School of Philosophy and Art History

Masters study

Male student in Art Exchange gallery placing artwork on the wall

Transgressing boundaries and challenging tradition

Our radical approach cuts across traditional boundaries, fostering dialogue between different schools and disciplines.

Philosophy at Essex takes philosophy back to its roots in everyday existential, social and political issues. Art History at Essex takes an approach to the study of art and visual culture that is at once non-traditional and rigorous.

Our MA modules are intensive, taught in small groups by our expert academic staff, and provide a thorough preparation for undertaking independent research and PhD study. Students also complete a supervised dissertation for submission at the end of the course.


Explore our Masters courses
make your mark- tips to be unique
Applications for 2023 entry are officially open!

Impatient to study a Masters degree? Choose Essex and you'll work with world-leading researchers who are determined to make a change. You'll have the chance to grasp opportunities that will help you make your mark on the world, and stand out in a competitive graduate jobs market. Ready? Applications for 2023 are officially open.

Explore Masters study at Essex
Why choose us?
  • 3rd in the UK for research outputs in Art History (Grade Point Average, REF2021)
  • 92% of our School of Philosophy and Art History graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2022)
  • 7th in the UK for impact in Philosophy (Grade Point Average, REF2021)

So, what do we have to offer?

Art history study

Our MA Art History and Theory is made up of core and optional modules covering a range of subjects from contemporary art to the Renaissance.

Our MA in Curating offers a theoretical, historical and practical foundation in curating and exhibition design more broadly.

Philosophy study

Our MA Philosophy pathway gives you a free choice of module options, or you may wish to specialise in a specific area of European philosophy by choosing either the continental philosophy or critical social theory pathways, giving you an advanced grounding in that area.

Interdisciplinary study

Drawing on the collaborative and interdisciplinary approach of the school, the philosophy and art history pathway of our MA Philosophy course enables you to get a thorough grounding in philosophical aesthetics and profit from the wide-ranging expertise of our staff in both disciplines.

"Studying philosophy has been one the most worthwhile and fulfilling things I’ve done. The lecturers and staff within my school are always willing to help and encourage students. From my experience, they invest a good deal of time and energy into creating a positive atmosphere for students to study and settle into."
James Hudson MA Continental Philosophy
The lakes at Wivenhoe Park
Get in touch
Abby Connell Senior Student Services Administrator