The Faculty of Visual Culture is an interdisciplinary centre for teaching and research in humanities and social science disciplines with particular focus and expertise across the history, theory and criticism of art, design and visual culture.
Research is a major interest in the faculty and research degrees have been awarded since 1989. The mix of disciplines in the Faculty enables ambitious enquiries into all aspects of art and design, representation, cultural production, cultural consumption, material culture, visual and spatial culture and cultural politics. These are explored through a variety of methodologies and with reference to many art and design practices and mass cultural forms.
Objects of study range from the historical and the traditional to emergent contemporary cultural practices. Subject areas taught in the Faculty include art history, design history, art theory and criticism, aesthetics, philosophy of art, media studies, cultural studies, gender studies, film studies, business studies for design practitioners, and the history of architecture and applied arts.
Masters research projects have included contemporary art criticism, film and critical theory, historical studies in art, design, architecture and applied arts. Applicants interested in discussing the possibility of pursuing MLitt studies in history, theory or criticism should contact the Head of Research and Postgraduate Development at or the Head of Faculty Prof. Niamh O’Sullivan at