The programme has the following specific aims: to undertake a thematic examination of recent visual and material cultural practices and theories; to analyse the major strands of theory and criticism that have informed institutions involved with visual and material cultural practices; to explore some of the principal critical and theoretical positions informing the interpretation of visual culture and its organisational contexts; to provide students with a set of critical tools necessary for the advanced analysis and creative organisation of contemporary visual and material culture; to provide students with a set of competencies, skills and understanding that will enable them either to undertake further academic research and/or to pursue a range of careers in visual and material culture-related areas.