This exciting interdisciplinary master's programme combines philosophical aesthetics, art theory and hands-on experience in galleries and museums, bringing together both theoretical and practical interests.
This course will give you the competence to pursue a professional career in the cultural sector, or a doctorate programme in the Arts and Humanities.
The emphasis in core modules is on current topics in the artworld, such as philosophy of museums, socially engaged practice, or art and climate change. This is taught both through seminars, and practical workshops at our partnering cultural partners in the city, giving you an insight into curatorial work.
For your elective modules, you can choose from a long list of subjects across the University, tailoring the programme towards your interests: be it Philosophy or another humanities subject.
A two-week placement during your MA will enhance your professional profile. This programme joins forces with Open Eye gallery, FACT, Victoria Gallery and Museum and other exciting museums in the city. The MA also offers the opportunity to apply for a three-month curatorial studentship with Tate Liverpool, exclusively offered to our students.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Alongside the compulsory modules, you will choose three optional modules to bring your total overall credits to 180.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| AESTHETIC THEORY AND PRACTICE (PHIL755) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we are currently reviewing all of our programmes. This may include refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it ran for students beginning in September 2026. This page will be updated for students beginning in September 2027 by Friday 30th April 2027 at the latest.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS A (PHIL759) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we are currently reviewing all of our programmes. This may include refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it ran for students beginning in September 2026. This page will be updated for students beginning in September 2027 by Friday 30th April 2027 at the latest.
Students will write a dissertation (15,000 words, maximum) on a topic that they have researched in depth, under the guidance of their supervisors. You will be able to delve deep into a topic of your choice, gaining confidence as a researcher and an expert on a subject you propose.
You will undertake your dissertation over the summer, for submission in September.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| M.A. DISSERTATION (PHIL706) | 60 |
| RESEARCH SKILLS, EMPLOYABILITY AND PLACEMENT (PHIL758) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we are currently reviewing all of our programmes. This may include refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it ran for students beginning in September 2026. This page will be updated for students beginning in September 2027 by Friday 30th April 2027 at the latest.
WHY STUDY ART AND PHILOSOPHY AT LIVERPOOL?
Assessment is by submitted coursework; there are no exams. Other assessment methods also include group presentations, a reflective log on your placement, and a dissertation.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
This course offers a placement opportunity so you can combine your studies with practical experience with industry professionals. It is a great way to develop key employability skills and get a head start in your career with key industry partners. View more information on the course page.
The Department of Philosophy is based in Gillian Howie House, although teaching will take place across the campus. Gillian Howie House is an accessible and inclusive space. We have ramp and lift access to all floors, single sex, gender neutral and disabled toilets, and a Hearing Assist System in our seminar rooms. Students who require one can ask for a disability support plan and access to dedicated support.
Dr Vid Simoniti, Director of the MA Art, Philosophy and Cultural Institutions, introduces the programme.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
My programme offers a variety of exclusive opportunities to align learning with practical situations through workshops and visits to prominent cultural institutions in the city, such as the Tate, Victoria Museum & Gallery, Open Eye and FACT. This aspect of learning is unique to Liverpool as a city and a university, and demonstrates the various ways in which all I am learning will be valuable in my future career.
I wanted to be able to discuss and consider art through different theoretical perspectives to strengthen my skillset and understanding. I was also very drawn to the practical placement element, and the opportunity to critically discuss cultural institutions – this was not something I had ever done.
My favourite thing about studying this programme is how I have been able to tailor the learning to my interests and career goals. The core modules have given me a great foundation in philosophies of art and museum practice, but on top of that I have been able to branch out with optional modules where I have learnt about aesthetics, film, and curation.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
The theoretical parts of this programme acquaint you with the key issues facing the cultural world, while the guaranteed placement immediately adds experience to your CV. While on the programme, you’ll begin to build your professional arts network, and meet many curators and other arts professionals teaching on it.
Graduates of the MA Art, Philosophy and Cultural Institutions have gone on to a variety of careers within the cultural sector including
Our recent alumni have been placed with:
Dedicated funding is available to our MA students (via our Research and Professional Skills Fund), which allows you to put on exhibitions, organise zines, or partake in other activities that enhance employability. Each year, one student is granted the Tate Studentship, which provides a unique 3-month placement with Tate Liverpool.
As well as pursuing careers in the arts, other MA graduates have continued their studies through a PhD, be it in an art-related subjects or philosophy. Depending on the modules you choose, the programme gives you a basis for several PhD subjects.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £13,000
Part-time place, per year - £6,500
Full-time place, per year - £29,000
Part-time place, per year - £14,500
The tuition fees shown are for the academic year 2027/28. Please be advised that tuition fees are subject to change each year for both UK and international students.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £13,206 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We don’t anticipate additional costs to students outside of general study costs.
You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a Humanities subject. You should submit a personal statement as part of your application. This should summarise why you wish to study the programme, outline relevant personal experience, and highlight particular aspects of the programme that you find interesting. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience, living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
If you have any questions about the course content please get in touch with the programme director.
Last updated 24 September 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions