The MSc by Research programme is for students with a good general knowledge of the subject area, who wish to focus their interests and deepen their knowledge of a specific topic.

To complete the programme students will normally submit two independent research essays (5,000 words each) on topics chosen in consultation with their supervisor. They will also be required to complete the History of Art core course, “Research Theories and Methods” (which is assessed by means of a 3,000-word essay) and another relevant course (usually chosen from a broad range of taught postgraduate option courses, assessed by a 4,000-word essay, or a credit-bearing language course). At the end of the summer, students will be required to submit a 15,000-word dissertation