discipline
and/or
Relevant work experience

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Curating
MA (part-time)

The MA course is also available part-time over two years for student who do not require a visa to study in the UK.

Apply now Submit an enquiry
Campus
UCA Canterbury
Start date(s)
September 2025
Duration
2 years part-time
Entry requirements

Honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in the subject/related discipline
and/or
Relevant work experience

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Curating
MA with Integrated Pre-Masters

This course includes a year-long preparatory course of study to ready you for your Masters course, developing your specialist knowledge, research skills and confidence in working alone.

Apply now Submit an enquiry
Campus
UCA Canterbury
Start date(s)
September 2025
Duration
2 years full-time
Entry requirements

A recognised bachelor degree or 3 year diploma with a strong portfolio in a relevant subject

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Curating
MFA

The MFA is a two-year course with a Summer break. You can apply to undertake the full MFA, or undertake an MA and transfer to the MFA at the end of the MA period.  

Apply now Submit an enquiry
Campus
UCA Canterbury
Start date(s)
September 2025
Duration
2 years full-time
Entry requirements

Honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in the subject/related discipline
and/or
Relevant work experience

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Curating

Apply now Submit an enquiry
Campus
Start date(s)
Duration
Entry requirements
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Curating

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Campus
Start date(s)
Duration
Entry requirements

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What you'll study

What you'll
study

On this course you’ll prepare for postgraduate study with a mix of online and face-to-face learning that will give you the study skills required to complete a Masters course.

Experimental Curating 
You’ll undertake an in-depth exploration of experimental curatorial practices, emphasising the interplay of physical or virtual exhibition spaces, their integration, contrasts, and opportunities.  

Research Contexts 
Exploring the design, construction and expression of curating as a process of research, this unit introduces you to critical research methodologies which you will employ in your independent research enquiries.  

Curatorial Practice 
You’ll learn everything you need to know about engaging with diverse audiences through public programmes and events. You’ll explore strategies for developing meaningful interactions, fostering inclusivity, and creating engaging cultural experiences.  

Professional Contexts  
In this unit you’ll focus on professional development as you benefit from opportunities and projects developed with partner organisations. Through group work and individual research, you will be able to establish and develop a sense of your position in relation to their identified subjects, interests and practice areas. You will also develop a creative business start-up or collaborative practice project.  

Major Project 
This will be the culmination of your studies, as you undertake a sustained, in-depth and critically informed research inquiry, as a major body of work. It will define your practice through your own work and an understanding of how it sits in relation to others. 

The extension of your degree to an MFA means studying this Advanced Practice unit in addition to the units listed above. This unit is dedicated to developing, extending, and furthering your professional practice. Through advance research methods, you will have to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, confidence, and originality that you have developed as a curatorial practitioner. You will be supported in preparing PhD applications, curating exhibitions, organising public events, and seeking external platforms to work with artists and engage audiences. 

Course specifications

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change in line with our Student Terms and Conditions for example, as required by external professional bodies or to improve the quality of the course.

Fees & funding

Fees & financial support

Tuition fees

MA course:

  • 2025/26 (full-time): £10,500
  • 2025/26 (part-time, year 1): £5,250

MFA course:

  • 2025/26 (full-time, year 1): £7,000 

Tuition fees

MA course:

MFA course:

  • 2025/26 (year 1): £7,000  (see fee discount information)

Tuition fees

MA course:

  • 2025/26 (MA): £18,000
  • 2025/26 (Integrated International Pre-Masters course - Sept & Jan): £17,500
  • 2025/26 (Integrated International Pre-Masters course - May): £8,750

MFA course:

  • 2025/26 (MFA year 1): £11,700

Please note: the fees listed here are correct for the stated academic year only. For more detailed information about our course fees please see our fees and finance pages. 

UCA scholarships and fee discounts

At UCA we have a number of scholarships and fee discounts available to assist you with the cost of your studies.

Current UCA students and alumni may be eligible for a tuition fee discount.

Financial support

There are lots of ways you can access additional financial support to help you fund your studies - both from UCA and from external sources. Discover what support you might qualify for please see our financial support information.

Additional course costs

In addition to the tuition fees there may be other costs for your course. The things that you are likely to need to budget for to get the most out of a creative arts education will include books, printing costs, occasional or optional study trips and/or project materials.

These costs will vary according to the nature of your project work and the individual choices that you make. Please see the Additional Course Costs section of the Course Information Document for more details of the costs you may incur.

Explore our gradshow

Each year, we’re privileged to be able to share our graduates’ incredible work with the world. And now’s your chance to take a look.

Visit the online showcase

Facilities

You'll enjoy being able to curate in our large purpose-build studios and flexible project spaces. On campus there are gallery spaces and we have links with local galleries and arts venues. There are also digital suites, print studios and a subject specific library.

View 360 virtual tour

Fine Art studios, UCA Canterbury

Fine art studio at UCA Canterbury

Fine Art studios, UCA Canterbury

Library, UCA Canterbury

Library, UCA Canterbury

After Bauhaus, Herbert Read Gallery, UCA Canterbury

Gallery, UCA Canterbury

Career opportunities

There are many career pathways with strong links to our Curation MA:

  • Museum curator
  • Gallery curator
  • Festival curator
  • Events management
  • Exhibitor

You may want to undertake further study or research to specialise even further.

Entry & portfolio requirements

For this course we will need to see your portfolio for review. You can either submit a digital portfolio or request an in-person portfolio review with the course team. Further information will be provided once you have applied. View portfolio advice

Select your country to find the equivalent requirements

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