Special Options

Special Option modules offer new perspectives on visual and material cultures, drawing on the research expertise of lecturers and often engage closely with adjacent studies in history, anthropology, politics, philosophy, literature and religion. All MA Special Option teaching is research-led.

In making your choices, please explore our faculty profile pages on the website to discover more about individual research interests and approaches to art history.

When applying for the programme you may indicate one Special Option preference. You will be considered for other options depending on availability and demand according to your indicated Study Interests.

In 2025/6 we are especially pleased to include new or returning Special Options, including Art and the Matter of Global Encounter in Early Modern France, c. 1550-1820, Black British Art, 1945 to now, Meticulous Symmetries: The Arts and Mathematics in Medieval Iraq and Iran (c.900-1300)  & Painters in the Studio, 1945 to now. 

Whilst many Special Options will include site visits within the UK and further afield, these are subject to confirmation.

Please note: Our Special Options vary from year to year as we seek to refresh and expand our offer. The Courtauld reserves the right to amend or withdraw the options which run if necessary. In the event that a course tutor is on sabbatical, takes up a fellowship, or otherwise is not able to teach the course, they will be replaced by another experienced course tutor either for a semester or, in some cases, the academic year.

We aim to confirm these at least twelve months in advance, and will always contact applicants immediately in rare instances where changes have to be made.