The School of Humanities has a unique role at the heart of RCA culture. We represent a broad range of concerns in teaching and research across the history, theory and interpretation of art and design. Our core practices are writing, research, curating and criticism. Our disciplinary interests span the fine arts, architecture, design (including fashion, graphics, interior and product design), craft, communication, film, photography and digital media. We train the historians, curators, writers, journalists and critics of the future, and play a vital part in the dialogue between history, theory and practice.
We currently offer four programmes, each supporting MA as well
as MPhil and PhD students. Critical & Historical Studies provides
college-wide teaching for all art and design students, as well as
having its own cohort of research students. Our MA in Curating
Contemporary Art has a wide range of international collaborators.
The History of Design programme, run in partnership with the Victoria
and Albert Museum, this year celebrates 30 years of innovative
research and teaching, pioneering the discipline of design history.
Critical Writing in Art & Design, our newest programme, offers
a distinctive approach to criticism and writing, which is thoroughly
embedded in the creative culture of the College. As a School, we
are also developing a new postgraduate opportunity in the history
of photography and film.
The School of Humanities has a reputation for research excellence. We support over 40 research students on a full- or part-time basis. We attract major funding for research, which has its outcomes in exhibitions, books, academic conferences and papers. Our tutors are fully engaged with their own practice – as curators, writers and historians – in ways that enhance the teaching of our programmes. We aim to provide a rich postgraduate experience, while equipping our students fully for their careers ahead.
Download School of Humanities Information Pack (PDF)
Critical & Historical Studies – Professor Joe Kerr
Critical Writing in Art & Design – Professor David Crowley
Curating Contemporary Art – Ruth Noack
History of Design – Professor Jane Pavitt
School Research Leader – Professor David Crowley
Enrolled Students 2011/12
153