Program Overview
The History of Design and Curatorial Studies at The New School is a MA programme in Humanities over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of humanities. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the History of Design and Curatorial Studies programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across China and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7
- Tuition: USD 1,620 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 1,620 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
- Location: New York City, United States, France, China
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the History of Design and Curatorial Studies programme are prepared for diverse careers in humanities:
- Researcher / Academic
- Cultural Programme Manager
- Editor / Writer
- Translator / Interpreter
- Museum Curator
- Communications Specialist
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- [\'Survey of Decorative Arts 1\', \'Proseminar\', \'Elective Curatorial/Museology\', \'Elective\', \'Survey of Decorative Arts 2\', \'Electives(3)\', \'Independent Study: Thesis 1\', \'Electives(2)\', \'Independent Study: Thesis 2 or\', "Independent Study: Master\'s Exam", \'Electives(2)\']
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Application Form: Complete the online application. All applicants are required to apply online.
- Application Fee: A nonrefundable $50 application fee paid as part of the online application.
- Transcripts
- Résumé: Submit a brief résumé/curriculum vitae summarizing your academic qualifications, relevant work experience, volunteer/community work, travel, exhibitions, public speaking, or any other relevant experiences as they may relate to your field of study, including dates and positions held. Please also note any special language or computer skills that you have.
- Statement of Purpose: Please submit a two-part essay in a single Word document. Your submission should not exceed five pages total.
Part 1: Autobiographical Statement (250500-word limit). In a short autobiographical statement, tell us about yourself. You can write about your education, your family, your talents and passions, particular intellectual influences, people you have met, work youve done that has shaped the person you have become, or significant places or events in your life, especially as they relate to your field of study. In addition, use this portion of the essay to explain any strengths or weaknesses you may have (examples: low GPA, lack of experience, significant interruption in work or studies, unique skills and achievements as they relate to the program, or any other information you want to share). Your writing should be informative and reflect your own voice.
Part 2: Academic Statement of Interests (500750-word limit). Please describe the academic and intellectual interests, progress, and achievements that have contributed to your decision to apply for graduate study in this field. You should include a thoughtful description of your tentative plan of study or area of inquiry in the field as you now envision it, the kind of research questions you intend to pursue, your professional goals, and an explanation of how this graduate program will help you realize those goals. In addition, include a self-assessment of your work as a scholar, pointing out strengths and weaknesses. If you have not enrolled as a student in the past five years, please address anticipated opportunities and challenges in pursuing the degree, and future career expectations upon completion of the program. - Recommendation Letters: You are required to submit two letters of recommendation from faculty or people with whom you have worked professionally. Recommenders can submit recommendations online; instructions are included with the online application. If preferred, the recommendation form can instead be sent by mail in a signed, sealed envelope. To send by mail, download the PDF recommendation form found in the online application, complete the personal information, save the form, and forward it to the recommender for completion and submission. Applicants can also send signed and sealed recommendations to the Office of Admission using an Application Materials Cover Sheet.
- Suggested Courses: A minimum of two courses in art history or equivalent experience are encouraged.
- Writing Sample (Optional): Although it is not required, if you would like to submit an academic writing sample that you feel reflects your strengths as a critical thinker and writer for this program, please upload a single document no longer than ten pages in length.
- Test Scores:GRE (Optional): Although it is not required, if you took the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and general tests (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing), scores can be submitted to support your application. GRE scores should be sent electronically. The institution code is 2638.
TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE: All applicants whose first language is not English must submit valid TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores. The minimum score required for TOEFL (IBT) is 92, for IELTS is 7.0, and for PTE is 63. Our TOEFL institution code is 2638.
A TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score is not required for applicants- Whose primary language is English
- Who have earned a four-year degree from a U.S. college/university or from a university where English is the primary language of instruction
Arrange for the testing service to send your test scores directly to The New School using the codes listed above. We accept scores from the past two years. If your scores are older, you must retake the test. For more information, visit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.
Applicants also have the option of enrolling in The New School\'s English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Students must pass Level 6 in order to waive the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE requirement. Visit the ESL website for more information. - Interviews: In-person interviews are encouraged for students who live near New York. Students who live further away are encouraged to request a phone interview.
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 1,620 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 1,620 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
Tuition fees: USD 1,620 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 1,620 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
IELTS requirement: 7
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact The New School directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About The New School
The New School
Manhattan, United States
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Application Deadline Jan, 2027
- Start Date Aug, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
