Master of Arts (MA) in Humanities

The Master of Arts in Humanities is aninterdisciplinary degree programme that embraces the disciplines of English (language and literature), philosophy and religious studies, art history, history/political science, psychology, and cultural studies. The goal of this programme is—simply to create thinkers. An M.A. in Humanities is of great value to individuals who are interested in interdisciplinary approaches, who are—or plan to become—educators, and/or to individuals interested in eventually pursuing doctoral programmes in any of the Humanities.

Because the M.A. programme in Humanities is interdisciplinary, learners may work with one or more mentors. In some cases, team-mentoring will be the most advantageous approach. Learners will have the option of concentrating their coursework in one of the major areas of the Humanities or equally dividing their modules from the modular options. Whichever option a learner pursues, he or she will be required to take four interdisciplinary core modules in Humanities that deal with problems and issues that cross disciplinary boundaries. These may include issues and problems associated with particular historical periods, as well as issues and problems that are directed to more historically global issues such as “humanism” and its application to human societies, or conceptual issues that seek to define such topics as life - death – God and the like.

While pursuing this programme, learners will focus on works by the greatest thinkers and talents in history who have significantly contributed to life and the world as these have and continue to be understood.

Entry into the M.A. program requires a recognised undergraduate degree Art History or another of the Humanities). Beyond the general requirements of Warnborough College Ireland, no other general pre-requisites are required. Individual module pre-requisites are noted in module descriptions.

This program is offered via distance learning. Individual programs can be structured in module formats; can be project/research directed, or can combine these options. At the graduate level, learners are expected to be highly self-motivated and capable of independent work.

Learners may be exempt from certain modules (modules) in the curriculum, based on prior modules taken, and/or demonstrated knowledge of art history and related disciplines. Modules taken at any time during the learner's career may be counted, if they fulfill appropriate requirements.

Elective modules are selected from a wide range of options. Learners may be exempt from elective module pre-requisites, based upon their previous module work and experience, and demonstrated research and writing skills.

Because of the enormous flexibility of the WCI program, learners may work with their mentors to structure their program in the context of their individual interests, and professional and academic goals. Read the complete module descriptions for information as well as ideas.

Graduate learners typically work with their mentors to combine modules into customised programs, suited to their goals for graduate study. Read the complete graduate module descriptions for information as well as ideas! Think of them as a set of guidelines, rather than a set of rules. The descriptions will give you a sense of the knowledge and skills you need to develop. They will also give you ideas on areas you may wish to pursue most aggressively, in your graduate program.

The M.A. Program will offer learners contact with diverse art historical methods, a survey of the major periods of American, Western European and Eastern artistic traditions, along with exposure to other artistic traditions, forms, genres and perspectives. Issues and special topics and problems are an important facet of graduate study. Graduate learners will be expected to achieve a detailed understanding of their chosen cultural art historical area.

Master's candidates will be required to pass a minimum of 60 credit, in courses/equivalents at the 500 level or above. Of the 44 credits in the major area of study, at least 20 of these should be at the 600 level and above. 300 – 400 level modules can be adjusted to count as 500-600 level modules, as determined and adapted by the Program Director and Warnborough College. See full module list here.

Program Requirements

The MA in Humanities is comprised of 4 compulsory modules, 7 elective modules, and a Master's Thesis or Project. A total of 60 credits is required in order to graduate.

11 modules: 44 credits (4 credits each)
Dissertation: 16 credits

The following modules are compulsory: (4 modules, 4 credits each, total of 16 credits)
1) HUM501 Library Methodology
2) HUM502 Conducting Interdisciplinary Research
3) HUM503 Critical Writing in the Humanities
4) HUM504 Theory and Interpretation from Interdisciplinary Perspectives

Elective Modules:
A Choice of 3 Modules selected from HUM505 through HUM817
A Choice of 4 Modules in any major area of emphasis (e.g. historical or philosophical)

See full module list here.

Masteral Thesis

Students will work with their mentors to establish the parameters for their independent research, the findings and conclusions of which will be the subject of their thesis. The Master's Thesis will be completed according to the guidelines and parameters set by Warnborough.

Students can complete the program in four terms or less. Depending upon exemptions, performance and the work load, it may take more or less time. Students should regard four terms as the average length of the program. Students may shorten that timetable by arranging for high-intensity customised research projects and/or by attending special shorter term programs, such as Warnborough’s International Summer Schools program.

Upon satisfactory completion of all requirements, students will receive the Master of Arts in Humanities degree. There are no other exit points in the program. Students will receive credit for modules they have successfully completed.

The M.A. in Humanities is offered solely via distance learning. Graduate students are expected to be able to work independently. Approaches to instruction will be similar in both environments.

>>> Other Resources

Students are required to obtain texts needed for successful completion of program projects, through libraries, on-line resources and/or bookstores.

Click here.
Note: All fees listed here refer to tuition only. It does not include ancillary expenses such as required materials (see above), textbooks, internet connections, postage, telephone calls, insurance and printing.

Download Application Form.
View admissions information.

Note: Please specify if you wish to do the program by RESEARCH or by INSTRUCTION (modular).

Program Director Dr Jill Kiefer has been designing, coordinating and leading arts programs for over twenty years. She has taught Fine Arts for the University of New Mexico, and has led workshops, tours and presentations in the USA and Europe. Dr Kiefer has developed curricula for hundreds of workshop and presentation programs. She is a published author, editor, artist and illustrator, and is the founder and director of Port-of-Arts, Ltd.

Please contact Dr Jill Kiefer at jkiefer@warnborough.edu or admissions@warnborough.edu