The M.Phil. in History of Art and Architecture offers a distinctive programme founded on primary study of the outstanding collections on campus and nearby. The focus on both Irish and global art and architecture held in collections in Ireland provides students with a broad range of possible avenues for research. Students are asked to think critically about the interpretation of works of art and architecture using a range of methodological approaches in a selection of taught courses alongside a research seminar and dissertation module.

 

Students taking this M.Phil. will gain an understanding of best practice in art history through a series of modules designed to encourage sophisticated documentation and analysis of both works of art and architecture in Ireland and of the diverse range of approaches and methods current in the discipline. The taught modules will inform and enrich the research component of the course and thus develop students’ ability to produce original and articulate contributions to scholarship.

 

There is a strong emphasis on direct engagement with works of art in public and private collections throughout the degree, including with the unique collections held by Trinity on campus and the world class collections and institutions with which we have close connections, such as the National Gallery, the Chester Beatty, and the Irish Architectural Archive. Visits to sites, buildings, archives, artist studios, collections and institutions are important features of many of the modules and are actively encouraged as part of the dissertation research.