OPEN CALL: Applications for 2026 MRes Art: Exhibition Studies at Central Saint Martins

Applications for the MRes Art: Exhibition Studies programme at University of the Arts London are open for 2026 entry.

Overseas applications close on May 1 and home applications close on July 31. Places are limited: early applications are recommended.

Delivered in collaboration with Afterall Research Centre, this postgraduate research course based at Central Saint Martins examines the history of contemporary art from the perspective of the exhibition form, analysing how artworks are encountered by publics and shaped by display, discourse and critical reception.

The course is directly tailored to individual interests and strengths, offering rigorous research training and a supportive environment for advanced study. It is led by course co-leaders David Morris and Helena Vilalta, alongside Louise Shelley and course faculty, and joined by Afterall colleagues such as Elisa Adami, Wing Chan, Charles Esche and Adeena Mey. Recent visiting lecturers include Filipa Ramos, Jemma Desai, Lee Weng Choy, ruangrupa and Veronica Tello.

The Exhibition Studies programme will introduce you to significant debates in the field of contemporary art, and trace key developments in exhibition practices from the early 20th century to the present. You will gain in-depth knowledge of the history of exhibitions, as well as contemporary practices that seek to reimagine art’s relation to its publics through decentralised, relational and collaborative approaches. You will be encouraged to interrogate the norms embedded in art institutions and participate in shaping practices that work to advance decolonial, equitable and just futures.

The MRes Art: Exhibition Studies is a two-year programme that offers an intimate and collaborative environment for developing an independent research-led programme of study. Throughout your studies, you will receive support through tutorials, workshops, group critiques and discussions. This will enable you to develop the critical skills necessary to interpret artistic and curatorial practice in relation to its social context, and to develop theoretically rigorous arguments about contemporary culture.

MRes Art: Exhibition Studies is offered in extended full-time mode which runs for 60 weeks over two academic years. You will be expected to commit 30 hours per week to study, which includes teaching time and independent study. The course has been designed in this way to enable you to pursue studies, while also undertaking part-time employment, internships or care responsibilities.

The MRes in Exhibition Studies is one of three pathways in the MRes Art at Central Saint Martins, which also includes Theory and Philosophy and Moving Image.

Full information on course admissions, timetables and fees is available at the course homepage at Central Saint Martins.