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Bachelors in Art History, Masters in IR?

Hi!
I want to do my bachelors in art history (I LOVE the subject) and would likely then go into journalism, would it be possible to then do my masters in politics? Or would my bachelors be limiting me?

Reply 1

McGinger

Be aware that a Masters degree is not a 'conversion course'. It is a chance for graduates to undertake specialised further study within that academic discipline.

If you want to 'be a Journalist' after a degree in any other subject, then a specific postgrad course would be a more obvious pathway - Journalism MA | 2025 | Postgraduate (Sheffield)

If you are interested in political journalism then why are you aiming at Art History?
PPE or a degree in Poltics/IR surely makes far more career-building sense?

Reply 2

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

Original post by Beeeeeeela

I doubt you'd get straight into an IR Masters, though you might after 5 or so years of published journalism.

Reply 3

EssexOfficialRep

Official Rep

Original post by Beeeeeeela

Hello @Beeeeeeela 👋

It is fantastic that you are so passionate and want to pursue these ideas; I have some advice if you would like. 😊

Think about why you are wanting to make these decisions. Is it for a future career? Is it for enjoyment? It can be both. Journalism is such a wide field, with the ability to specialise, giving you lots of options and opportunities. If you are wanting to focus your journalism on Art History then it makes sense to study Art History as your Undergraduate (first, UG) degree and then develop your journalism skills in your Master’s (second, PG) degree. If you are wanting to become a journalist who covers a wider variety of topics or covers political stories, then it would be worth choosing a Journalism degree that is accredited by the NCTJ (the main governing body) first, and then specialising with a Masters degree afterwards. 🤔💡

For example, if you chose to study with us at the University of Essex:

•

Starting with BA Art History with great onsite facilities such as ESCALA (the largest collection of Latin American art in Europe, for studying and working) and the Art Exchange with talks by visiting artists and exhibitions organised by our curatorial students. Then MA International Journalism to learn about the theory and practice of journalism in a global context, with the opportunity to contribute to real-life work with the Human Rights Centre and Amnesty International in the Digital Verification Corps. 🎨⚖️

•

Alternatively, you could study BA Multimedia Journalism – accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) – with access to our purpose-built newsroom, TV and radio studios, industry-standard editing software, and work placements to develop your skills. Moving onto one of our many Master’s degrees in Politics or International Relations (we are ranked 16th in the UK for International Relations, Guardian University Guide 2024), Art History, or something completely different.🗺️🎥

Have a look at individual Master’s courses and their entry requirements, as they all vary, but relevant Undergraduate study and work experience are all considered in your application.🎓️

It is also important to remember that you can do so much outside of your degree at University – even if you are not directly studying something, you can still get involved through societies or work experience. 💫

You can chat to current students on Unibuddy to find out more! 📱

I hope this helps, please let us know if you have any more questions 😊

Essex Official Rep - Amy 🌞

Reply 4

AngelikaK

The philosophy content of undergraduate degrees in History of Art can overlap quite a bit with the philosophy content of undergraduate degrees in Philosophy and Politics. You need to look very carefully at course content - all degrees with the same title are not the same curriculum and teaching.

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