Master in Contemporary Curatorial Practice by research

The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, known as Wits, is a prominent research-intensive university founded in 1922 and located in one of Africa’s most vibrant cities. With a student body exceeding 42,000 and a diverse international community, Wits offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across humanities, sciences, engineering, health sciences, and business. Its urban campus provides access to cultural institutions, industry partners, and public sector organizations for experiential learning.

Wits is recognized for rigorous research and strong professional programs, offering 322 distinct programs that combine theoretical depth with practical training. The university’s academic environment supports innovation through research centers, clinical training partnerships, and industry collaborations that help students build professional networks. International students benefit from dedicated support services, orientation programs, and resources to assist with visas, accommodations, and academic advising, helping them integrate into campus life and pursue career ambitions.

Campus life at Wits is dynamic, with active student societies, sporting opportunities, and cultural events that reflect Johannesburg’s diversity. Graduates join a broad alumni network and often find career pathways in South Africa and abroad. Prospective students should explore program-specific entry requirements, funding and scholarship options, and early engagement with faculty to tailor their study plans to research interests or professional objectives.

The Master in Contemporary Curatorial Practice by research is a one-year Master's degree for students with a Bachelor's degree, taught in English at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in South Africa. This program helps students develop their research skills. The main advantage is the opportunity to work with a supervisor to develop a research project.

The curriculum includes a dissertation in Contemporary Curatorial Practice, where students work with their allocated supervisor to develop their research project from start to finish. Students take the HART8008A course, which focuses on the dissertation.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Curators, Museum Directors, Art Historians, Arts Administrators, or Gallery Managers, working in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions, helping to shape the art world and preserve cultural heritage.