In the contemporary art world, the tendency is developing to bring art history students closer to the field of museum activity and the various art professions, with an emphasis on theory studies and subjects related to visual culture in its various shades. The curriculum is based on an interdisciplinary approach that refers to visual culture in the broadest and most recent sense. Much interest is directed to new methodological concepts, to visual culture, to gender, to theory and criticism, as well as to the acquisition of professional abilities that will accompany the students upon graduation from the department.
Studies in the department are conducted according to the following breakdown:
- * In a research path (with a thesis)
- * In a general path (without a thesis)
- * Curation major in a research path (with thesis)
Studies in the theoretical major include courses that train students in research approaches and research writing in the field of art history. As part of the areas of specialization, the students study in a course that combines the analysis of works with the reading of primary sources, archives, manuscripts, letters, unpublished material, etc. The students also take two seminars in the field of specialization.
The curation program includes a theoretical and practical curation course, an advanced course on the history and theory of exhibitions and museums, a course in exhibition criticism and a theory and criticism course. The remaining elective courses and the seminar focus on the field of specialization relevant to the final work (thesis).
Admission conditions for a master's degree:
The admission requirement for the general path is: an average of at least 80 in the first degree studies.
The admission requirement for the research path is: an average of at least 85 in the first degree studies.
The department requires a minimum score of 65 in English for the M.A. degree.
Bachelor's degree holders from all fields from institutions in Israel and abroad may apply for the program.
For holders of a bachelor's degree in other fields from universities and other academic institutions in Israel or abroad. If necessary, a completion program will be determined for M.A. studies. The extent of the completion program (up to 16 credits) will be determined in coordination with the master's degree advisor according to the personal data of each candidate.
Admission process for studies:
The process of admission to studies is carried out as follows: you must register at the office for admission of students for master's studies in the Department of Arts.
The registration process includes online registrations, transfer of grade sheets and confirmation of a bachelor's degree (details on the registration process can be found on the home page of Ben Gurion University, in the master's degree candidates section).
Candidates are invited to contact the department and meet faculty members and research students.
Those interested are invited to arrange a meeting with Dr. Neae Ehrlich, Chair of the Master's Admissions Committee: neae@bgu.ac.il
