Master of Arts in Curating and Art History

Administrated by the Department of Visual Studies (VS) at Lingnan University, Master of Arts in Curating and Art History (MACAH) combines two disciplines into one: museum curating and art history, with options to engage in practicum and study abroad programmes. Aside from required and elective courses, students can choose to curate a group exhibition or complete a research dissertation as a capstone experience. An internship programme and an overseas summer school are arranged to enhance students’ international exposure, and their interaction with art historians, collectors and museum professionals. Students can also benefit from the insights and experiences of eminent scholars and experienced curators who are involved in our events at VS.

Medium of Instruction

English is the medium of instruction for most courses. Some courses may be conducted in Cantonese or Putonghua.

Study Mode

• 1-year Full-time
• 2-years Part-time

Programme Curriculum

The MACAH programme entails 30 credits of work, including 3 required courses, 4 programme electives, and a capstone project. The teaching pattern is normally a 3-hour seminar per week (except Capstone Project, Internship and Summer School) for each course. The structure of the curriculum is as follows:

I. Required Courses

• Critical Perspectives in Art History
• Provenance Research
• Approaches to Curating

II. Programme Elective Courses

1. Special Courses*, for example:

• Collecting Practice in a Global Context: Past and Present
• Managing Art Collections
• Learning in Museums
• Digital Technologies and Museum Experience
• Special Topics in Curating and Art History
• Creative Industries and Cultural Policies in East Asia

Other elective choices, including advanced courses from the BA in Visual Studies, will be announced on MACAH website.

2. Integrated Learning and Practical

• Internship
• Overseas Summer School (co-organised with a partner institution)

III. Capstone Project (9 credits required)

• Research Dissertation (independent study) or
• Curatorial Project (group work)

* These courses may not be offered each academic year, but the list of course offering will normally be finalised by mid-August and be announced by the Registry and the VS Department. MACAH students who have no proven undergraduate background in art history will be required to take at least one elective course on art history.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Master of Arts in Curating and Art History offered by Lingnan University (LU), students must, where applicable:

• Obtain 30 credits;
• Attain a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.67 (equivalent to B-) or above; and
• Fulfil the University exit requirement on English language competency, if applicable; and fulfil all University/programme requirements.

Exchange Partner

Graduate Institute of Conservation of Cultural Relics and Museology

The MACAH programme aims to:

• Nurture and inspire art and museum practitioners including curators, art educators and art administrators;
• Enhance students’ knowledge of curatorial studies and history of art in a global context;
• Broaden and refresh students’ approaches to art-historical research and curating;
• Expand students’ horizon and professional networks with scholars, art professionals and museum practitioners in the fields of art education, museums, cultural and creative industries in Hong Kong, Asia and beyond;
• Acquire skills in managing art collections, undertaking research, engaging in exhibition projects and spearheading public programmes in museums, galleries and other cultural venues.

On completion of the MACAH programme, students are expected to:

• Acquire an in-depth understanding of the making, meaning, theory and display of art in different contexts;
• Identify, analyse and evaluate important objects, concepts and case studies related to individuals, institutions, professional ethics, cultural policies and other contemporary issues in Hong Kong, Asia and beyond;
• Work individually or in groups to apply subject knowledge, methodologies and relevant references in art-historical research and curatorial projects such as exhibition design and programming;
• Handle objects, manuscripts, mounting tools, exhibition furniture and other materials in the setting of collection storage and exhibition space;
• Convey creative and critical ideas through writing, physical/digital exhibitions, programmes and other channels in response to societal needs, cultural issues and other aspects of life.

MACAH is suitable for those who wish to pursue advanced study in art history, and professional careers in museums, curatorial and other art-related industries. Through studying art theories and collections, curatorial practice, art projects, entrepreneurial initiatives, and professional training, MACAH offers students multiple perspectives to explore and engage in the development of art and cultural landscapes in Hong Kong, Asia and beyond.

MACAH is suitable for those who wish to pursue advanced study in art history, and professional careers in museums, curatorial and other art-related industries. Through studying art theories and collections, curatorial practice, art projects, entrepreneurial initiatives, and professional training, MACAH offers students multiple perspectives to explore and engage in the development of art and cultural landscapes in Hong Kong, Asia and beyond.