Master in. History of Art and Museum Studies

Master in History of Art and Museum Studies

A Bridge between Civilisations Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers a world-class diploma, Sorbonne education in Abu Dhabi, degrees granted by Paris, recognised worldwide and the ultimate passport to an international career here in Abu Dhabi.

At a Glance The Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi s professional Master degree in History of Art and Museum Studies The Master s degree in a few words The course offers diverse approaches to the theory and history of museums, their missions and functions. The students will study the evolution of museums and their relevance in educating audiences. They will discover collections management; exhibition planning and design; communication and education; acquisitions, loans and collaborations with galleries, educational and cultural organisations. This Master s degree is ideally suited for students who are keen to work in direct contact with artworks and to be involved in their protection, exhibition and promotion. An international recognition By means of the Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, the worldrenowned department of Art History and Archaeology of Paris- Sorbonne University has been established in the UAE. As in Paris, it has an exclusive collaboration with the Ecole du Louvre.Both these French institutions are internationally acclaimed as two of the best places to study Art History, Archaeology and Museum Studies in Paris. This rich heritage of joint excellence has been available in Abu Dhabi for the last five years, overseen by the Ministry of Education of the UAE and is recognised worldwide thanks to it s unique association with prestigious French institutions. This course has been designed in close collaboration with the scientific team of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, i.e. the Agence France-Muséums, the Louvre Museum and some of the most important French museums. Our programme aims to give the students the necessary tools to be successful in the numerous fields of museum work exhibitions, conservation, education, documentation, registration and collections management. This degree is acknowledged as both an Emirati and a European qualification, offering the students access to the international job market. A unique teaching approach The Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi s Master s degree has a distinctive and a much more extensive scope than other degrees in the same field. A significant amount of time is dedicated to History of Art and Museum Studies, thanks to the collaboration of experienced teachers, both university professors and museum professionals. The academic team imparts a thorough knowledge through theoretical courses, case studies, lectures, seminars, and workshops throughout all three semesters. All faculty members have their own methods but courses are generally interactive and each teacher provides additional materials such as plans, reading lists and presentations. At the end of the course, students learn to apply this expertise in the real world through a mandatory internship within one of the largest French Museums in Paris. This three-month internship allows students to gain practical experience and to establish valuable contacts within the museum world. Like all our Master s programmes, the Master s in History of Art and Museum Studies is taught in English. The course offers lectures similar to those given in Paris, enhanced by exclusive programmes solely created to benefit the region s future requirements and prospective job market. The faculty To create a truly distinctive university experience for our students, the theoretical approach of the History of Art and Museum Studies Master s curriculum is provided by several visiting professors from the department of History of Art and Archaeology at the Paris-Sorbonne University. In addition to this, curators, conservators, documentalists, registrars, and other museum professionals teaching at the Ecole du Louvre are in charge of specific coursework and lectures. Regardless of the job or institution, our faculty members have all achieved worldwide recognition in their respective fields. Through substantial coaching, students learn to explore the most effective strategies to take on the challenges which constantly occur within the world of art and museums. Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi guarantees intellectual stimulation and scientific education by our faculty to share knowledge within a comprehensive rethinking process, relevant to a museum of the 21st century. To name just a few of our faculty members: DAVID Catherine, Deputy Director of the National Museum of Modern Art-Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris DAYNES-DIALLO Sophie, Registrar at the Department of Egyptian Antiquities, Louvre Museum de FONT-REAULX Dominique, Senior Curator at the Louvre Museum and director of the Musée Eugène Delacroix LEFEVRE Vincent, Curator, Deputy Director in charge of the collections at Department of French Museums, Ministry of Culture and Communication PARLIER-RENAULT Edith, Professor of Indian Art History at Paris-Sorbonne University PIERRE Arnaud, Professor of Contemporary Art at Paris-Sorbonne University QUARONI Grazia, Curator at the Fondation Cartier pour l art contemporain, Paris RABATE Manuel, Chief Executive Officer at Agence France-Muséums SARRAZIN Béatrice, General Curator of Cultural Heritage, Museum and National Domain of Versailles van STAËVEL Jean-Pierre, Professor of Islamic Art and Archaeology at Paris-Sorbonne University The Syllabus This course consists of four semesters, each worth 30 credits, arranged over two academic years, with admissions in September each year. The first three semesters are teaching semesters at Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and involve theoretical modules. The fourth semester is the practical part of the course and is entirely devoted to a compulsory internship in a major museum in Paris, from February to May. The two teaching semesters in the first year focus on the theoretical aspects of Art History on a large scale, both in geographical and chronological terms. as well as the history of museums and collections, Museum and project management. The students also learn about the international context of museums in the modern world and the legislation which applies to them. The first semester of the second year begins with further specialised courses applied to museums such as Collection management, Preventive conservation, Cultural mediation, Exhibition production, etc. The second semester is dedicated to a compulsory three-month internship enabling students to work alongside professionals in the most prestigious French cultural institutions. This internship, leading to a 50 page dissertation, also provides students with essential research experience. Networking Each class welcomes a limited number of students from different countries and cultures. A strict entry selection by a scientific committee guarantees the quality of the degree reserved for cultured, talented and committed personalities eager to pursue rewarding careers in the museum field. Our students have a high academic calibre and range from fresh graduates to professionals with considerable work experience. They all have a deep interest for art history, museums and cultural evolution. The limited size of the classes allows students to expand their personal network with high potential peers and offers immediate and privileged relationships with their teachers. By extending its expertise in partnering with some of the most prominent French cultural institutions, the scope of practical learning opportunities at Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi gives our students a distinguished recognition and a competitive edge in their career. Finally, students who earn a Master s degree from Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will join a network of successful graduates who have enhanced their abilities and advanced their careers by developing remarkable leadership and management skills.

THE MASTER DEGREE S OBJECTIVES Art and Museums play a significant role in shaping our future while connecting us to our past The students will study the history of museums, increase and engage their visual and critical capabilities. They will use their analytical proficiency to objectively critique works of art, interpret them and confidently discuss art movements. They will also learn about the properties of various materials and techniques used by artists throughout history. Our programme promotes the understanding of the art movements in different cultures and encourages the students to explore the role of art in relation to other disciplines. They are invited to examine how art connects cultures, societies and media. The course offers diverse approaches on the theory and history of museums by providing a genuine insight into their missions and functions. The students will discover the substantial role of every job related to the daily operations of museums and realise their importance in preserving and promoting a common heritage that deserves care and attention. Enhancing individual and national development Within the next decade, the emirate of Abu Dhabi is set to create a strong artistic legacy in the region. The premier local development, Saadiyat Island, aims to be a multi-faceted cultural destination and will host some of the most compelling museums in the world, including the Louvre museum and the Guggenheim museum. With projects for almost seven exceptional museums in Abu Dhabi, career prospects are great for local art admirers and museum enthusiasts. This professional Master in History of Art and Museum Studies at Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi was specifically designed to meet this future local demand. The developing art and cultural scene within the region requires highly qualified and professionally trained staff, with art historical and museological knowledge, to safeguard the scientific and intellectual quality of the institutions. This curriculum aims at creating and encouraging a new generation passionate about art, museums and culture to ensure this long-term mission is aligned with the city s rapid and ambitious progress. Leading to new career prospects This two-year programme is specifically tailored to enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills required for jobs associated with art history and museum collections, and can remarkably help the graduates embark on successful careers in these fields. There are abundant and inspiring opportunities for our graduates on a regional and global level in museums, galleries, heritage centres, cultural institutions or auction houses with varied areas of expertise ranging from collections, exhibitions and art fairs, education, art publishing, art conservation, interpretation and even art journalism. Graduates can look forward to interesting positions as Production Managers, Cultural Programmers, Curators, Literature Reviewers, Collection Supervisors, Registrars, Educational Managers, Editorial and Multimedia Managers, Public Policy Advisors, Communication Officers, and many more.

COURSE STRUCTURE: MODULES AND INTERNSHIP The course structure Each series of lectures take place over one week, from Sundays to Thursdays and lasts three hours, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. This schedule has been arranged in order to accommodate working students. FIRST YEAR SEMESTER 1 Unit 1: Art history, from antiquity to contemporary art - Ancient Art - Medieval Art - Art of the Renaissance and Early Modern Period - Modern and Contemporary Art Unit 2: Museums, from conservation to education - Museum conservation - Museography - The tools for cultural mediation and education - Audiences and education in museums Unit 3: Art history, from East to West: a worldwide and thematic glance - Islamic Art - New Media - Asian Art - Visual Studies - Art history in the age of globalisation BREAK Second YEAR SEMESTER 3 BREAK SEMESTER 4 Unit 1: Management of museum collections, from conservation to dissemination - Preventive conservation and restoration - Collection management and registration: key issues - Registration - Temporary programming in museums - Acquisition, documentation and dissemination Unit 2: Museum exhibitions, from idea to realisation - Exhibition conception - Scenography and Exhibition design - Exhibition production - Documentation and exhibition Unit 3: Museum programming, from education to cultural programming and edition - Cultural mediation and education in museums - Cultural mediation and technologies - Communication and museums (actors and networks) - Publications and museums (publishing and web design) Internship (12 weeks in a French museum) and dissertation BREAK FIRST YEAR SEMESTER 2 Unit 1: Museums, Collections and Exhibitions: from Past to Present - History of exhibitions - History of museums - Museums from the 21st century - History of collections Unit 2: Museums, from scientific direction to programming - Scientific and cultural programmes in the museum - The Art market, museums acquisitions, policy and strategy - Museums and scientific programming: temporary exhibitions Unit 3: The management, legislation and networks of museums and cultural heritage - Introduction to project management in museums - Networks and art of the Arab world - International law applied to museums and artworks The internship The compulsory internship integrated in the fourth and last semester is designed to conform to current standards as well as future expectations in the museum field. Taking place in one of the most prestigious French museums, the internship gives the opportunity to apply the skills gained throughout the three semesters of theoretical study, making it more relevant with firsthand experience. It is an opportunity for students to expand their horizons and reach a greater depth of experience by working in a professional environment. This internship enables students: To encourage critical thinking and improve reasoning abilities through an inspiring blend of theory and practice. To explore the complexities of a professional museum and be completely immersed in its operations to truly understand how the different departments function. To master the essential material and intellectual tools to carry out objectives, particularly the technical and specialised jargon. To gain a thorough experience and a behind-the-scenes experience of a museum department or service where the internship takes place, focus on the infrastructure and practical aspects, including budgetary issues, its positioning and relations with other divisions or sectors of the establishment. To fulfill any missions or projects that the interns are entrusted with and carry out the objectives determined by the internship supervisor. To discover the French cultural heritage and museum circles, meet professionals and network to further develop the relations between French and Emirati museums. The internship is a highly positive experience offering students crucial insights that optimise their access to the museum world. This collaborative learning process makes it easy to form longlasting professional relationships that will open doors and forge new career paths.

ASSESSMENT AND TESTIMONIALS Assessment and graduation criteria Throughout the year, the students are submitted to regular assessment. They are evaluated on individual assignments, internships, presentations, reports and examinations which usually take place towards the end of every teaching module. Each course is marked by continuous assessment in addition to a final exam validating each module. Between each course unit, students have one free week allowing them to prepare for their final exam. The mark of the final examination is 70% of the total; and the remaining 30% is acquired throughout continuous assessment. At the end of the two-year programme, the internship experience should directly contribute to the writing of a 50 page dissertation that is compulsory to earning the diploma. The topic is chosen by the students based on consultations with the internship supervisor and is directly linked to the tasks performed in a museum. It constitutes a real research opportunity for interns who will have to contemplate certain specific issues related to museums. The academic defense of the thesis takes place at the end of the semester, usually in September. Attendance is mandatory for all lectures, as well as for the internship, and it is important that all students be punctual and observe university regulations at all times. ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS My internship was with the Louvre Museum, in the department of 18th century Decorative Arts, where we were busy preparing the opening of a new wing and period rooms this summer. I had the opportunity to work closely with the curator and we attended meetings together with the head curator, architect and interior designer. The diligence and work processes involved in preparing for the launch were immensely eyeopening and I was exposed to several details essential in the implementation of a major project. The internship was crucial as it enhanced our theoretical studies, helping us apply what we learnt and I hope to contribute in a significant manner to elevate my country in the art and cultural spheres. Noura Al-Meraikhi, Emirati student from Abu Dhabi graduated in 2012. I have a Bachelor s degree in visual arts so this Master s seemed a natural progression for me and I m extremely glad I enrolled into this course. As an intern, I worked in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, in the Department of Prints and Photography, working directly with the chief curator. I thus had an ideal glimpse into the organisation and fundamental processes of a major cultural institution that houses an impressive and precious collection. I also worked in the library and the department of medallions and coins as well as worked on an exhibition which involved various facets like installation, packaging, curation, designing the catalogue and many other elements. My time in France was incredibly well-organised in a manner that optimised my access to the museum world. I interacted with cultural experts, went on site visits including other museums, attended workshops, and acquired a perspective which made it a culturally enriching experience. I m currently working on a thesis on the development of national photographic archives in the UAE which involves working with the National Centre of Documentation and Research in Abu Dhabi on how this collection can evolve. Muna Al Gurg, Emirati student from Dubai graduated in 2012. This course is crucial to acquire behind-the scenes awareness of museum departments and this is only possible with an internship. It is incredibly vital to be familiar with the systems and procedures in a museum as well as gain access to important contacts in the museum world and this course is incredibly inspiring on many levels. In order to help realise the vision of the UAE to flourish as a tourism and cultural hub, I found this to be a unique opportunity for me and for those intending to create a deeper cultural impact in the region. Ayesha Alkhatib, Emirati student from Dubaï, former intern at the Centre of Research and Restoration of French Museums in Paris, graduated in 2012.

THE PARIS SORBONNE UNIVERSITY ABU DHABI S ADVANTAGE A high-level continuing education scheme now available in Abu Dhabi Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi stands for excellence in education and our graduate students are equipped with the essential abilities to compete in a growing and open economy. Established in the 13th century, the Paris- Sorbonne University possesses a rich legacy that is widely acclaimed on an international level. In May 2006, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayhan issued Law. (14) of 2006 establishing the Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. Wholly owned by ADEC, the Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi s new state-of-the-art campus with a capacity of up to 2,000 students enhances educational opportunities in Abu Dhabi, partnered with some of the world s leading academic institutions. Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Social Science and Art, Law and Economics and Business Management disciplines. Aligned with the Emirates Vision 2030 and in response to the escalating market demands, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is committed to deliver the future Emirati and international workforce and contribute to the UAE s economic diversification by offering degrees that support this development. We will work towards advancing and nurturing the local talents pool and ensure their seamless integration into organisations through constant training, research, sponsorship and various educational and cultural initiatives. As part of Abu Dhabi s efforts to establish itself as a cultural capital, the emirate plans to open approximately seven new museums, including the Louvre. Several leading architects have been commissioned to build stunning museums to enhance the city s artistic and cultural profile. In the years to come, highly qualified staff trained in Art History and in various museumrelated professions will be in demand to uphold the scientific and intellectual quality of these institutions. This professional Master s programme was designed with a view to benefit from this opportunity and ideally match these demands. As part of its development since 2006, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is the only higher academic institution to offer an undergraduate programme in the Art History and Archaeology in the Gulf. To offer unparalleled levels of education, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi decided to enlarge the scope of its expertise and formed a partnership with the scientific teams of the Ecole du Louvre and the future Louvre Abu Dhabi. Established in 1882 in France, the prestigious Ecole du Louvre has been an international centre for education, thought and intellectual exchange with a tradition that reflects and strengthens its commitment to the study of all cultures. The Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi s mission also involves developing sustainable partnerships with cultural and social organisations in the UAE and the region. Paris- Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi regards strong interaction with these institutes as an indispensable element of the Master s programme. We strive to achieve a balance between academic accomplishment and first-hand experience for all our students.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION Admissions criteria To apply for this Master s programme, we require the following: A degree certificate or a certified copy of the High School diploma (Baccalaureate or any equivalent diploma confirming the completion of secondary education). A certificate or a copy of the student s Bachelor degree. Further documents for prospective students include: A letter from the employer stating duration of employment and applicant s job profile A detailed Curriculum Vitae and cover letter (no more than two pages) A personal statement (no more than one page) For all students, proficiency in English (both oral and written) is a pre-requisite. Students will be required to produce a certificate or proof of an English aptitude test, TOEFL or IELTS, valid for at least two years. Exceptions may be applied to graduate applicants who have previously completed a Bachelor s degree at an accredited university in an Englishspeaking country. Proficiency in French is a bonus but is not mandatory. At the discretion of Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, any early admission decisions will be made for students who are exceptionally well-qualified. All candidates must provide an application file in English or French (or an official translation). It is highly recommended that students submit applications at least three months before the commencement of the course. Successful applicants will be immediately contacted by academic coordinators from their respective area of study. Once the application is accepted, students must confirm their place by paying all relevant administrative fees together with any deposits. For our detailed registration procedure and further information, please visit our website: www.sorbonne.ae/admissions/apply-now/ FEES AND FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS As part of the application procedure, we require a certain number of financial documents as stipulated below: A letter from the employer, dated under two months, stating the applicant s job profile and remuneration (if not employed, we will require a similar letter from the parents who are employed) OR A r e c e n t b a n k s t a t e m e n t s t a t i n g t h e a p p l i c a n t s financial credentials As the tuition and associated costs are different for each course, please visit our website for a detailed overview of fees, deadlines, payment structures, procedures and refund policies. For convenience, and based on the Master s programme, fees can be paid on an installment basis with pre-set deadlines. For more information, please consult the relevant section on our website: www.sorbonne.ae/admissions/tuition-and-fees/ ADMISSIONS PROCESS Admission to our Master s Programme is achieved through a selective and competitive process and each applicant will be considered on his/her own merit. Our admissions process ensures that every course has an ideal mix of people with formidable talent, impressive interpersonal skills and a positive attitude.

Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Campus

To apply: mastersprograms@psuad.ac.ae Tel: +971 2 656 9 330/555/666 Fax: +971 2 650 1204 Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi PO Box 38044 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates www.sorbonne.ae