Visual Cultures and Art History

Applications to the MA programme Visual Cultures and Art History (Autumn 2026 semester) will be accepted from 4 June to 4 July 2026.

It is highly advised that ONLY EU CITIZENS apply. Due to visa processing timelines that Masaryk University cannot influence, it is highly unlikely for non-EU citizens to obtain visa on time to start studying in the Autumn 2026 semester.

Detailed info can be found here.

1st Round – Document Evaluation (max. 50 points, min. 25 to pass to the next round)

• Motivation letter – max. 10 points
• Completed courses – max. 25 points
• Bachelor’s thesis (or another academic text) – max. 15 points

2nd Round – Interview (max. 50 points, min. 25 to pass the exam)

• Knowledge of the history of visual culture from the Middle Ages to the present – max. 15 points
• Familiarity with research conducted at the Department of Art History – max. 15 points
• An idea of the applicant’s own research focus and direction, possibly including a concept for the master’s thesis – max. 20 points

How the interview is conducted and what will be assessed:

In the first part of the interview, the candidate briefly introduces themselves, describes their experience with the field, and outlines their areas of interest. This is followed by a discussion during which the committee verifies the candidate’s knowledge in the following areas:

1. The field of the history of visual culture
2. Research topics addressed at the Department of Art History
3. The area the candidate wishes to focus on in their own research (including the master’s thesis)

Upon successful completion of the programme, the graduate is able to:

• produce academic scholarship both independently and as part of a group, advance knowledge of visual cultures, of research skills, and of up-to-date scholarly perspectives, paradigms, and theories in humanities;
• engage in both scholarly and public debates on issues related to visual cultures, media, and art history;
• use appropriate academic language;
• build a professional international network established during internships and stay abroad;
• display practical transferable skills in the fields related to visual cultures, acquired during internships, both in academic or non-academic contexts.

- Academic research

- Cultural management and heritage protection

- Art consulting and gallery assistance

- Tourism

- Journalism and media (press and publishing, radio, television, online services)

- Pedagogy (high schools, teaching to adults, university) and mediation of art

- Diplomacy

Special focus on practical skills, both academic and non-academic, will be an integral part of the master’s programme. As part of their curriculum, students undergo a semester long, mandatory traineeship in a cultural or academic institution. Traineeship roles take place in museums, international research institutes, cultural foundations, and publishing houses.

The master thesis is the opportunity for students to develop expertise in a specific topic within their field, and to put to practice their acquired skills in research, independent academic writing, and skills acquired from external institutions. The thesis should build on recent literature in the field and contain a clear and original argument of the author. The final text should fulfil all the criteria and standards expected from an academic thesis.

Students trained within the master’s programme will have a highly competitive profile for applying to a Ph.D. programme at a university in the Czech Republic or abroad. The training in independent research, in-depth knowledge of visual cultures, and in practical skills makes graduates competitive candidates for doctoral programmes. Students trained in this programme are also ideal candidates for postgraduate studies in the fields related to visual studies, media, and art history.a